Polson Pirates tame Wildcats 34-14 Homecoming night

POLSON - For the Polson Pirates, it's six down and two to go. Or perhaps even more important, three down and two remaining.

The third-ranked Pirates, who are pursuing a perfect regular season, used a tenacious defensive effort and well-blended offense to manhandle Columbia Falls 34-14 in a Northwestern A victory last Friday.

Polson's homecoming win left the team at 7-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play. The Pirates, who have two more regular season games, can secure at least a portion of the Northwestern A title with a victory Thursday night at home against Whitefish.

Last Friday, the Pirates' defensive unit clamped down on Columbia Falls' two-pronged offensive attack en route to the win. The Wildcats were limited to about 150 yards, including just 74 yards rushing on 34 carries.

The key to Polson's shining defensive effort, according to Coach Scott Wilson, was stopping speedy Columbia Falls' running back Kyle Rosenbaum.

"The biggest thing going in was that we knew we wanted to take away the perimeter," Wilson said of attempting to stop Rosenbaum on the outside. "We did a great job most of the night containing Rosenbaum on sweeps."

Leading the way defensively for the Pirates was outside linebacker Andy Nelson, who let his presence be known in a variety of ways. Nelson racked up team-best tackle numbers and recorded two quarterback sacks.

"Andy also did a nice job stretching out Columbia Falls' sweep plays, which allowed the rest of our guys to pursue the ball," Wilson noted.

The result was a tough night for Rosenbaum, who netted just 67 yards rushing on 23 carries. On average, Rosenbaum was limited to less than three yards per carry.

"After about the first quarter-and-a-half, our defense controlled Columbia Falls well," Wilson said. "We contained Columbia Falls' outside running and their quarterback."

Wildcats quarterback Craig Olson scored on a 29-yard run early in the second quarter, but was held to 72 yards passing for the night.

Polson, meanwhile, moved the ball at will on the ground and through the air. The Pirates amassed nearly 300 yards rushing for the second straight week, while quarterback Joe Locke completed seven of 10 passes for 110 yards. In all, Polson racked up more than 400 yards.

"The biggest key for us offensively was being able to mix the pass and run," Wilson said. "Of course, that means we got another great effort up front from our line, which consists of Mac Gordon, Jeff Smith, Aaron Jones, Jon Gallatin, Justan Kinsel and Logan Klein. Those guys did a great job blocking and opening holes."

The effort up front paved the way for another solid ground game from fullback Kevin Owen and tailback Terry Lundeen. Those two sliced and diced, and powered their way to more than 220 yards rushing.

Owen was once again the catalyst with 151 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns.

"With Kevin it's basically running off tackle and trap plays," Wilson said of his fullback's prowess. "That's pretty much what we run with Kevin. He'll find a seam to get to the open field and then it's tough to bring him down."

That fact was never more apparent than in the fourth quarter, when Owen sprinted for a 35-yard touchdown that secured a Polson victory.

It was Owen's fifth touchdown the past two games. Polson's first-half lead was a short-lived one. The Pirates quickly answered when Nelson scored on a 16-yard run to even things. Before the break rolled around, Owen scored the first of his two touchdowns through a two-yard run that gave the Pirates a 14-6 lead.

The Pirates pretty much took control in the third quarter by scoring twice for a comfortable 22-point lead. Nelson, who finished with 58 yards rushing on seven carries, added his second touchdown on a 14-yard run to open the second half scoring. The Pirates struck again just before the end of third quarter on Locke's 37-yard TD strike to Gordon.

It didn't take long for Polson to tack on another fourth quarter TD. Owen's long touchdown scamper put the icing on the cake at 9:40 of the final quarter.

Polson defensive back Colton Woods provided the homecoming crowd with some excitement when he intercepted an Olson pass on the last play of the second half.

Olson returned the ball more than 50 yards before he was finally tackled at the 15.

Wilson felt the Pirates made it an enjoyable homecoming for all those involved.

"There's always a lot of excitement during homecoming week," the Polson coach said. "Whenever you get a win and succeed like we did it is nice for everyone."

Thursday night's home game against Whitefish will begin at 7:05 and will be televised.

POLSON 34, COLUMBIA FALLS 14

Second quarter scoring

C-Olson 29 run (kick failed)

P-Andy Nelson 16 run (Joe Locke kick)

P-Kevin Owen 2 run (Locke kick)

Third quarter

P-Nelson 14 run (Locke kick)

P-Mac Gordon 37 pass from Locke (Locke kick)

Fourth quarter

P-Owen 35 run (Locke kick)

C-Rosenbaum run (two-point conversion good)

Individual Statistics

Rushing-Polson: Kevin Owen 21-151, Terry Lundeen 12-75, Nelson 7-58.

Passing-Polson: Joe Lock 7-10-1 110.

Receiving-Polson: Colton Woods 3-46, Gordon 2-44.