Football Roundup: Pirates hit a wall at Libby

At Libby, the visiting Pirates had their three-game win streak scuttled when they were log jammed by the host Loggers. Both teams entered the contest with identical records and aspirations for a postseason berth, which has been telescoped down from the usual half dozen from the West to just four qualifiers on account of CoV2 pandemic precautions.

Libby took their opening drive 70 yards, punctuated by a plunge from their all-state running back to take the lead. The Loggers then hijacked a page out of the Pirate playbook by executing an onside kick during the ensuing kickoff. They recovered the ball and then airmailed the possession into another score to push the Pirates further out toward the edge of the plank with a two-touchdown lead.

To avert being victimized by Polson sophomore quarterback Jarrett Wilson’s arm, the Loggers sent the house on blitzes.

Libby runners and receivers slipped through tackles on account of soggy jerseys coupled with wet tackler attire, underscored by the more than 200 yards gained by Libby's all-state rusher Dawson Young.

Pirate highlights were mostly defensive: Trent Wilson's pick six, a pair of fumble recoveries by Braunson Henriksen and Keyen Nash along with a blocked extra point by JC Steele.

The Pirates now turn their attention to their upcoming contest against the Broncs of Frenchtown, who came out on the short end of their Battle of the Broncs’ skirmish with Hamilton.

Pirate head grid coach Kaden Glinsmann said: "This is a big game for us, because it's the next one. We have a chance to get better this week and we look forward to competing Friday in Frenchtown."

Libby 42, Polson 6

Polson 6 0 0 0 – 6

Libby 20 14 8 0 – 42

L – Dawson Young 5 run (Aydan Williamson kick)

L – Ryder Davis 21 pass from Jay Beagle (Williamson kick)

L – Ryker McElmurry 4 run (kick blocked by JC Steele)

P – Trent Wilson 22 interception return (run after pass stopped)

L – Dawson Young 5 run (Beagle run)

L – Davis 51 kickoff return (pass failed)

L – Davis 39 run (Young run)*

Titans triumph in wrangle of the ranked

At Charlo, it was a gridiron rendition of Clash of the Titans as the undefeated host Vikings clashed with the visiting Titans of the Drummond/P-burg co-op. Both teams came into the game ranked among different polls, the Titans among the upper strata of the top 10 and the Vikings in the midst of the lower half.

Going into the contest, Charlo was aware that it was imperative that they contain MSU-bound Kade Cutler from having an overly productive game. Much like the idiomatic expression, "It's hard to keep a good man down," it would be a task easier said than done.

Cutler generated over 250 all-purpose yards, crossing the century mark both rushing on the ground and throwing through the air. Flint Creek will likely move up in the standings with the loss by second place Fairview while top-ranked Fort Benton remained idle.

The Vikings have a week's respite to prepare for their Homecoming match with Victor on Friday, Oct. 9.

Flint Creek 46, Charlo 0

Flint Creek 12 12 8 14 – 46

Charlo 0 0 0 0 – 0

FC – Preston Metesh 5 run (run failed

FC – Ethan Parke 17 pass from Kade Cutler (run failed)

FC – Cutler 3 run (run failed)

FC – P. Metesh 1 run (run failed)

FC – Avery Metesh 13 pass from Cutler (E.Parke pass from Cutler)

FC – A.Metesh 19 run (Cutler run)

FC – Cutler 26 run (run failed)

Dawgs cage Tigers

At Darby this past week, the visiting Bulldogs of Mission and the host Tigers scratched it out in a tightly contested first half before Mission was able to claw out some separation during second half action as their defense shut down counter attempts by Darby.

Quarterback Kellen McClure connected with Canyon Sargent, John Komotios and Bryce Umphrey for four scores through the air, while Javon Bolen added some variety with a tally on the ground.

This coming first Friday of October, Mission will host the second round of the Crown of the Valley series when the Arlee Warriors travel to St. Ignatius. Charlo will host the final round of the series on Oct. 23. The Bulldogs captured the crown last season with wins over both teams.

Mission 34, Darby 14

Mission 12 6 8 8 – 34

Darby 6 8 0 0 – 14

MSI – Canyon Sargent 35 pass from Kellen McClure (run stopped)

MSI – John Komotios 20 pass from K.McClure (pass incomplete)

D – Deric Parks 5 run (run failed)

MSI – Bryce Umphrey 5 pass from K.McClure (pass incomplete)

D – Safety, Brandon Leavens fumble recovery

D – Parks 20 run (run failed)

MSI – Javon Bolen 38 run (run stopped)

MSI – Safety (Layne Spidel)

MSI – Safety (L.Spidel)

MSI – C.Sargent 25 pass from K.McClure (pass incomplete)