by Scott Sacry
The Florence Falcons just keep on rolling. On Friday, October 6th they faced their toughest test of the season when they played the undefeated #3 Eureka Lions. And, as seems to be the case with Florence football, they did their best when their best was needed, winning 35-14.
Before the game, Florence’s head coach Pat Duchien commented. “With two closely matched teams, whoever wins the turnover battle may very well win the game.” His statement proved true, as Florence caused three Eureka turnovers (two fumbles and an interception) while Florence didn’t turn the ball over. The lone interception proved huge. In the 2nd quarter, with Florence leading 14-7, Eureka had the ball and looked to make a drive to tie the game. Florence’s D-line forced a quick throw by Eureka’s QB, and Florence’s Tyler Abbott snagged the ball out of the air and rumbled 23 yards for a TD to give the Falcons the 21-7 lead. Florence scored again just before halftime to lead 28-7.
Scott Sacry.
Florence’s starters have taken most of the second half off this season, since the Falcons generally have huge leads, but this game was different. Eureka played Florence square in the second half, as both teams only managed to have one TD each.
Florence QB Mason Arlington threw two TD passes and ran 43 yards for another. Drew Wagner and Gabe Hartsell-Miller each had TD receptions, and Ethan Alexander had a TD run. Extra credit needs to be given to Florence’s strong defense performance, including defensive lineman Arie McLaughlin and brothers Ethan and Bridger Alexander.
Florence heads to Thompson Falls on Friday, Oct. 13th for a 7 p.m. game.
Hamilton 7, Dillon 35
Hamilton traveled to Dillon on Friday, Oct 6th in what was then a battle between the #1 Broncs and the #2 Beavers. Although the game was closer than the 7-35 score would indicate, the Beavers controlled the game and gave Hamilton their first loss of the season. Hamilton was without their starting QB and could never find a rhythm on offense against a formidable Dillon squad. Dillon is now the #1 ranked team in the state (406mtsports.com), Hamilton fell to #3 and is 5-1 on the season.
Hamilton’s task doesn’t get any easier. On Friday, Oct. 13th, the #3 Broncs host #4 Corvallis. Both teams are coming off losses to #1 Dillon. This is a massive game for both teams. Besides being a battle for Bitterroot bragging rights, the winner will have the inside track to the #2 seed out of the West for the State Playoffs – this is important because the #2 seed gets a first round Bye. Hamilton hosts Corvallis on Friday, Oct 13th at 7 p.m.
Stevensville 14, Whitefish 62
The Stevensville Yellowjackets traveled to Whitefish on Friday Oct. 6th and lost 14-62. The young Stevi team held a 7-6 first quarter lead, but from then on it was all Whitefish as the Bulldogs scored 28 points in the second quarter and rolled to the victory. Next up, Stevensville hosts Frenchtown on Friday, Oct. 13th at 7 p.m.
Victor 0, Plains 58
The Victor Pirates had a tough time with the Plains Horsemen on Saturday, Oct 7th, losing 0-58. Victor hopes to rebound next week as they host Troy at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14th.
Darby 26, St. Ignatius 62
The Darby Tigers traveled to St. Ignatius on Friday, Oct 6th and lost 26-62 to the Bulldogs. For Darby’s next game they host Superior on Saturday, Oct 14th at 7 p.m.