by Scott Sacry
#3 Broncs best Beavers
Hamilton (ranked #3 in the latest Class A 406 MT Sports poll thanks to their win over then #3 Frenchtown on Friday, Oct. 2) hosted Dillon on Friday, Oct. 9.
Hamilton jumped out to a 21-7 halftime lead. Dillon fought back in the second half, but Hamilton held strong and prevailed 41-21.
Hamilton’s dominating rushing attack proved the difference. Hamilton held a slight advantage over Dillon in passing (182 yards to 172 yards) but the Broncs rushed for 218 yards and held the Beavers to only 68 rushing yards.
When Hamilton is in short yardage situations they frequently turn to QB Cooper Weston, whose bruising running style makes a quarterback keeper a strong weapon. Case in point, Weston had nine carries for 59 yards and four rushing touchdowns against Dillon. Weston was efficient through the air, completing 13 of 19 passes for 182 yards.
Hamilton RB Jude Widmer continued to pile up the yards and had another big night against Dillon, rushing for 149 yards on 22 carries, including a touchdown. WR Easton Hollis led Hamilton with five receptions for 70 yards. Easton also snagged an interception and scampered 10 yards for a touchdown.
#3 Hamilton is now 5-1 on the season and looks poised to make a deep playoff run this year. Hamilton’s next game is at Butte Central (2-5) on Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.
#9 Darby silences Seeley
After losing their first game of the season against #4 Superior on Oct. 2, #9 Darby got back to their winning ways by defeating a solid Seeley-Swan team 42-0 on Friday, Oct. 9.
Darby’s defense controlled the game. “It was very much a team effort with defense coming up big in the shutout,” said Darby head coach John Steiner. “We are locked into the number two seed in the playoffs and will have our first home playoff game in 30 years.” The 8-player state playoffs are set to begin on Oct. 30 and 31.
Individually for Darby’s defense, Reagan Christopherson had 10.5 tackles. Jaden Bailey had 10 tackles, Marco Biesiot had two sacks, Eli Spross had a sack, Colter Bennett had two tackles for loss, and Oliver Long had an interception.
For Darby offensively, Reagan Christopherson rushed for 94 yards and three touchdowns. Oliver Long had two receiving touchdowns. Abe Atkins had a rushing touchdown and three passing touchdowns. Jordan Browning had a receiving touchdown, and Gavin Anderson had a rushing touchdown.
#9 Darby is now 5-1 on the season and was scheduled to play Troy this week, but Troy doesn’t have a team this season so Darby doesn’t have a game this week. Darby’s final regular season game will be on Friday, Oct. 23, as they host Plains at 7 p.m.
#2 Florence extinguishes Eureka
The #2 Florence football team has been one of the most dominant Class B teams in the state this year. They continued this trend on Friday, Oct. 9 in Eureka, as they defeated the Lions 55-6.
Florence led 14-0 after the first quarter and 28-0 at halftime. The Falcons continued their strong play in the second half and rolled to the lopsided victory.
Florence’s offense continues to shine. Florence’s dual threat quarterback Jake Schneiter continues to be one of the best players in the state. Against Eureka, Schneiter completed 12 of 14 passes for 120 yards and threw four touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing with 13 carries for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Florence WR Brennan Meinhold had a big game, catching three touchdown passes. Florence’s WR Makoah Laasch also caught a touchdown pass. Florence’s scrappy RB Luca Caldareone had 12 carries for 137 yards and a touchdown.
#2 Florence is 5-1 on the season, winning five straight games after their opening game loss to Three Forks. In their next game, Florence hosts Anaconda (2-4) on Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.
Corvallis conquers Stevensville
The Stevensville football team hosted Corvallis on Friday, Oct. 9, in an all-Bitterroot battle. Both teams fought hard but Corvallis proved dominant and cruised to a 47-7 victory.
Corvallis took advantage of early Stevensville mistakes in the first half, as Corvallis turned an interception and a Stevensville botched punt into points. Corvallis’ Hogan Buhler also returned a punt for a touchdown, and Corvallis’ Marshall Jessop returned an interception for a touchdown. Corvallis led 39-0 at halftime.
Stevensville was able to stop the bleeding in the second half, but Corvallis had already done their damage and Corvallis won 47-7.
Corvallis is now 3-3 on the season. In their next game, Corvallis hosts Frenchtown (4-2) on Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.
Stevensville is now 2-4 on the season. In their next game, Stevensville plays at Dillon (2-4) on Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.
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