Pioneers backs, Berry and Mayberry, keep pressure on Brewer to pull out victory

Brewer gave Boswell all they wanted but the Pioneers were too steady in their offensive drives and the defense stifled key Bears threats as Boswell prevailed 25-10 at Bear Stadium on Friday night.

The District 3-5A game was pivotal in the standings.

The two teams were feeling out the other early, but Boswell warmed up faster.

The Pioneers took advantage of a blocked punt to set up their initial scoring drive from the Bears’ 13.

Brayden Thomas took it in from 2 yards out in just four plays. Toby Fuller executed an end-around pass to kicker, Oscar Ronquillo for a 2-point conversion as Boswell went up 8-0.

Fuller was on the other end of scoring pass when Thomas hit him in stride down the middle of the field from 13 yards out in the second quarter and a 15-0 lead.

Brewer had their opportunities but after Jeshaun Patton intercepted Thomas, the Bears gave the ball back on the next play on a fumble.

Bears QB, Adam Duncan, helped Brewer move the ball as he rushed 19 times and 80 yards and a score.

The teams traded 33-yard field goals, with Boswell’s coming as time expired in the first half and posting an 18-3 lead.

Brewer recovered a fumble on the second half kickoff but ran out of downs on the Pioneers’ 39.

A turning point may have been the goal line stand of the Bears, keeping Boswell out of the endzone three times from the 4 and closer.

Optimism was still alive for Brewer when Duncan scored from 17 yards and the Bears the recovered an onside kick but again, the Bears ran out of downs at the 32.

For the fourth time in the game, Brewer ran out of downs late in the final quarter and Boswell was able to run out the remaining 4:06 of the game.

Game was over when: When Brewer failed to convert on 4th and 11 at the Pioneers’ 32, Derrick Berry rushed for a first down with just 2: 20 remaining, leaving no time for Brewer to mount two scoring opportunities.

Play of the game: Brewer’s second onside kick recovery by Devyn Howard was an opportunity to keep the game within reach by the Bears.

Offensive player of the game: In the loss, Brewer’s Duncan scored the Bears’ only touchdown, rushing for 80 yards and passing for 175. Boswell had difficulty bringing the senior QB down all night.

Defensive player of the game: Although there were few sacks, Boswell’s Gannon Slovacek continued to pressure Duncan all game.

Unsung hero of the game: The tandem backs for Boswell, Berry and Cody Mayberry (51 and 43 yards, respectively) were consistently keeping the chains moving for the Pioneers, creating steady, time-consuming drives.

Moment of the game: Mayberry’s 16-yard scoring run early in the third quarter pushed the Pioneers to a 25-3 lead and a comfortable cushion.

Stat of the Game: Boswell passed for only 122 yards with weapons at receiver and Brayden Thomas’ arm. The Pioneers, after scoring 73 points last week, ran a more conservative and ball-control offense against Brewer.

Big picture outlook: Boswell continues to mount momentum before eventually facing Crowley in a likely showdown for the district title. Brewer takes on a bit more pressure but should have an upper hand to get back to the win column against Chisholm Trail next week.

What’s next? Boswell (1-2, 1-0 3-5A) will next host Saginaw, Friday at 7 pm; Brewer: (2-2, 1-1) will play at Saginaw Chisholm Trail, Fridayat 7 pm.