 Pierce football is nine and one on the season, but they are also the defending class 3A state champs. A title they hope to keep this season. Our Taylor Archer caught up with the team ahead of their state quarterfinal match-up. The state championship is almost here again, but this team knows that they have to take the tournament one game at a time. First we got to win the first game, the quarterfinal, and that's all we really have on mind now. Our coaches preach not to look ahead to the next game. The pioneers will face the 7-2 Greenway Nashwok Kiwot and Titans this weekend. The Greenway actually was the number two seed in their section and they defeated the number one seed proctor. A really good running back who's rushed for over a thousand yards and we have to really concern with him. We also know that they're very good defense. They blitz a lot of their linebackers and try and put pressure on us, so we have to work on that. The pioneers have faced injury after injury this season, but Coach Polkamp believes that even his youngest players have gained the experience necessary to play in the state tournament. We have four broken legs, a separated shoulder, a taller shoulder, a broken arm. It's kind of in the story of our year injuries, but that's been a big part too, overcoming the injuries. When we started out the beginning of the year, we were a very young team, but I think right now we can't say we're a young team because we had a whole year of experience. And with that experience, the pioneers know what they need to do in order to keep their title. We have to establish the running game. That's the strength of our team. We like to, you know, run off tackle with the bone. We like to get outside if we can and mix in the pass as well. And then we always say if you're going to keep winning, you got to play great defense and hopefully we'll be prepared for them. Talent and experience might help this team get to that final game once again. In Pierce, Taylor Archer, Lakeland News. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.