St Paul Pioneers overrun Rochester Giants 36-14
Posted by Rob Neumann | Posted in Other Stuff | Posted on 06-28-2010
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By Jim Walsh
The St. Paul Pioneers got back into the win column Saturday in convincing fashion, using a smothering defense, an opportunistic offense and solid special teams play to dominate the Rochester Giants on Saturday in Rochester, Minn.
On offense, it was the Alex Neist to Joseph Mapson show, with the Pioneers quarterback hooking up with the team’s leading receiver seven times for 149 yards and three touchdowns. Neist passed for 250 yards, but tossed three interceptions to go with the three scores. Wideout Reggie Houston also had a big game, coming back from a sore knee at Superior the week before to snare six catches for 99 yards. The Pioneers tallied almost 300 yards of total offense on teh day.
“We had a really nice game on the offensive side of the ball,” said Rob Neumann, the team’s offensive coordinator. “The line did a great job protecting Alex and giving us time to find some things downfield.”
On defense, Pioneers tackle Jeff McGaster had a dominating game, tallying three tackles and two sacks. But he also got into the game on offense, plunging in for a one yard TD run as fullback. Middle linebacker Josh Hollie also was back to his old ways, leading the team in tackles with 11 total stops and grabbing an interception. Defensive end Patrick Mitambo and cornerback Terry Jones also had sacks for the Pioneers. Safety Nate Beulah had a big game, with two interceptions and four tackles.
“The whole defensive effort was good,” said defensive coordinator Jim Walsh. “It was nice to have most of our regular guys back in the lineup. It certainly showed.”
In all, St. Paul gave up just 51 yards rushing and garnered four sacks, three interceptions and three fumbles recovered.
St. Paul kicker Jay Harding had a big day, as well. Hitting two field goals and booming the ball deep on kickoffs. He also handled the punting duties well. The 36-14 victory was a solid step back into the team’s winning ways, Head Coach Mark Heiser said.
“We have to keep up this kind of effort to get ready for the playoffs,” Heiser said of the team’s two remaining regular season games, both of which will be at home. “We can really set ourselves up for a good run… if we keep doing the things we know how to do.”
Notes:
Jon Robinson was the Pioneers’ leading rusher Saturday, with 25 yards on eight carries.
The Pioneers defense notched 16 tackles for loss on the day.
