The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

The Chinook Sugarbeeters will look to cap an undefeated season and capture the school's second State 'C' football championship this Saturday when they will face the Arlee Scarlet Knights (11-0).

The Sugarbeeters punched their ticket with a 50-32 win over the previously unbeaten Fairview Warriors (10-1).

Senior quarterback Ian McIntosh tossed a pair of touchdown passes to senior Kenny Pruttis and found junior Kade Friede on a 45 yard touchdown pass. McIntosh added a pair of short rushing touchdowns on the day as well.

Junior Tate Niederegger scored a pair of rushing touchdowns to help the offense and recorded a Safety on the defensive side of the ball.

The 'Beeters struck first as McIntosh found Pruttis on a 55 yard bomb for an early 6-0 lead. The Warriors responded just as quick tying the contest at 6-6 moments later.

The 'Beeters answered with back-to-back touchdowns. McIntosh first found paydirt on a 2 yard plunge which preceded an 18 yard scamper by Niederegger. McIntosh ran in the conversion and the 'Beeters were up 20-6 as the first quarter came to an end.

Fairview put a nice drive together trimming the 'Beeter lead to 20-14 and were driving again when Bell stepped in front of a Warrior pass giving the 'Beeters the ball back.

Moments later Friede would make a nice grab, hauling in the McIntosh pass and racing through the Warrior defense for a 45 yard score that extended the 'Beeter lead to 26-14 midway through the second quarter.

Niederegger found the end zone for the second time moments later, this time from 14 yards out. He followed with a conversion run and suddenly the 'Beeters were on top 34-14.

The Warriors were a tough team to shake and would score in the final minute of the half to trim the advantage to 34-20.

Chinook plays every second on the clock and with time running down in the half McIntosh connected with senior Jake Norby on a spectacular 37 yard catch that he was just able to secure before it hit the ground.

The big play put the offense in business with just seconds left in the half. A few plays later Pruttis caught an 18 yard pass from McIntosh to send the 'Beeters to the halftime break with a 40-20 lead and all the momentum.

The defense started the second half with all kinds of pressure on the Warrior quarterback. Eventually the 'Beeters pressure resulted in what appeared to be a strip sack touchdown but was ruled a safety on a sack by Niederegger.

McIntosh later added his third rushing score, a three yard tote that put Chinook on top 50-20 with the fourth quarter remaining.

The Warriors added two fourth quarter scores to make the final score 50-32.

McIntosh finished the day with five completions for 165 yards and three scores to go with 13 rushing attempts for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns. Niederegger added 108 yards and two scores on 18 carries. Pruttis snagged three balls for 83 yards and two scores.

The 'Beeter defense was again tough. They held an explosive Warrior team that put up over 60 points per contest to 32 with 12 of those coming late in the contest.

The defense intercepted four balls on the day. Pruttis snagged his school record tying ninth while Niederegger, senior Jake Norby and senior Derek Bell also intercepted the Warrior offense.

Seniors Jesse Dannels, Spencer Willman and Niederegger each recorded a sack in the win. Senior Kevin Young recorded two quarterback hurries as did Dannels, Willman and senior Travis Hamilton each recorded one.

Niederegger led the team with 11 total tackles, McIntosh added ten tackles, Willman and Bell each made nine stops in the win.

With the win the team has only one game left this fall, "It's nice knowing that all of our work paid off and we have a chance to put that work to use and play in the state championship," commented senior Jesse Dannels.

The team has shown great poise all season and did so against Fairview as well, "It's always tough to go on the road and stay focused. We were able to do that and get the job done to get to the game we've had our sights on since last year," stated junior Kade Friede.

The squad has benefited from the challenges the playoffs have presented, "This team has been tested by two very good football teams. We are very proud of the way they stay poised and focused. Both games we had very strong defensive and offensive performances as a team," stated head coach Scott Friede.

"In the Fairview game we took advantage of the opportunities we had early in the game and our defense played very well. We were very efficient on offense in the first half and made the opportunities that we had count. It was a great team effort," added Friede.

Kasie McIntosh

Kade Friede dives for the endzone completing a 45 yard touchdown reception in the second quarter to put Chinook on top 26-14.

Arlee will certainly present a new challenge, but they also have a lot in common with their opponent, "Arlee will bring a big strong athletic team to town. They play well defensively. And they play well together. In a way they are a lot like us. It should make for a great game," concluded Friede.

To be able to play for the state championship is one thing but the opportunity to do it in front of loud and proud group of fans on their home field is something this football team will get to experience for the first time.

When Chinook last won a State Championship (2010) they accomplished that feat on a frozen Hoon Field where the thermometer never passed zero. Saturday the temperature is expected to be much warmer, though the wind is expected to blow, but with a State championship hanging the balance its just football weather.

Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. and the game is expected to be broadcast on KRYK FM 101.3 or can be viewed on-line via the MHSA website http://www.MHSA.org and then clicking the live events link on their homepage.