Pioneers top Raptors in defensive battle, improve to 2-0

By Jim Walsh 

Defense, the old saying goes, wins championships.

And while it’s not yet known if the 2025 St. Paul Pioneers will add another piece of hardware to their crowded trophy case, Saturday’s 8-0 triumph over the Red Cedar Raptors at Burnsville High School was in keeping with their pedigree.

Simply put, the Pioneers’ defense was a ball-hawking stone wall for much of the day and stopped what had been a prolific Raptors offense. The Pioneers snagged a couple interceptions to keep the Raptors out of the end zone.

There was no scoring in the first half, as the teams’ defenses proved too stingy. But Pioneers quarterback Andrew Barnes made up for a second-quarter interception with a toss to Javonte Suber for pay dirt in the second half to give St. Paul all the points it world need. Barnes tacked on a two-point conversion to provide the final margin.

In such a defensive game, the work of punter/wide receive Josh Castro would prove critical, as he helped flip the field to the Pioneers’ advantage time and again.

During the Pioneers’ volunteer work at St. Paul’s Grand Old Day Sunday, Head Coach Damien Rochon-Washington praised his squad’s work ethic and attitude.

“I love these guys,” Rochon-Washington said. “Their character and attention to detail is terrific."