Pierce defense smothers Battle Creek in C1 semis

PIERCE - The old adage is "Defense wins championships."

Pierce didn't win a championship on Friday, but they showed that they are every bit a championship-caliber team, blanking Battle Creek 21-0 in the Class C1 semis Friday.

The Blue Jays sacked Battle Creek quarterback Dylan Amick seven times and held the Braves to just 49 total yards of offense. 

Offensively, the defending C1 champs controlled the tempo of the game, using their steady ground attack - led by senior Michael Kruntorad's 118 yards and two touchdowns - to overcome three turnovers.

Battle Creek was in the sixth semi-final game under head coach Andrew Carlson but came up short once again in their efforts to make their first championship game in 25 years.

The Blue Jays will face Lakeview for the C1 title. Pierce beat the Vikings 28-27 back on Sep. 3.

GAME SUMMARY

BATTLE CREEK (8-4) -  0  0  0  0 - 0

PIERCE (10-2)             - 14 0  0  7 - 21

STATISTICAL LEADERS

PIERCE

 - RUSHING: Michael Kruntorad - 18 carries, 118 yds, 2 TD

 - PASSING: Abram Scholting - 8-of-11, 154 yds, 1 TD

 - RECEIVING: Ben Brahmer - 2 rec, 56 yds, 1 TD

BATTLE CREEK

 - RUSHING: Trent Uhlir - 11 carries, 36 yds

 - PASSING: Dylan Amick - 4-of-13, 73 yds

 - RECEIVING: Boden Obst - 2 rec, 48 yds