'Beeter comeback falls short in tough 37-28 loss to Centerville
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Senior Quarterback Trajan Hannum looks for a passing lane in first quarter action against Centerville Friday night. Hannum completed 17-33 passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns.
The Chinook Sugarbeeters and Centerville Miners took the field Friday night in a huge Northern C Eight-man football game with potential playoff implications on the line.
In a back and forth contest that saw multiple lead changes, big momentum swings and amazing play from both teams ended with the 'Beeters on the wrong side of a 37-28 final score.
Chinook falls to 2-2 on the season but still retain post season aspirations heading into this Fridays game in Rocky Boy against the Northern Stars.
The Sugarbeeters got on the scoreboard first with a steady passing attack that worked well. Senior Quarterback Trajan Hannum began the 'Beeters third possession late in the first quarter with a six yard pass to senior Isaac Bell. On the next play Hannum found freshman Toby Niederegger for an 18 yard gain and then followed with a six yard scoring strike to Bell at the 1:03 mark of the first quarter. Chinook missed the conversion and headed to the second quarter with a 6-0 lead.
Senior Brenden Edwards plowed into the Miner backfield, sacking the quarterback and setting up a long fourth down. In punt formation the snap sailed over the punters head and senior James Christensen made the tackle giving the 'Beeters back the ball deep in Miner territory.
On the 'Beeters very first play Hannum went back to Bell in the corner of the endzone for another score, this time from 11 yards out. Chinook again failed on the conversion attempt but led 12-0 early in the second.
The Miners closed out the half strong scoring 19 unanswered points to lead at the break 19-12.
With the momentum clearly in the Miners favor the 'Beeters were looking to get something going. After opening the half with a three and out and punting the ball back to Centerville the 'Beeters looked to the defense to give them a spark.
On second down a bad snap led to a seven yard loss for the miners putting the team in a passing situation. Junior Sam Dumas made a great play on the ball, intercepting it and returning it 62 yards for a 'Beeter touchdown. Hannum then connected with senior Brendan Edwards for the two-point conversion giving Chinook back the lead 20-19.
Centerville would take the lead back on the ensuing possession and following a two-point conversion for a 27-20 lead midway through the third quarter.
The Miner defense held the Sugarbeeters in check and added another score on their next possession to extend their advantage to 35-20.
The Sugarbeeters continued to fight and late in the third quarter Hannum connected with freshman Toby Niederegger coming across the middle of the Miner defense. Niederegger made a nifty move and then outran the defense to the endzone. Hannum then through the ball up to Bell and the senior made a spectacular one handed catch to bring Chinook back within a touchdown 35-28.
The Sugarbeeters would get the ball back midway through the fourth quarter but after converting one fourth down they were forced to punt the ball back to Centerville.
The Miners were clearly set on running the ball to take as much time off the clock as possible. Centerville steadily marched down field running nearly five minutes off the game clock before Edwards made a spectacular play on the ball carrier, hitting him at the line of scrimmage and then taking the ball from the runner, essentially recovering a fumble and giving the 'Beeter offense one last shot with 1:40 left in the game.
The 'Beeters forced to throw faced an all out blitz by the Miner defense that resulted in a safety for the Miners and a 37-28 lead essentially ending the game.
Chinook senior Isaac Bell's return to the football field has impacted the 'Beeter passing game tremendously. Bell hauled in this first quarter touchdown to give Chinook a 6-0 lead. Moments later he added an 11 yard touchdown reception to extend the advantage to 12-0. Bell finished with 9 catches for 67 yards and a spectacular one handed two point conversion.
The Sugarbeeters played hard for all 48 minutes and had plenty of chances but in the end things just didn't break in their favor.
Hannum led the offense rushing for 41 yards on nine carries while connecting on 17-33 passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns.
Bell hauled in nine balls for 67 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Niederegger finished with three catches for 95 yards and a score.
Defensively the 'Beeters were led by senior Tye Mitchell with 11 total tackles including six solo. Junior JT Hauer recorded 11 tackles as well. Chinook recorded a pair of sacks by Edwards and sophomore Favion Couturier.
Hannum and Dumas each recorded interceptions while Edwards and Couturier each recovered a fumble as the 'Beeters forced for turnovers in the game.
Chinook had been whistled for very few penalty's thus far, but Friday night they had 12 accepted. Two of which nullified long 'Beeter touchdowns.
Chinook will look to get back in the win column this Friday when they travel to Rocky Boy.
