by Scott Sacry
Florence-Carlton, the 406mtsports.com’s No. 3 ranked Class B football team, traveled north on Friday, October 14th to face No. 1 ranked and undefeated Bigfork in a rematch of last year’s State Championship game. The game didn’t disappoint, unless you’re a Florence fan. The Falcons lost, 19-20.
Florence trailed 0-14 with 5:26 in the second quarter, when Florence’s QB Patrick Duchien scored on a 15-yard TD run, making the halftime score 7-14. Then in the second half, Duchien scored on a pair of three-yard TD runs, the second coming at the end of a long 4th quarter drive, giving Florence a 19-14 lead with only 1:32 left in the game. After a good kickoff return and a couple of penalties, Bigfork got great field position and scored, taking a 20-19 lead with 39 seconds remaining. This seemingly closed the door on Florence’s chances. But on the ensuing kickoff, Florence’s William Wagner returned the kickoff to Bigfork’s 46-yard line. Florence was able to advance the ball to the 29 yard line with 4 seconds left on the clock. Florence’s kicker Cole Fowler then attempted a 39-yard field goal, a long kick by high school standards. The kick sailed straight and true and landed square in the middle of the crossbar, and bounced back, coming up short, thus preserving a 19-20 victory for Bigfork. The game could have gone either way and both teams look poised to make a deep postseason run. Florence (6-2) finishes their regular season at Missoula Loyola on Friday, October 21st at 7 p.m.
Hamilton 54, Libby 13
Hamilton dominated Libby on Friday, October 14th, running out to a 41-6 halftime lead and cruising to a 54-13 victory. Hamilton QB Tyson Bauder accounted for six total TDs (4 passing and 2 rushing), Eli Taylor had two TD receptions, and Taylor Searle, Isaiah Van de Baan, and Lucas Lant each had TD receptions. Top ranked Hamilton (8-0) will face a real test on Friday, October 21th, in their regular season finale when they travel to No. 5 Columbia Falls (6-1).
Corvallis 38, Ronan 21
Corvallis scored 24 unanswered points to end the game against Ronan on Friday, October 14th to earn their fourth straight victory. Corvallis’s QB Aydan Mayn had 4 total TDs (3 passing and 1 rushing), Will Bohenek rushed for a TD, and Dillen Potter, Solomon Morgan, and Trey Joseph each had TD receptions. Corvallis (4-3) travels to Libby for their regular season finale on Friday, October 14th, with a possible postseason spot for the winner.
Stevensville 7, Frenchtown 43
Stevensville couldn’t stop Frenchtown on Friday, October 14th and fell 7-43. Stevensville’s touchdown came on a 35-yard pass from Gracen Trevino to Ben Gurney. Stevensville will host Butte Central for their season finale on Friday, October 21st.
Darby 20, Superior 56
Darby faced a tough task on Friday, October 14th, when they met undefeated Superior, losing 20-56. Darby’s Nolan Lenney had a rushing and passing TD, McCoy Townsend had a rushing TD, and Clayton Lucas had a receiving TD. Darby finishes their season at Plains on Friday, October 21th at 7 p.m.
Victor 70, Troy 52
Victor got their second win of the season in a 70-52 shoot out with Troy on Friday, October 14th. Victor travels to Valley Christian on Saturday, October 22nd at 6 p.m to finish their season.