Rams upset Pirates' perfect season

POLSON - The bigger you are, the harder you fall, and this was the case Saturday afternoon when the undefeated Pirates were upset by Billings Central 13-7 in the second round of the state play-offs.

With a game that featured only three touchdowns and both teams held to less than 200 total yards of offense, it was all defense.

Both teams were held scoreless in the first half. Polson's Andy Nelson rumbled 27 yards for the game's first touchdown with 1:48 left in the third quarter and quarterback Joe Locke added the PAT to give the Pirates a 7-0 lead.

Polson was building momentum until 10:49 in the fourth quarter when Locke was forced back by the Rams' defensive line, and ultimately fumbled. Billings Eric Rude picked up the loose ball and ran 40 yards for the Rams' first touchdown.

"We got hit and fumbled the ball when our kids were just trying to make a play," said Pirates head coach Scott Wilson. "That was a huge momentum switch."

With the game tied 7-7 in the fourth quarter, the defensive battle continued. Billings drove the ball down the field, and Rams head coach Jim Stanton decided to go for it on fourth and goal. Billings quarterback Bryce Burton rolled out and dove into the end zone giving the Rams the 13-7 lead.

"We had a lot of trust in the quarterback and we were playing good defense at the time. If they were going to beat us on a 99-yard drive then it was (going to be) their destiny," Stanton said.

With 3:02 left in the game, Polson started their final drive on the 20-yard line. Locke could not connect with any of his receivers and the Pirates went four and out.

"They (the Rams) played a good football game, they had pressure on us all day," Wilson said.

The Pirates saw their perfect season coming to a close as Billings ran out the clock and moved on to the third round of the state play-offs.

The Pirates finished the season 9-1, one of of their best finishes ever. Two years ago they made it to the second round and lost to Miles City.

"I am happy as can be, I am proud of kids and the seniors," said Wilson. "We will graduate 16 seniors and we will definitely miss those kids."