MITCHELL, SD – The Sturgis football team knew they had to stop the Mitchell running game to have a shot at beating the Kernels on Friday night at Joe Quintal Field. The defense did just that, holding Mitchell to 126 yards on 26 carries to defeat the Kernels, 35-7. The Scoopers made a statement on their first drive of the game, marching the ball 78 yards downfield on 15 plays, culminating with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Austin Flohr to Brody Bulat. The extra point kick by Izaak Smith was good and Sturgis took a quick 7-0 lead. Mitchell went three-and-out on their first drive and was forced to punt. Sturgis took over on their own 42 and just six plays later, Garrett Rohloff scampered in from six yards out for a Scooper score. Smith’s kick was good and Sturgis led 14-0 with 1:27 left in the first quarter. The Scooper defense shut down Mitchell again on their next drive and the Sturgis offense took over on their own 46-yard line. A few plays later, Flohr sold a fake handoff and the Kernel defense was fooled, allowing Flohr to sprint down the sideline for a 40-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. Smith’s point after kick split the uprights and the Scoopers held a commanding 21-0 lead at the half. Mitchell made halftime adjustments and came out firing, putting together a 65-yard scoring drive that ended in a 3-yard touchdown run by Kyson Herrmann to cut into the Sturgis lead. The extra point was good and Sturgis led 21-7 with 8:47 left in the third. The Scoopers answered on their next drive as Flohr found Jack Jolley with a 15-yard scoring pass. The kick was good and Sturgis opened up a 28-7 lead. Gage West completed the scoring with a direct snap, one yard touchdown plunge midway through the fourth quarter to give the Scoopers a convincing 35-7 victory. Sturgis (5-3) compiled 416 yards of offense and were led by Flohr, who ran for 125 yards and one score and passed for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Jolley caught seven balls for 79 yards and one score. The Scoopers had no turnovers and four penalties for 35 yards. Smith was a perfect 5-for-5 on extra points. Mitchell (4-4) was held to just 184 total yards, 170 yards below their season average. The Kernels had two costly turnovers, a fumble and an interception, and five penalties for 35 yards. The Sturgis Scoopers wrap up their regular season on Thursday, Oct. 22 at Woodle Field as they battle the Spearfish Spartans. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm. Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More