Redwood Valley vs. Pipestone Area: Game Recap

In week 4, the MN South Central division saw an anticipated matchup between two 3-0 teams, the Redwood Valley Cardinals, and the Pipestone Arrows. Pipestone Area took a quick 14-0 lead during the first quarter and never gave up the lead for the duration of the game. While Redwood Valley was able to churn out some nice yardage and solid plays during the game, they ultimately couldn't capitalize on those plays and turn them into points for most of the game. Redwood Valley held on to win 28-6, securing a 4-0 start and is tied for 1st place in the South Central-Silver division with Luverne and Jackson County Central.   Here were the standouts from Friday night's game!   ATH Austin Musch - Pipestone Area: 6'3", 185 lbs, Junior   Austin Musch got his first start at QB this season for the Arrows, and he had a lights-out performance. Musch looked confident throwing the ball, and capitalized on his attempts with some solid accuracy throwing deep, horizontal passes. Much of his success though came in the run game, finishing with 117 yards on 21 carries, a rushing touchdown, and a 2-point conversion made. Musch was elusive as a scrambler, but he's a tough runner who dragged defenders ahead for extra yardage throughout the night. Musch could see much more playing time as the starting QB for Pipestone moving forward.   WR Ryder Crawford - Redwood Valley: 6'3", 170 lbs, Senior   Ryder Crawford has been a dynamic two-way standout for the Cardinals this season, and while his team ended up struggling throughout the night, Crawford was one of the few bright spots of the team. He had a couple of great receptions, and would also account for the Cardinals' only score of the game on a short touchdown reception. Crawford won a 1-on-1 matchup on a deep pass down the left sideline during the game that helped set up Redwood in scoring position. Crawford's length and size also shaped himself well on the defensive side, recording a pass-breakup in the loss. Crawford will remain Redwood's most dangerous weapon moving forward this season.   DB Cayden Zephier - Pipestone Area: 5'10", 155 lbs, Junior   Cayden Zephier played a key part in the Arrows' success on all aspects of the game. In the 1st quarter, he recorded a pass-breakup on 4th down that helped set up the Arrows' for a touchdown drive. At the beginning of the second half, Zephier recorded a long kick-return that would set the tone for the team controlling the rest of the game, and he also added a touchdown reception off a screen pass to help seal the win for the Arrows. Zephier made big plays to set up the team for success across the game, and that play-style could set the tone for a strong playoff run this season for Pipestone.   QB Ethan Louwagie - Redwood Valley: 6'0", 155 lbs, Senior   While Redwood Valley's offense only scored 6 points on Friday night, Ethan Louwagie gave it all he could on the passing game, and he looked sharp for the most part. Louwagie showed solid poise and stood tall in the pocket despite the Arrows' defense trying to give him more than he could handle. Louwagie had moments of brilliance in the game, including the deep throw in the 1st quarter to Ryder Crawford, putting the ball in the perfect spot to where Crawford could jump up and make the play. Louwagie's talent shouldn't be ignored, though this setback will certainly sting for a bit.   OL Evan Gawerecki - Pipestone Area: 6'3", 215 lbs, Senior   For the most part, Austin Musch played with a clean pocket on Friday Night, and Evan Gawerecki did a very good job keeping things under control for Musch in the passing game. Playing at Right Tackle, Gawerecki is a smaller player for the position, but he certainly held his own and didn't allow himself to get thrown around on the trenches. Gawerecki showed some quick steps off the snap and moves out wide to stay ahead of the speedy pass-rushers that Redwood had. Gawerecki played well throughout the night and he should be seen as a solid cornerstone for the Offensive line this season.   RB Lane Cooper - Redwood Valley: 5'8", 165 lbs, Junior   Redwood Valley holds a very deep backfield, and Lane Cooper was the most productive of the bunch on Friday night. Cooper has been a dangerous player at Tailback, and watching him on Friday night, he changes his direction extremely quick to make defenders miss, and even with his size, he's not afraid to lower his shoulder to gain extra yardage. Cooper should remain at the forefront of a strong running group that should keep this offense dynamic and dangerous throughout the year.   ATH [player_tooltip player_id='234916' first='Nehemiah' last='Ostermeier'] - Pipestone Area: 6'2", 180 lbs, Senior   [player_tooltip player_id='234916' first='Nehemiah' last='Ostermeier'] is listed as a RB on Prep Redzone, but he's been seeing a lot more playing time this season at TE and LB, which has certainly fit his size better. Ostermeier played well on both sides of the ball on Friday night, recording both an interception on defense, and a touchdown reception on offense. Ostermeier has solid strength and moves well laterally on the defense, and he is a versatile player on the offensive side that could fit at both TE and WR. Ostermeier is really coming into his own as a prospect this season.   DB Tagon Woelber - Pipestone Area: 6'1", 170 lbs, Senior   Tagon Woelber looked very impressive on Friday night in the secondary, and was largely responsible for limiting Redwood Valley's passing game and keeping the out of the end zone for most of the game. Woelber recorded 3 tackles, 1 PBU, and an interception in the second half. He also was a solid possession receiver for Austin Musch during the game, adding 4 receptions for 24 yards. Woelber is another impressive senior player that could see a stock boost by the end of the season if he continues to play this well.

In week 4, the MN South Central division saw an anticipated matchup between two 3-0 teams, the Redwood Valley Cardinals, and the Pipestone Arrows. Pipestone Area took a quick 14-0 lead during the first quarter and never gave up the lead for the duration of the game. While Redwood Valley was able to churn out some nice yardage and solid plays during the game, they ultimately couldn't capitalize on those plays and turn them into points for most of the game. Redwood Valley held on to win 28-6, securing a 4-0 start and is tied for 1st place in the South Central-Silver division with Luverne and Jackson County Central.