by Scott Sacry, Sports Editor
Hamilton routs Ronan
Hamilton started their football season with a bang on Friday, August 29 in Ronan as the Broncs defeated the Chiefs 51-0. Hamilton led 21-0 after the first quarter and 42-0 at halftime to coast to the lopsided victory.
Hamilton’s WR Jackson Lubke had himself a game. Lubke caught three passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns, he added a 45-yard punt return for a touchdown, and had a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown – all in the first half.
Hamilton quarterback Cooper Weston was 7 for 8 for 183 yards and threw for three touchdowns. Running backs Cyrus Cousins and Jude Widmer each rushed for touchdowns, and Kaeden Gum caught a 22-yard TD pass.
Hamilton next plays at Whitefish on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.
Florence falls to Three Forks
The Florence football team lost to Three Forks 25-13 in a clash between two of Montana’s best Class B football teams on Friday, August 29 in Florence. The Wolves pounced quickly and jumped out to a 19-0 halftime lead, but Florence rallied in the second half to make it close. The Falcons had their chances, but were unable to make up the early deficit.
Florence’s Bridger Alexander rushes the quarterback in Florence’s game against Three Forks on Friday, August 29 in Florence. Florence lost 25-13. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Three Forks’s offense started and stopped with Kanon Reichman – the 6’4”, 220 pound athletic QB was responsible for all the Wolves’s points. Florence’s starting QB Jake Schneiter was injured early in the game and was unable to return, which led to Florence’s slow start. WR Brody Duchien filled in admirably at quarterback for Florence and threw for two second half touchdowns.
Florence’s task doesn’t get any easier this week as they travel to play Class B powerhouse Manhattan on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.
Corvallis loses to Polson
Corvallis hosted Polson on Friday, August 29 and lost 26-6. The game was tied 6-6 at halftime and, after a lightning delay, Polson pulled away in the second half. Corvallis’s lone touchdown came from a 12-yard pass from quarterback Reese Tucker to Javin Jessop.
“I’m super proud of our players and their ability to make adjustments tonight,” said Corvallis head coach Josh McCrossin. “Polson just made a couple more adjustments and a few more big plays down the stretch in an otherwise tough game. We look forward to the opportunity to reboot this next week and take on Bigfork after another week of practicing as a team.”
Corvallis plays at Bigfork on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.
Stevensville falls to Hardin/Lodge Grass
The Stevensville football team headed east on Friday, August 29 to battle the newly formed Hardin/Lodge Grass co-op team. The Yellowjackets were able to get some points on the board, but fell 40-14.
In week 2, Stevensville heads north to face Libby on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.
Victor triumphant over Troy
The Victor Pirates traveled to Troy on Saturday, Aug. 30 and won 54-46 in a shootout. Victor jumped out to a 32-20 first half lead, and led 40-26 after three quarters, then held on in the 4th quarter to preserve the eight-point victory.
Victor hosts Darby on Saturday, September 6 at 1 p.m.
Darby game cancelled
Darby’s game against Plains on Friday, Aug. 29 was cancelled because Plains didn’t have enough players to play.
Darby will now open their season against Bitterroot Valley rival Victor in Victor on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m.