Thunder strikes late in sectional playoff win over Piper

Senior quarterback Blake Porter ran in for a touchdown in Piper’s playoff loss to St. James Academy. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Piper Pirates ended their 2021 season with a 31-7 loss to the St. James Academy Thunder in the sectional round of the 4A KSHSAA football playoffs.

The Pirates trailed by only 3 points in the fourth quarter when the Thunder scored three touchdowns in less than ninety seconds to end Piper’s hopes of advancing. Piper conceded a fumble and then an interception deep in its own end, and both were followed by quick strikes from the St. James offense.

Piper quarterback Blake Porter scored the Pirates’ touchdown in opening moments of the fourth quarter, running the ball in from a half yard out through a gap carved out by lineman Cam Beebe. The score was set up by a 20-yard catch-and-run over the middle from Porter to Colin Vigil.

St. James went ahead 10-0 in the third quarter on a 28-yard field goal. The Thunder started at their own 10 and drove the length of the field. They had a first and goal at the Piper 8, but the Piper defense clamped down and limited the damage.

On Piper’s previous drive, a bad snap put the Pirates in a precarious 2nd down and 41 to go. A 50-yard pass from Porter to Divante Herrig-Brittian saved the drive, though it sputtered out deep in Thunder territory.

The Thunder opened the scoring in the closing minutes of the first quarter, with a 1-yard run up the middle by Tyler Claiborne, and St. James held a 7-0 lead at halftime.

The stands on both sides of the field were packed and loud, despite the bitingly cold wind. St. James will move on to play Bishop Miege in the 4A semi-final next Friday. Piper finishes its season with a 7-4 record and the 4A regional championship.

Assistant coach Chris Brindle, left, was recognized on-field before the game. Brindle, who served as head coach from 2010 to 2017, has announced his retirement. Brindle is also credited with starting the school’s power-lifting program. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Junior lineman Cameron Rogers held his block at the line of scrimmage. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Ethan Walker and Colin Vigil upended a St. James receiver. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Sophomore defensive back Zane Pudenz stretched out to prevent a touchdown by St. James receiver John Niesen. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

The Piper dance team performed at half time. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Senior receiver Divante Herrig-Brittian hauled in a 50-yard pass from Porter. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Sophomore Jamar Jarrett ran around the left side. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Head coach Rick Pollard talked with senior receiver Ethan Walker after the game. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Sophomore kick returner Jamar Jarrett jumped on a loose ball. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Senior receiver Ethan Walker cut back on a run up the left side. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

The Piper cheerleaders kept the chilly crowd fired up throughout the game. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Junior defensive back Miguel Martin knocked away a pass late in the game. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)

 

Junior lineman Cam Beebe gathered with his teammates on the field after the game. (Photo copyright 2021 by Brian Turrel)