by Scott Sacry, Sports Editor
Emotions ran high as the Florence football team traveled north to take on Frenchtown on Friday, September 19. The Broncs came into the game as the #5 ranked Class A team in Montana.
This was Florence’s first game since the accidental death of a Florence student during last week’s homecoming parade, after which the school canceled Florence’s September 12 homecoming game against Fairfield.
For Class B Florence it was a tough task playing a top ranked Class A team, but they were up for the challenge and led 8-7 after the 1st quarter, and trailed 8-10 at halftime. After half, the Falcons fought hard, but Frenchtown scored two second-half touchdowns and Florence lost 8-23.
Florence’s Mattix Chase completes a 2 point conversion in Florence’s game against Frenchtown on Friday, September 19 in Frenchtown. Florence lost 8-23. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.
Florence’s lone score came on a Bridger Alexander one-yard TD run, Mattix Chase scored on the 2-point conversion.
For Florence, QB Brody Duchien completed 21 of 29 passes for 224 yards and rushed for 37 yards. WR Chase Wagner was Duchien’s favorite target, catching 9 passes for 109 yards. Christian Englund led Florence with 12 total tackles. Florence’s offense outgained Frenchtown 317-186 in total yards.
The game was Frenchtown’s homecoming, and Frenchtown graciously invited Florence to share in their homecoming ceremonies, allowing Florence to crown their own royalty on the field.
The Florence 2025 Homecoming Royal Court at the Florence/Frenchtown game in Frenchtown on Friday, September 19. The game was Frenchtown’s homecoming, and Frenchtown graciously invited Florence to share in their homecoming ceremonies, allowing Florence to crown their own royalty on the field. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.
The Falcons are now 0-3 after a tough non-conference schedule where they played #2 Manhattan, #3 Three Forks, and Class A #5 Frenchtown. Florence begins conference play in Thompson Falls on Friday, September 26 at 7 p.m.
Football roundup
Pirates pacified by Warriors
Victor traveled to Arlee on Friday, September 19, and lost 42-54 to the Warriors in a shootout. The game was tied 12-12 after the first quarter and Arlee led 26-20 at halftime. Victor was outscored 14-0 in the 3rd and trailed 20-40 heading into the final frame. The Pirates scored 22 points in the 4th, but their comeback bid fell short and they lost 42-54.
Victor plays its next game at Plains on Saturday, September 27 at 1 p.m.
Stevensville subdued by Savages
Stevensville traveled south to Salmon on Friday, September 19 to play the Savages. It was a hard-fought game, but the ‘Jackets came up short and lost 15-26.
For Stevensville, freshman QB Luca Schmidt went 12 for 23 for 140 yards including a touchdown pass to Josh Pfister. RB Landon Bryan led the team with 35 rushing yards.
Stevensville hosts undefeated and top five ranked Hamilton for their homecoming game on Friday, September 26 at 7 p.m.
Tigers trounce Trojans
Darby defeated Troy 66-32 in a high-scoring contest for Darby’s homecoming game on Saturday, September 20. The win moves the Tigers to 3-0 on the season.
Darby standout McCoy Townsend had another big game. The senior QB rushed for 183 yards and four TDs, including a 77-yard TD run. Townsend also had two passing TDs. Also for Darby, Jordan Browning rushed for 54 yards and a TD, and also caught two TD passes: one for 70 yards and one for 48 yards. Eli Jones had 55 yards rushing and numerous tackles. Jaden Baily had a 55-yard kick return for a TD.
Darby head coach John Steiner credited Wyatt Manning, Colter Bennett, and Regan Christopherson for their strong offensive and defensive play.
Darby has a tough test this week as they travel to Superior to play the 3-1 Bobcats on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.