The Big Sandy Pioneers had their 2023 season come to an abrupt end on a frigid Saturday, losing (30-6) to the MonDak Thunder at home. The defending 6-man football champions have been knocked out in the first round. All-State player Cooper Taylor was inactive after suffering an injury last week against C-J-I.
After five turnovers in the last game, the Pioneers threw three interceptions and dropped two fumbles, one which resulted in a safety. One of those interceptions was caught by MonDak’s Graham Wright, who took it 45 yards back to the house to make it (14-0). Wright also threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Elliott Rudningen. The Thunder were up by as many as 30.
With 54 seconds left to go, Big Sandy’s Wesley Cox blocked Wright’s punt and recovered it well in MonDak territory. One play later, Carter Jurenka rushed for a touchdown to make it (30-6), which would be the final score. MonDak now advances to the second round to take on the winner of 1S Custer/Hysham/Melstone-3W-Lincoln next week.
