Rushing game delivers again for big-play Governors to claim another state title

VERMILLION — The Pierre Governors had no problems being explosive on offense in 2026. But the Governors showed off their prowess in the running game one more time on Friday night, powering their way to 323 yards rushing and a 45-21 win over third-seeded Watertown at the DakotaDome. Pierre had nine rushing plays that went for 231 total yards in the win, or nearly 75% of the Governors' total rushing yards in the game. No run was bigger than the game-sealing 66-yard touchdown run from standout running back Porter Hunsley, who broke multiple tackles and then ran away from the rest of the Arrows. The score put Pierre up 38-21 with 8:18 left in the game. Like any great running back, Hunsley gave credit for his MVP performance to his offensive line, though. “I give the credit to the linemen and my whole team for being able to go out there, go work and block for me and find those gaps,” Hunsley said. All told, Pierre ran for 9.8 yards per carry, with 33 rushes for 323 yards.

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