Steve Steele knew he and his team have been walking around with a target painted on their backs. Not just in 2026, but over the last decade. That comes with the territory when you have made ten straight state championship appearances while winning almost all of them. The only blemish in that unprece dented run came against the Watertown Arrows in 2024. While none of the Governors would outright say Friday night’s championship game against the Arrows was about revenge, it was certainly in the back of their minds. The two had faced in the regular season on a rainy night that saw the Governors take home a 55-14 win. So, to say that the start of this game was a bit surprising would not be far-fetched. The Governors opened up the contest with an onside kick which was recovered by Pierre, setting themselves up in Arrow territory. However, penalties mounted up on the opening drive forcing a punt that would pin the Arrows deep within their own ten yard line. Pierre’s defense forced a quick three-and-out to get the ball back which would prove to be a theme throughout a scoreless first quarter. A few miscues would allow Watertown to stick around while they forced some errant throws, crashed the Pierre pocket forcing a sack amongst other big plays that would hold Pierre at bay throughout the start. Almost astonishingly, the first score of the game did not come until almost midway through the second quarter. However, with about seven minutes and some change, the Govs would see Porter Hunsley stroll in for the games first score to make it 7-0. Watertown would not stay down for long, however, answering back with a trick play followed up by a score that would tie the game at 7 apiece. The two teams would trade blows, Pierre getting yet another score from Hunsley on the ground who picked up where he left off from his five touchdown performance on the ‘Yotes turf in 2025. Each time the Govs had a score, the Arrows had an answer. As the game progressed, Hunsley continued to dominate behind an outstanding blocking barrage from his offensive line and his fellow skills players. The pesky Arrows would stick around until Sutton Sonnenschein intercepted Arrow quarterback Kaden Himmerich to all but seal the win. Even after the interception, the Arrows would rally for another score to cut the deficit back to two possessions. This would prompt the Governors to, again, pound the ground which saw Hunsley burst out for a 66-yard touchdown run, one of his five scores of the night. To add some insurance, the Govs added a Carter Templeton field goal followed by a Carter Schiefelbein catch and score for the Governors to cushion their way to yet another championship. This win marks the 9th championship in 10 tries for Steve Steele and the Governors, and with a hefty crew of returners coming back in 2027, they will almost certainly come into the upcoming season as favorites once again. ...read more read less