By Ryan Deal

605 Sports

The Governors (11-1) had reached the Class 11AA summit the previous six seasons. But the 2023 edition was motivated to do it again and bought into the “Become The Mountain” mantra. 

“They really enjoyed it and they wanted to set the standard,” Steele said. “They wanted to make this the best program in the history of the state and this group of kids did it. They were fantastic this season.” 

The Governors heard the naysayers before and during the season. Yes, they graduated Lincoln Kienholz, the state’s all-time leading passer and current Ohio State University quarterback, but the cupboard wasn’t bare.

The 2023 Governors were powered by a prio of seniors — Trey Lewis, Jett Zabel and Cade Kaiser — that again raised the bar this season.  

“Become The Mountain was really just a challenge for our team,” Kaiser said. “That the entire state is going to overlook us because we had such a dominant group of seniors last year. I will give it to them. They were such an insane group of seniors and left really big shoes to fill. It was a mountain that we had to climb all year, taking it one week at a time, looking to go 1-0, and that’s it. That mountain was set from Day 1 and I couldn't have been more happy for these boys to climb it all the way to the top.”

The trio not only shined on the state’s biggest stage on Friday, but had also been along for the ride the previous seasons. 

“This isn't just this season,” Steele said. “A lot of these guys were members all the way through. It’s just so special seeing them do this. Trey Lewis, Jett Zabel and Cade Kaiser, were our ball boys for our first title. That’s just incredible to think that since then they haven’t lost.” 

On Friday, they each scored touchdowns and a Zabel-to-Kaiser 99-yard touchdown pass broke the Class 11AA state championship record. Of course, breaking Kienholz’s 92-yard touchdown strike last season to Jack Merkwan. 

The record breaking touchdown happened in the second quarter and the Pierre party was on from there. 

The Governors not only relished the historic moment, but their loyal fans again packed the DakotaDome and enjoyed climbing the mountain with them. 

“It just feels amazing we were able to bring this home and back to Pierre for this community and this community alone,” Kaiser said.