Big Sandy advances to Six-Man Football State title game

Heading into the Six-Man Football Playoffs this year, the Big Sandy Pioneers only had one thing on their mind: a state championship. The Pioneers had made it all the way to the semifinals each of the last three years, but were never able to break through to make an appearance in the state title game. That will not be the tale this year as the Pioneers defeated Bridger, 40-8, at home this past Saturday in their semifinal game to advance to the championship game.

Looking to put an end to their misfortunes in the semifinals, the Pioneers started the game strong by driving right down the field on their opening possession. After the Pioneers worked their way to the Bridger 10-yard line, Braydon Cline ran the ball in for a touchdown to take the lead.

After Bridger punted on its opening drive of the game, the Pioneers got right back to work. Instead of a long drive into Bridger territory, the Pioneers scored quickly with Cline throwing a 57-yard touchdown to Cooper Taylor to extend the lead to 14-0.

The Pioneers and Scouts went on to exchange possessions over the remainder of the first quarter. After the Big Sandy score, the Scouts threw an interception on the first play of their ensuing drive. But after working their way into the red zone, the Pioneers came away empty as they turned it over on downs.

After a Bridger punt, the Pioneers drove right down the field to start the second quarter. Big Sandy capped off the drive with Rusty Gasvoda running it in for a three-yard touchdown to make it 22-0.

The Scouts tried to respond but they turned it over on downs and gave the ball back to Big Sandy. The Pioneers again moved the ball down to the Bridger seven-yard line. Cline then connected with Wylee Snapp for a touchdown pass to give Big Sandy a 28-0 lead.

The Pioneers and Scouts both went scoreless the rest of the half. After a punt, the Pioneers turned it over on downs. After Bridger failed to score again, the Pioneers ran out the clock to head into halftime with a 28-0 lead.

After Bridger punted on its opening drive of the second half, the Pioneers looked to add onto their lead, Instead, they turned it over on downs. The Pioneers were able to force another Bridger punt to get the ball back. This time, the Pioneers put together a drive that ended with Cline connecting with Wylee Snapp for a 25-yard touchdown throw to make it 34-0.

With their hopes fading, the Scouts went on a drive into Big Sandy. Needing a touchdown, the Scouts went for it on fourth down but failed to convert. With the ball back, the Pioneers went on another scoring drive that ended with a five-yard touchdown run from Gasvoda. The Pioneers now led 40-0 and were well on their way to a berth in the state title game.

On their last drive of the game, the Scouts finally scored to make the score 40-8. When they got the ball back, the Pioneers kneeled down to run out the clock and punch their tickets to the state championship.

The Pioneers finished the game with 514 yards of offense with Cline leading the way both through the air and on the ground. In the passing game, Cline went 18-for-27 for 282 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, he led the Pioneers with 113 yards on 8.7 yards a carry.

Many other Pioneers played well to lead the team to victory. Gasvoda had a strong game on the ground running for 60 yards and two touchdowns on 6.0 yards a carry. Taylor was the leading receiver with 105 yards and two touchdowns on five catches.

The Big Sandy defense also played well as Bridger only had 134 total yards of offense. Cline had a strong day on defense with 6.5 total tackles and an interception. Snapp also made an impact with 3.0 tackles for loss.

With the win, the Pioneers remain undefeated on the season and now advance to play Broadview-Lavina in the state title game this weekend. The Pioneers and the Pirates will kick off for the Six-Man Football State Championship in Big Sandy this Saturday at 1 p.m.

Big Sandy 40, Bridger 8

BRI - 0 0 0 8 - 8

BS - 14 14 6 6 - 40

BS - Braydon Cline 10 yd run (Ty Terry kick)

BS - Cooper Taylor 57 pass from Cline (Terry kick)

BS - Rusty Gasvoda 3 yd run (Terry kick)

BS - Wylee Snapp 7 pass from Cline (kick failed)

BS - Taylor 25 pass from Cline (kick failed)

BS - Gasvoda 5 yd run (kick failed)

BRI - Goltz 27 yd run (Goltz kick)