Pine Ridge defeated Winnebago 42-40 in double overtime on Friday in Vermillion to win the 2024 9A All-Nations Football Conference championship. This game had it all – from big plays on offense, defensive scores, and an exciting comeback.
For the Thorpes, this is the first title, in their first championship game appearance, for its football program.
“I feel really happy in my team, man. Really emotional, but I’m so proud of my kids. I’m so proud of these boys, they kicked the door in and took what they wanted,” said Pine Ridge head coach Teddy Pedregon. “Everyone stepped up when they were supposed to, and that’s what makes championships – championship mentality. It takes a village. We’re not the only ones that did this for these boys. Their parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, whatever. It’s emotional, a really great feeling.”
One of the key players for Pine Ridge was quarterback Marvin Richard III, who finished the game with three passing touchdowns and 165-yards through the air. He also ran for 65-yards, and had two scores on the ground as well.
“It feels great. Being the first ever team to be in here and come out and win this, it’s amazing. I know our town is going to love this, we’re going to get a great welcoming back, and I’m just grateful to be a part of this,” explained Richard III.
The Thorpes received to start the game. After successfully converting a fourth-down pass to keep their drive alive at midfield, misfortune hit Pine Ridge. A strip sack by Raiden Decora of Winnebago, recovered by Melvin Hulit, gave the Indians great field possession for their opening offensive drive.
The Indians first offensive possession was littered with penalties. On a third and 27, Kaleb Bravo jumped in front of an Elijah Whitebear screen pass, and took it 56-yards to the end zone. The two-point conversion was no good, but with 7:46 to play in the first quarter, Pine Ridge led Winnebago 6-0.
On the kickoff following the score, Pine Ridge’s Kenny Pulliam recovered an onside kick attempt to give the Thorpes the ball back near midfield. Four plays later, however, Angelo Jones intercepted Marvin Richard III on a pass into double coverage.
Despite picking up a couple first downs, Winnebago’s drive following the pick eventually stalled, leading to a turnover on downs deep in Thorpes territory.
The Indians defense found their groove by holding Pine Ridge to a punt on the Thorpes next possession. On the punt, Jared Doxey got a hand on it, which set up Winnebago with great field position late in the opening quarter. Two plays after the blocked punt, Adarius Flemister broke free around the right side for a 17-yard score. The two-point attempt was unsuccessful, which kept the game tied at 6-6.
Winnebago attempted an onside kick after the touchdown, which they recovered, but the ball didn’t go ten-yards, and drew an illegal touching penalty. It was Pine Ridge's ball near midfield. Hulit found space around the left side for a 40-yard burst on first down, and then Richard III ran it in from 19-yards out on the next play for a touchdown. The two-point conversion was good, and Pine Ridge led Winnebago 14-6.
End of the 1st Quarter | Pine Ridge 14 Winnebago 6
The Indians first drive on the second quarter led to a punt after a holding penalty and a fumble backed them up into a fourth and long situation.
Pine Ridge was able to move into the red zone, but penalties eventually halted the drive. A big fourth down sack by Decora gave the Indians the ball back midway through the second quarter. Winnebago would tie the game on their next possession going 68-yards in a little over five-minutes. Flemister capped the drive with a seven-yard touchdown run. The two-point attempt was good, which made it 14-14 with a minute to play in the half.
The Indians would get the ball back before the break as Whitebear picked off Richard III. On the play following the turnover, Flemister broke free for a 75-yard touchdown. After the two-point conversion, Winnebago led the Thorpes 22-14.
Halftime | Winnebago 22 Pine Ridge 14
Winnebago received to start the second half, and their first drive ate up nearly seven-minutes. Decora finished it with a 15-yard score. After an unsuccessful two-point attempt, the Indians led Pine Ridge 28-14 midway through the third quarter.
The Thorpes would answer right back on their first possession of the second half. Richard III found Ghost Bear for a 31-yard catch and run touchdown. Pine Ridge’s two-point attempt was good, and with 2:59 to play in the third quarter, Winnebago clung to a 28-22 lead.
End of the 3rd Quarter | Winnebago 28 Pine Ridge 22
Pine Ridge began the fourth quarter with the ball, but the drive stalled deep in opposition territory. Winnebago also had trouble on their next possession, which led to a punt.
Needing a touchdown, the Thorpes went to work. Richard III used his legs to pick up a big fourth down conversion on the drive, and then Richard III found Ghost Bear for an eight-yard touchdown to tie the game at 28-28. The score remained tied, as the two-point conversion was no good, with 1:17 to play in regulation.
The Indians gained some yardage within the final minute, but as their momentum slowed, they opted to run the ball and take it to overtime.
End of Regulation | Pine Ridge 28 Winnebago 28
Pine Ridge got the ball first in overtime. On the fourth down play, Richard III scored from five-yards out to give the Thorpes a lead. The two-point conversion was unsuccessful, however, but it was a 34-28 lead for Pine Ridge.
Winnebago then had a chance to answer. Decora scored from two-yards out to tie the game at 34-34. The Indians opted this time to try and win it with a 25-yard extra point, but the kick sailed right of the uprights.
End of 1st Overtime | Pine Ridge 34 Winnebago 34
The Thorpes got the ball to start the second overtime as well, and on the first play, Richard III hit Steele for a 10-yard touchdown. Richard III then hit Delbert Peters on the two-point conversion, and it was Pine Ridge who grabbed the eight-point lead.
With their backs up against the wall, needing to answer in the second overtime period, Winnebago found the end zone. Decora broke free for a 14-yard score to make it 42-40. On the two-point try, the Indians opted to once again give it to Decora, who got stuffed on the one-yard line, clinching the win for the Thorpes.
Final | Pine Ridge 42 Winnebago 40
Offensive Player of the Game | Marvin Richard III
Defensive Player of the Game | Delbert Peters
Jim Thorpe MVP | Anthony Steele
