by Scott Sacry
You could call it “The Lucas Lant Show”, or maybe “3 yards and a cloud of snow”. Either way, Hamilton used a dominant running attack to defeat Bigfork 34-21 in their first round State Playoff game in Hamilton on Friday, Oct 28th. Hamilton is the #3 seed in the West while Bigfork was the #6 seed.
On a night that was both cold and snowy, running the ball effectively and stopping the run proved paramount. Hamilton’s QB Lucas Lant had a monster game, running for 4 TDs and throwing another, a 66-yard bomb to Hunter Stewart.
Much credit to Hamilton’s O-line, as they controlled the line of scrimmage all night on the slick turf. Hamilton’s defense gave up some plays to a talented Bigfork squad, but they were able to make enough stops to get the win.
The 1st quarter saw both teams take their opening drives for TDs. In the 2nd quarter, Hamilton’s defense forced a punt, then, on a 2nd and 1, Lucas Land hit Hunter Stewart for a 66-yard TD catch and run. Bigfork answered on their next possession, tying the score 14-14.
Hamilton got the ball back and kept rolling, taking their next drive 65 yards, culminating in a Lant 30-yard TD scamper. After a missed PAT, Hamilton led 20-14 going into half.
Hamilton dominated the third quarter. On their first drive of the second half, Hamilton had the ball for over seven minutes and Lant capped off the drive with a 13-yard run. They then forced a Bigfork three and out and got the ball back. In total, Hamilton’s offense held possession of the ball for 10 minutes and 26 seconds in the 12 minute 3rd quarter.
Hamilton’s second drive of the half ended in another Lant TD run, this one from 2 yards out. Hamilton now led 34-14 with 10:40 left in the game. Bigfork scored a 4th quarter TD to narrow the margin, but the Broncs were too much for the Vikings and won 34-21.
Hamilton advances into the 2nd round of the Class A State Playoffs, where they will travel to play defending State Champion Lewistown on Saturday, Nov. 4th at 1pm. Lewistown, the East’s #2 seed, had a first round bye and is 7-2 on the season.