by Scott Sacry
Hamilton squeaked out a 27-20 victory against Frenchtown in the battle of the Broncs on Friday, Sept. 9th in Hamilton. Hamilton found themselves in unfamiliar territory, as they trailed Frenchtown 14-20 in the 4th quarter. Hamilton turned the tide with clutch playmaking, led by junior wide receiver and defensive back Taylor Searle. With 11:51 left in the 4th quarter, Searle’s defender fell down on a deep rout, and quarterback Tyson Bauder heaved the ball down the field. Searle snagged the 50/50 ball away from the defender, kept his feet, and strolled into the end zone. That tied the game at 20-20. Then on Frenchtown’s next possession, Searle intercepted a pass and Hamilton got the ball back, leading to a Bauder one yard TD run, and giving Hamilton a 27-20 lead. Frenchtown had a chance to tie or win at the end of the game, but Hamilton’s defense held strong, preserving the victory.
Florence hosted Cut Bank on Friday, Sept. 9th and rolled to a 37-0 victory. Patrick Duchien rushed for 128 yards and scored three rushing TDs. He passed for 190 yards, including a TD pass to Brodie Hinsdale, Hinsdale also had a rushing TD. Colten Rice led Florence with 10 total tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Stevensville got their first win of the season with a 50-0 thrashing of Browning on Friday, Sept. 9th. Because of the smoke, the game was moved from Stevensville to Ronan. Running back Kellan Beller rushed for 146 yards and had two TDs. Quarterback Gracen Trevino had two touchdowns, one rushing and one passing. Connor Lenahan and Beller each returned an interception for a TD.
Corvallis traveled to Dillon on Friday, Sept. 9th and lost, 6-45. Dillen Potter had seven catches for 79 yards and a touchdown, and had two interceptions on defense.
Victor hosted a strong Charlo team on Saturday, Sept 10th and lost, 8-42.
Darby hosted Arlee on Friday, Sept. 9th and lost a close game, 20-22.