The football programs of Florence and Hamilton have been dominant again this year. Both teams are undefeated. Both teams are the 406mtsports.com #1 ranked team (Florence in Class B and Hamilton in Class A). And both face their toughest challenge of the season on Friday, October 5th, with Florence hosting #3 Eureka, and Hamilton playing at #2 Dillon.
Top-ranked Florence is the back to back Class B State Champion and has looked downright dominant this year. They meet #3 Eureka on Friday, Oct. 6th in Florence at 6 p.m. Eureka has been equally as dominant as Florence. Eureka is 6-0 on the season, have outscored opponents 255-19, and have wins over Class A Whitefish (32-6) and #8 Missoula Loyola (33-13).
Florence’s head coach Pat Duchien has been impressed with Eureka this season. “They are a solid team. They have good skill guys. Their D-Line really brings it. They are fundamentally sound, and they have good coaches,” said Duchien. “So this is going to be a good test for us, and also a good test for them. After Friday night we both will know where we stand. As always with Eureka, it’s going to come down to ball security,” said Duchien. “Whoever wins the turnover battle will likely win the game.”
Top-ranked Hamilton travels to Dillon to take on the #2 Beavers on Friday, Oct. 6th at 7 p.m. Dillon is the #2 ranked team in the state and is undefeated on the year. They are coming off an impressive 27-12 road victory over #4 Corvallis on Friday, Sept. 29th.
Hamilton head coach Bryce Carver said of Dillon, “They are a very solid team – they have a talented, deep group of kids and are very well coached. It’s what you’d expect from a Dillon team,” said Carver. When asked about the keys to success against Dillon, Carver said, “On offense we need to be able to move the ball and not turn it over. Then on defense, we need to stop the run and take away their big plays.” Carver continued, “the winner of this game will have a really good chance to win the conference, so it’s definitely a big game for us!”
Football Roundup
Florence 47, Anaconda 0
Florence continued to tear through the competition, as they defeated Anaconda 47-0 in Anaconda on Friday, Sept. 29th. The Falcon defense once again dominated, holding the Copperheads to -4 yards of total offense and getting a shutout for the 5th time this year. On offense, Florence’s Mason Arlington threw for 5 TDs. Tyler Abbott caught 3 TDs, while Drew Wagner and Ethan Porter each caught one. #1 Florence hosts #3 Eureka on Friday, Oct. 6th at 6 p.m..
Stevensville 12, Polson 33
Stevensville hosted Polson on Friday, Sept. 29th and lost 12-33. Stevensville’s Gunnar Larson rushed for 166 yards and scored a TD – he averaged 7.9 yards per carry. On defense, WIlliam Chiaverini had 7 tackles and a sack, Larson also had 7 tackles, and Zachary Sannar had 6 tackles. Stevensville next plays at Whitefish on Friday, Oct. 6th at 7 p.m..
Hamilton 43, Frenchtown 19
It was the battle of the Broncs on Friday, Sept 29th as Hamilton hosted Frenchtown. Hamilton jumped out to a 29-0 lead, then Frenchtown scored 19 straight points to close the gap to 29-19. But Hamilton held firm, scoring the final 14 points to earn the 43-19 victory. #1 Hamilton plays at #2 Dillon on Friday, Oct. 6th at 7 p.m.
Victor 12, Superior 66
The Victor Pirates traveled to Superior and were defeated 66-12 by the Bobcats on Friday, Sept. 29th. The Pirates travel to Plains on Saturday, Oct. 7th to play the Horseman at 1 p.m.