Mission football nearly gets win

ST. IGNATIUS — Mission football head coach Peter Hamilton’s pregame speech isn’t working.

Hamilton crunched some numbers and his team has given up more than 100 points in the first half and only six in the second half during the course of four games.

Last Friday, the Bulldogs lost a heartbreaker of a game to Thompson Falls, 19-13 in overtime.

“It was a tough game to lose in overtime,” Hamilton said.

As per Mission’s characteristics, Thompson Falls scored 13 points in the first half. The Bulldogs stepped up in the second half when senior Justin Evans threw two touchdown passes, one to senior Jake Durglo and the second to senior Jorren Geis.

In overtime, Thompson Falls passed for the winning score.

Evans ran for 160 yards and had 8 completions for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Durglo made six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown.

“The offensive line played well,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton has tried many different techniques in his pre-game speeches.

“I’ve tried things from hoorah to get up and scream and yell to telling them I love them,” Hamilton said. “I’ve tried a lot but nothing has worked. There’s still something out there that will work.”

The game opened the Bulldogs’ eyes.

“We find ways to not execute,” Hamilton said.

Up next, Mission will face Three Forks tomorrow night.

Hamilton said his team knows what to expect in order to win games.

“We have been taking baby steps this week,” he said. “We made some good gains. We are a better team now.”