High School Football: Pierz tops Melrose behind Leidenfrost 2 touchdowns

PIERZ — Pierz’s Michael Leidenfrost led Pioneers in rushing going 19-129 with two touchdowns including one on an 83 yard kick return as they defeated the Melrose Dutchmen 44-22 in a Mid-State Subdistrict One game Friday, Oct. 16.

Quarterback Noah Cekalla had eight completions for 163 yards, while Zach Jones led the Pioneers in receiving with 2-96 and two touchdowns.

Also tallying touchdowns for the Pioneers were Kolten Happke, Chandler Doucette and Kirby Fischer.

Melrose 7 0 7 8 -- 22

Pierz 14 12 6 13 -- 44

First quarter

P-Zach Jones 48 pass from Noah Cekalla (Cekalla kick) 2:59

M-Rowland Nelson 31 pass from Tyler Rademacher (Nelson kick) 1:53

P-Michael Leidenfrost 83 kick return (Cekalla kick) 1:37

Second quarter

P-Jones 48 pass from cekalla (kick filled) 1:44

P-Leidenfrost 15 pass from cekalla (pass failed) 0:00

Third quarter

K-Kolten Happke 20 pass from cekall (kick failed) 7:51

M-Nelson 32 pass from Rademacher (Nelson kick) 3:37

Fourth quarter

P-Chandler Doucette 4 run (Cekalla kick) 9:36

P-Kirby Fischer 2 run (run failed) 4:15

M-Dylan Gertken 81 kick return (Rademacher run) 4:03

Team statistics

Rushes-yards: Prz 49-275, M 26-99

Pass comp-att-int-yds: Prz 8-13-1-163, M 11-21-1-164

Total offense: :Prz 62-438, M 47-263

Individual leaders

Rushing: Prz-Micheal Leidenfrost 19-129, Chandler Doucetter 9-38, Ross Boser 8-3, Kirby Fischer 6-37; M-Mason Heidgerken 8-43, Lucas Feldewerd 6-36

Passing: Prz-Noah Cekalla 8-13-1-163; M-Rademacher 11-21-1-164

Receiving: Prz-Zach Jones 2-96, Michael Leidenfrost 4-42, Kolten Happke 1-23, Jeremy Beinguesser 1-5; M-Rowland Nelson 4-93

Overall: Prz 2-0. Next: Pierz at Sauk Centre 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.