The football game between Hamilton and Dillon was the match of the week in Western Montana. As many people as could be were in the stands and around the track. The student section, which was moved to the south end zone, was packed with mask-wearing Bronc faithful. It was even the game of the week on SWX and was broadcast live. In short, it was an event.
It was an event for the first seven minutes of the game until Hamilton got a first and goal to go. Ben Tack took the ball in for the score and the Broncs were off and running. The PAT was blocked but Hamilton was perking up. A fumble by the Beavers resulted in Hamilton getting the ball at the 42 yard line. The Broncs were on the 25 yard line but a bad snap moved them back. They had to settle for a 27 yard field goal by Austin Drake.
Tack, who transferred in from Stevensville, and Ben Rooney, who came from Wisconsin, are not the biggest running backs around. Rooney measures 5’9” and 160, while Tack is 5’9” and 190. But they are both quick on their feet according to Hamilton coach Bryce Carver.
“It’s a 1-2 punch on our running game,” he said. “They do a great job running the ball and the ‘O’ line is really well coached and they are a big part of the game.” (Former Bronc coach Steve Weston is the line coach.)
Hamilton’s quarterback, Tyson Rostad, struggled a bit in the first part of the game. Carver said it was a combination of being excited and antsy because they had not been able to be outside all week due to the smoke. “Tyson is a great competitor. He’ll go, go go, to the end of the game.”
After the nerves settled down in the second quarter, Rostad found Tristan Lewis in the open field for a 34 yard touchdown receipton. Drake kicked the PAT.
Dillon finally got on the board with a 33 yard pass from Jace Fitzgerald to Cole Truman and the Jonny Reiser kicked the PAT. The Beavers scored once again in the third quarter when Kale Konen pushed through the Bronc line from one yard out for the score. Reiser kicked the PAT and Hamilton only had a two point lead.
Although Hamilton had to punt on their next possession, a huge sack by the Bronc defense on Dillon’s Fitzpatrick stopped the Beavers’ drive. They would not score again.
Hamilton scored three more times in the game. Tack had an 11 yard run, Rostad had a 10 yard run, and Rooney finished the Bronc scoring with an eight yard run. Drake kicked all three PATs and the Broncs won, 37-14.
“We just did what we always do, every week,” said Carver.
With a modified playoff schedule where only four teams will advance, Hamilton is undefeated and has a record of 4-0. Laurel and Miles City are also undefeated.
Florence defeated Bigfork, 33-14, in a Western B match. Sophomore quarterback Pat Duchien, Jr. completed four touchdowns and passed for 322 yards. Levi Posey was the recipient for six of Duchien’s passes including two touchdowns. He had 151 yards receiving. Tristan Pyette haha 73 yard scoring run as well. Florence is now 3-1 in overall play and 2-0 in conference play.
Frenchtown defeated Stevensville. Darby lost to Thompson Falls, and Victor fell to Arlee. The Corvallis Homecoming game against Butte Central was cancelled due to contact tracing of COVID-19 in the Butte Central school.