Pine City Falls to Hibbing on Opening Night

The Dragons hosted Hibbing on Thursday night.

There were a few guys out of the lineup for Pine City, and even a few guys playing in new spots. It was evident early on sadly, the offense had some bad snaps which nearly lead to multiple turnovers. Luckily they were able to fall on the ball and keep possession. The offense couldn't quite seem to find a rhythm, on the other hand the defense was showing out early on. A bad snap on a punt allowed Hibbing to start on the Dragon 2 and they punched it in. Despite that score the defense for Pine City was looking like they were polished. Unfortunately, the offense struggled to move the ball, so the defenders spent a good chunk of time on the field. in the 2nd quarter Hibbing was able to score again after a well run route, this put them ahead 13-0 after the missed PAT.

But as the first half drew near a close the Pine City offense found life with the run game. The o-line began to maul defenders and even getting to the 2nd level. Running backs were hitting the hole hard and gained confidence and started to pick up the physicality. And although their drive ended on an unsuccessful 4th down attempt, that side of the ball was finally gaining steam. Right before half, the Dragons were able to create their 2nd interception and were one block away from a pick 6.

As the 2nd half began, both teams were trying to get off to a quick start. It would be the Bluejackets putting a drive together and extending their lead 20-0 in the 3rd. Pine City was only able to get one possession in the 3rd, and even though it didn't end in points, it was a successful drive that moved the ball. Into the 4th quarter Hibbing was able to score again and make it 27-0, but Pine City's offense had been gaining momentum and putting together drives and seemed destined for a score. Plus getting into the endzone in game one of the season, definitely take a load off going forward. What would wind up being their last drive of the game was the one that finally put them in position to score. The drive started at their own 30. And the offense methodically and physically marched down the field. They had to convert a few keys 3rd and 4th downs to keep the drive alive. But the offense was lead by Grant Skluzacek, who normally does not play QB, but stepped into the role selflessly. He put together some powerful runs and he would be the one to score on a 1 yard QB sneak to erase the shutout and give the team a lot of confidence going forward. Although they lost 27-6, there's plenty of good things for them to build off of.

Pine Insurance Player of the Game

Grant Skluzacek - 12 carries 56 yards rushing 1 TD, 5-13 31 passing yards