by Scott Sacry, Sports Editor
Hamilton bests Stevensville
Stevensville hosted Hamilton for the ‘Jackets homecoming game on Friday, September 26. Hamilton came into the game as the #3 ranked Class A team (MTN Sports Power Poll & 406mtsports.com poll).
It was a hard hitting game, but Stevensville didn’t have the depth or the weapons to stay with Hamilton and fell 52-7. Hamilton blasted out of the gates, taking a 28-0 first quarter lead and a 45-0 halftime lead. After halftime, the teams swapped touchdowns for the 52-7 final.
Hamilton’s Brayden Lanser (#12) runs the ball in the Hamilton/Stevensville game in Stevi on Friday, September 26. Lanser had two rushing touchdowns and Hamilton won 52-7. Photo by John Rudow.
Hamilton’s defense was suffocating. They held Stevensville to 61 yards passing and 16 yards rushing, and forced two fumbles and three interceptions. Stevensville’s defense was solid against Hamilton’s rushing attack and only allowed 43 yards rushing, but they gave up 263 yards passing to Hamilton.
Hamilton quarterback Cooper Weston completed 10 of 15 passes for 164 yards and 2 touchdowns and had a rushing touchdown. Weston also took an interception 30 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Also for Hamilton, RB Brayden Lanser rushed for two touchdowns, and WR Treyzen Frost had 4 catches for 71 yards and a touchdown.
For Stevensville, Josh Pfister had a 79-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Stevensville is now 1-4 on the season and plays Butte Central (3-1) on Friday, October 3 at 7 p.m. at the Montana Tech Stadium in Butte.
Hamilton is now 4-0 on the season and will likely be ranked #2 in this week’s polls with Lewistown’s loss to Laurel. Hamilton has a big game this week in the “Battle of the Broncs” as they host Frenchtown (4-1) in a Top 5 matchup on Friday, October 3 at 7 p.m.
Florence blanks Thompson Falls
The Florence football team let loose on Thompson Falls on Friday, September 26, defeating the Blue Hawks 56-0 in the first conference game for the Falcons. Florence led 35-0 at halftime and rolled in the second half to get the lopsided victory.
Florence senior Bridger Alexander had three touchdowns, including a 57-yard run, a 9-yard run, and a 16-yard reception. Also for Florence, QB Brody Duchien threw three TD passes, WR Levi Winters had a 61-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 21-yard TD reception, and WR Chase Wagner had a 62-yard TD reception.
Florence is now 1-3 on the season and will play at Deer Lodge (0-5) on Friday, October 3 at 7 p.m.
Darby defeated by Superior
Darby lost to Superior in a close game in Superior on Friday, September 26. Darby, who came into the game undefeated and ranked #10 in the latest 406mtsports.com poll, had a chance to win with under a minute in the 4th quarter, but failed to convert on a 4th down attempt and lost 32-34.
Darby controlled the first half and led 20-6 at halftime, but Superior came roaring back and scored 26 points in the 3rd quarter and led 34-26 heading into the 4th quarter. In the final frame, Darby scored to get within two points, but the Tigers fell short on their last drive.
Once again, Darby’s QB McCoy Townsend had a big game. The speedy senior had 4 rushing touchdowns on runs of 2 yards, 25 yards, 39 yards and 51 yards. He also hit Jordan Browning for a 15-yard TD pass.
Darby is now 3-1 on the season, and faces another tough opponent this week as they host (4-1) St. Regis-Mullan (ID) on Friday, October 3 at 7 p.m.
Corvallis loses to Butte
Corvallis traveled to Butte Central on Friday, September 26 to play the Maroons at the Montana Tech Stadium. The Blue Devils fought hard but lost to the Maroons 13-35. Corvallis’s touchdowns came on a Reese Tucker pass to Ayden Spencer, and a run from Castin Borkholder.
On defense for Corvallis, Marshall Jessop had 10 tackles, including six tackles for a loss, Javin Jessop had 8 tackles, and Ayden Spencer and Caleb Johansen each had 7 tackles.
Corvallis is 0-4 on the season and will host Dillon (0-4) on Friday, October 3 at 7 p.m.