VERMILLION — For the last three seasons, the Pierre Governors have been able to lean on the experience of Lincoln Kienholz. 

On Friday, without the services of the current Ohio State University quarterback, Jett Zabel and Cade Kaiser split reps at the quarterback position. The results — similar as the Governors rolled Yankton, 35-7, for a record seventh straight Class 11AA title.

“I would say we just kinda had athletes and that was part of the fun of this season,” Pierre coach Steve Steele said. “I know Cade was back there most of the season but he’s a heck of a receiver and Northern State is going to be very happy with him.” 

Kaiser played receiver in 2022 and looked every bit the part Friday as he hauled in a championship game record 99-yard touchdown catch from Zabel. The previous record was set in 2022 when Kienholz hit Jack Merkwan for a 92-yard touchdown. 

“We’ve been waiting all year to do it and we finally did it and it honestly worked,” Zabel said. “Good protection, good route by Cade so overall a good play.” 

Pierre quarterback Jett Zabel runs for a gain during the first half of the Governors’ 35-7 win over Yankton to capture their seventh straight 11AA championship Friday DakotaDome in Vermillion. (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

Kaiser said playing receiver in the championship game gave him energy in the week leading up to the championship game.

“Once you play a position you ever forget,” he said. “It all came back in one play.”

On the record pass, Kaiser said the Governors had the call in their playbook just in case.

“We’ve been repping that all week just in case of do or die,” Kaiser said. “I was not expecting to call it on the 1-yard line but oh man am I glad we did.”

Kaiser, playing quarterback in the second quarter, hit George Stalley with a 37-yard touchdown pass. On their first drive of the second half, Kaiser returned the favor to Zabel, completing an eight-yard strike to the future North Dakota State player. That score pushed the Governors lead to 35-0.

The pair combined for 185 yards passing and three touchdowns. Kaiser caught one pass for 99 yards and a touchdown. Zabel caught three passes for 29 yards and a touchdown. Kaiser also added 66 yards of rushing to the mix. 

Zabel is slated to play tight end for the Bison next season. His booming punts Friday pinned Yankton deep in their own territory all night. 

“I just kinda play whatever and wherever I need to,” Zabel said. “Anything with the team and ultimately just to help the team win.”