STURGIS, SD – The Sturgis Scoopers earned their second win of the 2026 season with a 72-0 shellacking of the Douglas Patriots at Woodle Field on Friday night.

The 72-point win ties the largest margin of victory in Scooper football history.

Sturgis running back Zhoel Irion had touchdown runs of 12, five and 74 yards, all in the first quarter. The Scoopers led 22-0 headed into the second.

Sturgis added a 43-yard field goal by Isaac Smith, a 24-yard touchdown run by Austin Flohr and a 45-yard touchdown pass from Tate Johnson to Gage West in the second quarter to lead 39-0 at halftime.

There was a running clock in the second half due to the large Scooper lead.

Sturgis tacked on a two point safety in the third quarter because of an intentional grounding call on Patriot quarterback Jack Koper, who was in his own end zone when he threw the pass. The Scoopers added scores by Brody Bulat, Talen Koontz, Maverick Venneman, Flohr, along with a 25-yard field goal from Smith in the second half to earn the 72-0 win.

Sturgis (2-3) finished with 594 yards of offense on the night. The Scoopers had seven rushing touchdowns and 314 yards on the ground, and two passing TDs and 280 yards through the air. Sturgis had one fumble and 10 penalties for 105 yards. Irion finished with 121 yards on six carries for the game. Douglas fell to 1-4 on the season.

Gage West was named the offensive player of the game, catching five passes for 140 yards and one score. Irion was named the defensive player of the game for Sturgis for his outstanding play from his linebacker position. Both players received footballs signed by the entire Scooper team, courtesy of Pat and Cassy West.

The Scoopers travel to Aberdeen Central next Friday to take on the winless Golden Eagles. Kickoff is scheduled for 5pm mountain time.