Pine River-Backus at West Central Area

Preview

Top-seeded West Central Area was 5-for-5 with touchdown scoring drives in the first half as they built a 40-0 lead and defeated Pine River-Backus 40-8 in the 6A Section Quarterfinals.

The WCA Knights scored just two plays into the contest as junior RB Sam Hanson broke tackles and broke free for a 59 yard touchdown. He followed that up with two 2nd quarter tds that stretched a 24-0 lead after the first quarter to the 40-0 margin at the break. Tucker McGee ran for a score and Owen Gruchow connected with Ben Bye for the other WCA touchdown.

Pine River-Backus could not sustain a drive in the first half, amassing just 74 yards through the first two quarters.

The teams agreed on running time the entire second half, and sophomore running back Shaunn Reyes found paydirt for the Tigers in the fourth quarter to set the final score. Reyes led the Tigers offense with 94 yards on the ground on 23 carries.

The Tigers finish their 2024 season at 0-9 and will graduate six seniors. West Central Area advances to the semifinals at 7-2.