Pawnee Wins the War on 104, Takes Down South Fork in Rivalry Showdown -

written by Jack Hart

The War on 104 lived up to the hype Friday night as the Pawnee Indians traveled to take on the South Fork Ponies in a rivalry matchup with plenty on the line for both teams.

Pawnee entered the night looking for revenge after falling to South Fork last season, while the Ponies were looking to prove themselves following a tough loss to Meridian. In a physical, back-and-forth battle, the Indians delivered in the fourth quarter, making key plays on both sides of the ball to secure a statement victory and reclaim bragging rights.

The game opened with South Fork establishing its ground attack, as Stephon Shanks found the end zone to give the Ponies the early advantage. Pawnee answered in the second quarter when quarterback Ty Lederbrand delivered a dime to Jace Jancousky for a touchdown. Both defenses settled in from there, and the teams headed into halftime tied at 8-8.

South Fork came out with momentum in the third quarter behind Carter Foli before Shanks punched in another touchdown to put the Ponies ahead 16-14. With the game hanging in the balance, Pawnee responded with a defining stretch that changed the outcome.

Lederbrand kept the ball on the ground and broke loose for a 46-yard touchdown run, putting the Indians back in front, 20-16. Pawnee’s defense continued to apply pressure, and the Indians capitalized on another opportunity when Hudson Wort recovered a muffed snap and ran it into the end zone for a touchdown.

Jancousky then delivered the knockout blow, returning an interception for a pick-six to seal the victory and cap a dominant fourth-quarter finish for Pawnee.

The win was more than just another mark in the win column. It was a chance for the Indians to respond to last year’s rivalry loss and prove they can deliver when the stakes are high heading into the postseason.

Lederbrand, Talley Reflect on Rivalry Win

Following the victory, ILSportsWire’s Jack Hart caught up with Pawnee quarterback Ty Lederbrand and head coach Josh Talley to discuss the rivalry, the team’s response to its loss against Meridian, and preparations for the playoffs.

Lederbrand said the team knew it was walking into a special atmosphere at South Fork and understood the physical challenge awaiting them.

“We knew coming in here it was just going to be a great atmosphere, as it always is,” Lederbrand said. “We knew we’d come in here and be physical, fight till the end. They’re such a great team.”

For Lederbrand, the victory also carried extra meaning after Pawnee came up short in last year’s matchup.

“I wish I could remember looking back at those seniors last year. That’s not the way we wanted to go out for them,” Lederbrand said. He added that bringing the rivalry trophy back for Coach Talley and the coaching staff made the win even more special.

The senior quarterback also credited Pawnee’s offensive line and the depth of weapons around him, including Jancousky and Lucas, for helping the offense make plays throughout the season.

After a difficult loss to Meridian, Lederbrand said the team’s focus now shifts toward continuing to improve ahead of the playoffs.

“We know what it takes now after that loss,” Lederbrand said. “So just moving forward, stacking days like we always do, and just having good practices.”

Talley Credits All Three Phases

Talley described the victory as an emotional moment for the entire Pawnee community, emphasizing the importance of winning a rivalry game against a quality opponent.

“It’s indescribable,” Talley said. “It’s a total team win.”

Talley explained that his team prepared all week for a physical, competitive battle, knowing rivalry games often bring out the best in both sides. He was especially pleased with how Pawnee’s offense, defense, and special teams came together late in the contest.

After the narrow loss to Meridian, Talley said the message was simple: learn from the mistakes and move forward.

“That’s what great teams do,” Talley said. “They learn from their mistakes in those tight game losses. But they don’t let it fester and grow. They move on, and they just learn from it and move forward.”

When South Fork took the lead in the third quarter, Talley trusted his team to return to the identity it has built throughout the season.

“Play pony football,” Talley said, describing the approach his team needed to maintain. “Play fast, play physical, play together.”

Talley also gave credit to South Fork for the fight it showed throughout the game, noting that both teams played with intensity and made the rivalry matchup an entertaining contest.

Eyes Turn Toward the Playoffs

With the rivalry victory secured, Pawnee will look to finish the regular season strong before turning its attention to the postseason.

Talley said the team must continue studying film, correcting mistakes, and preparing for its upcoming matchup against Bushnell. He pointed to the opponent’s strong running game as an important test that could help prepare the Indians for the challenges ahead.

“We got to win the day, take it one week at a time,” Talley said. “We can’t overlook Bushnell. That’s a good team.”

For Pawnee, the War on 104 provided exactly the kind of test the team needed heading into the playoffs. The Indians faced adversity, responded when South Fork seized momentum, and made the decisive plays when the game was on the line.

After last season’s disappointment, Pawnee leaves South Fork with the rivalry victory, renewed confidence, and momentum as the postseason approaches