The Pride Reign Supreme

It was a defensive affair in the 9A title game, but the Pride of Canistota/Freeman went all in on their talented quarterback Tyce Ortman, and it paid off. Ortman scored a pair of touchdown runs, ran for 253 yards and passed for 42 to lead the Pride. He also chipped in nine total tackles as well as a forced fumble. Canistota/Freeman held Warner to 143 total yards of offensive and just 2.7 yards per rush. Stats would tell you that the Pride dominated the game, but the Monarchs put forth a stout effort and kept in the game until the final whistle.

It was the third straight title for Canistota/Freeman and coach James Strang, capping off the nine-man title games on Thursday. The first game saw Platte-Geddes capitalize on second half turnovers to defeat Hamlin 42-12. It was the first state title as a co-op for the Black Panthers. Today in the 11B title game it will be Winner versus Bridgewater-Emery-Ethan at 2pm and that will be followed by the 11AA contest between Brookings and Pierre T.F. Riggs at 7pm. Tomorrow, the 11A game will feature Tea Area versus Canton at 2pm and the 11AAA game will be Brandon Valley versus Harrisburg at 7pm.