Top Ranked Tigers Take Down Pirates 33-14

By Kevin Yoder

Last Friday the Pirates home opener doubled as Senior night, and Hudson honored 12 exceptional four-year players.

Owen Bell, Payton Bishop, Rylan Dunbar, Gavin Gunnarson, Jack Holbach, Carter Ites, Austin Kliegl, Alston Loeb, Grady Moseley, Jackson Nesteby, Jaxson Willand and McCoy Yoder were all recognized during pre-game ceremonies. Each have played large roles in the success of Hudson football.

South Hardin came in to the game fresh off a semifinal trip to the Dome in 2025, so the challenge was formidable. As has been the case with each of the Pirates games this season, they were up to that challenge.

South Hardin struck first, and second, and took a two touchdown lead early in the first quarter. But the quarter change brought new life for the Pirates.

A solid drive culminated with quarterback Tade Roberts finding Payton Bishop alone in the end zone for his second receiving touchdown of the season. The 13-yard score got the Pirates rolling, and following a McCoy Yoder fumble recovery, the offense found more momentum.

Another solid drive brought the Pirates to the doorstep, and a familiar Roberts 1-yard quarterback sneak evened the score at 14. The senior group of Moseley, Loeb, Holbach, Dunbar and Willand paved the way, while Nesteby capped the score with the PAT.

Unfortunately a couple Pirate miscues allowed the Tigers to sneak a score in with seconds remaining in the half, but Austin Kliegl blocked the extra point to make it a 20-14 halftime deficit.

Where the Pirate offense found rhythm in the second quarter, the third was a shining moment for the defense. 13 straight stops with their backs against their own end zone, capped by a Yoder interception highlighted three incredible defensive series’. In a carbon copy of the season opener against North Linn, Hudson entered the fourth in a slim 20-14 hole.

Unfortunately South Hardin was able to put two late scores on the board to make the margin larger than the game itself, and the Pirates fell 33-14.

As per the Bound Power Rankings, the Pirates have already competed against the #1 and #2 teams in Class A, and the #1 team in Class 1A. Counting the scrimmage with Wapsie Valley, their previous opponents are a combined 11-1, with the loss represented in the Pirates win at Cascade.

Now district play begins Friday, with a road trip north to Sumner to do battle with the Sumner-Fredericksburg Cougars. A JV curtain-raiser kicks off the evening at 5 pm, with the varsity game to follow.