The Chinook Sugarbeeters (6-0) and the Chester-Joplin-Inverness Hawks (6-0) will play tonight for the Northern C Conference championship and the top seed entering the post season at the end of the month.

Both teams arrived at this point following well deserved victories this past weekend. The ‘Beeters raced out to a early lead and never looked back in their defeat of the Power-Dutton-Brady Titans 50-12 Friday night.

The ‘Beeters scored early and often against the Titans finding the end zone on their first four possessions.

Senior Kenny Pruttis hauled in a nice throw from senior quarterback Ian McIntosh that covered 60 yards on his way to the ‘Beeters opening score of the contest. McIntosh added the conversion putting Chinook on top 8-0 just 1:20 into the contest.

Pruttis capped the ‘Beeters second possession with a 13 yard reception to put the ‘Beeters up 14-0.

Following a defensive stand that included pass breakups from seniors Jake Norby, Kevin Young and Derek Bell, the ‘Beeters forced a turnover on downs and put the offense back in business.

Junior Tate Niederegger would follow with a pair of short touchdown runs covering one and two yards. Norby and McIntosh would add the conversions through the air to Chinook on top 30-0 midway through the second.

Norby capped the first half scoring with an 11 yard reception with just :12 left in the half to put the ‘Beeters up 38-0 after a McIntosh to Niederegger conversion.

Senior Owen Powell found the endzone in the third and fourth quarters to provide the ‘Beeters their final points. Powell scored in the third from two yards out and again in the fourth, this time from eight yards.

McIntosh led a balanced offensive attack completing 8-17 passes for 175 yards and three scores.

Niederegger carried the ball 18 times for 64 yards and two scores. The ‘Beeters overall rushed 35 times for 105 yards in the win.

Pruttis and Norby each caught four balls with Pruttis recording 90 yards worth of receptions and two touchdowns. Norby finished with 85 yards and one score.

Defensively Chinook limited the Titans to 181 yards of total offense including just 94 yards on 28 pass attempts.

Senior Spencer Willman has been making his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball all season long. This may be his first season on the field with the varsity, but he has played like a veteran and knows the importance of each game now that the season is winding down and the playoffs are right around the corner.

“So far this season has been filled with fun new experiences and as a team we’ve had a great ride. I am looking forward to the game tonight and I am expecting it to be a lot like the Simms game. We’re ready to play some smash mouth football,” stated Willman.

Powell has made his mark on this year’s team as well, “So far it has been a really fun new experience. I really wish I would have played the last three years. I’m looking forward to the CJI game tonight, it should be a good time.”

Head coach Scott Friede felt his team executed the game plan very well against the Titans, “We felt going into the PDB game that we needed to control the speed of (Chase) Rossmiller and we played very well against them.” Friede added, “Their size created a few issues for our running game, but felt we got that worked out and executed our running game very well.”

The passing game has been a huge part of the ‘Beeters game plan each week. “Our receivers had good nights catching the ball, and that usually opens up our running game,” said Friede.

The win made tonight possible and being able to play for the Northern C title on their home field will be a nice experience.

“We are very happy with the position that these guys have created. Having an opportunity to play in a championship game on tonight at home,” commented Friede

“Our defense is still playing very well, only giving up an average of 5 points per game. We are starting to bring up the speed on offense as well and hopefully that will be evident in our upcoming games,”

As for the challenge the Hawks will present, Friede had this to say, “CJI has a lot of weapons, the passing trio of (Cory) Richter to (Brandon) Richter and the (Troy) Harmon kid runs very good routes and has very good hands.”

“Their running game is a compliment of their passing game, so we will have to focus on run/pass keys. It should be a great opportunity for us, It is great for the northern division and the community to have a game of this magnitude being played here tonight,” concluded Friede.

Chinook will honor their nine seniors at halftime of tonight’s contest as they take the field for their final regular season home contest. The winner of tonight’s contest would be home for the first two rounds of the playoffs.

Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. The game is expected to be broadcast on KRYK FM 101.3.