Albany Loses to Pierz in Class 3a State Quarterfinals

On the first play from scrimmage at Monticello High School, senior quarterback Cohen Habben pitched an option read directly into the hands of senior running back Judah Allen for a 35-yard gain against Pierz.

That explosive opening moment proved to be the ultimate highlight for the Huskies as the Section 8AAA champions were stopped in their tracks by the unbeaten Pioneers in a 44-7 loss during the Class 3A State Quarterfinals.

“You’ve got a juggernaut in Pierz,” head coach Mike Ellingson said. “I felt like we had our moments and our shots there, and it just didn’t transpire for us. Offensively, they’re so explosive, but they don’t get enough credit defensively for the way they fly around and take away what you do best.”

Despite being shut down on the ground following Allen’s quick gashing run, Albany stayed within reach throughout the first half. Pierz built a 21-0 lead heading into the second quarter thanks to a 24-yard rushing score from Brayden Foust, a 35-yard touchdown pass from Preston Saehr to Tyler Kimman, and a 10-yard plunge by Paul Nieman.

The Huskies mounted a response with the aid of a muffed punt, capped off by a one-yard plunge from senior Dylan Hoffarth to make it 21-7. After holding the Pioneers to a field goal at the end of the half, Albany trailed 24-7 after a turbulent 24 minutes.

An opening punt forced by Albany to start the second half created an immediate window of opportunity. As Habben scanned the field, a wide-open Emmett Rushmeyer flew past the Pierz defenders with nothing ahead of him, though the pass sailed just out of his reach.

“It was open in the first half as well and we just missed it,” Ellingson said. “Rushmeyer’s got some scoot to him, so we took a shot [when] we needed a big play. If we complete that ball, all of a sudden it’s a 10-point game. I think the Huskies may make it a different game, right?”

Instead, the No. 5 team in the state slammed the door on any potential comeback. Foust added another score from 46 yards out in the third quarter, while Saywer Lochner and Parker Kimman delivered the final jabs to secure the lopsided victory.

“They’ve got so many dynamic players, and they won the line of scrimmage tonight, too,” Ellingson said. “It looked like a sweep was going to be there for 15, and that 15-yarder turned into a four-yarder. These kids battled adversity through it all.”

The loss ended Albany’s postseason run before reaching U.S. Bank Stadium, yet the program secured its third sectional title in the last four years, alongside its 24th overall section crown and a 13th consecutive winning season with an 8-3 record.

“It’s a consolation prize, but it’s a pretty dang good consolation prize when you make it to this level,” Ellingson said.

“It sets the tone for the next years, and it sets the tone for the younger guys in the stands being able to go to state and leaves a little bit left to be desired. Making it to The Bank is the next step, and we’ll see where that comes in the near future.”

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