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

The Chinook Sugarbeeters took a big step forward in securing a trip to the playoffs this past Friday as they completely overpowered the Simms Tigers 56-6 on Homecoming night.

The Sugarbeeters dominated both sides of the ball in the win and now have themselves in control of their own destiny as the regular season winds down.

After the teams traded possessions early in the game it was the 'Beeter defense that put the first points on the board as senior Karson Powell and junior JT Hauer took down the Tiger quarterback in the end zone for a safety and a 2-0 lead.

Following the Safety the Tigers kicked the ball back to the 'Beeters where they took over at the Tiger 38 yard line.

Senior Quarterback Trajan Hannum connected with Powell on the first play from scrimmage for a short gain and then found senior Isaac Bell for an 11 yard pick up before hitting Powell again for a six yard gain.

The short, quick hitter passing game set up Powell over the middle for a 35 yard scoring strike. Bell then drop-kicked the extra point and Chinook was quickly up 9-0.

As the second quarter started the 'Beeter defense was gaining momentum. Senior Tye Mitchell's bull rush into the Tiger backfield led to a batted ball and another punt.

On the 'Beeters next possession it was the ground attack that Head Coach Mike Jones wanted to focus on.

Senior James Christensen powered for a four yard gain and junior Sam Dumas followed with a six yard pick up. The 'Beeters went back to the passing game for one play and a quick pass to senior Brendan Edwards gained 18 yards. Hannum then picked up six, Dumas another four and Christensen found the end zone from three yards out for another 'Beeter touchdown and a 15-0 lead.

Edwards and Mitchell continued to wreak havoc in the Tiger backfield and after three plays the Chinook offense was back on the field.

Jones game plan had established a balanced attack that was hitting on all cylinders midway through the second quarter.

Christensen gained three yards on the ground, Hannum found Powell for another 11 yard gain and a first down. After pair of Christensen runs it was back to the air.

Hannum dropped back rolled to his left, then back to his right and fired a perfect strike to Bell in stride for a 23 yard touchdown and a 21-0 Chinook lead.

Following another three and out forced by the 'Beeter defense, Chinook looked to add another score before halftime.

Hannum found Edwards for 13 yards and moments later Bell for 12 yards after making a nifty move before getting out of bounds.

With just :21 left in the half Hannum dropped back and delivered another perfectly thrown ball to Powell for a 27 yard touchdown. Chinook took a 27-0 lead into halftime.

Chinook opened the scoring right away in the third quarter with a seven yard scoring strike from Hannum to Edwards. Christensen powered in the conversion and the rout was on 35-0 with 10:19 remaining in the third quarter.

Edwards then recovered a fumble in the endzone at the 2:06 mark of the third quarter. Hannum then flipped the ball to Bell on the conversion attempt who then threw it to a wide open Mitchell in the end zone for a 43-0 Chinook lead.

Hauer and Mitchell then collided with Tiger return man on the ensuing kickoff with Mitchell recovering the fumble. Moments later Dumas found the end zone from 17 yards out. He then added a drop kick of his own for a 50-0 'Beeter advantage.

With the clock running it was the younger kids who got plenty of opportunity to play with the score as lopsided as it was.

Chinook sophomore Benton Elliot found freshman Toby Niederegger for a 25 yard gain and sophomore Favion Couturier powered his way for a 27 yard scoring run and the final 'Beeter points.

enior Trajan Hannum looks for a receiver Friday night. Hannum finished 12-20 passing for 171 yards and four touchdowns.

Simms added a score on the final offensive play of the game of a 56-6 Chinook win.

The 'Beeters dominated all facets of the game.

Chinook had a very balanced attack, gaining 162 yards rushing while picking up 196 yards through the air.

Christensen finished with 87 yards and two scores on 13 carries. Hannum completed 12-20 passes for 171 yards and four touchdowns. Powell caught five balls for 79 yards and two scores to lead team.

The 'Beeter defense was dominating. Simms did not record a first down, finished with -10 yards passing and 19 yards rushing with 37 coming on the final play of the game.

Simms ran just seven plays the entire second half and only two plays in Chinook territory the entire game.

The Sugarbeeters will be in Great Falls this Saturday to face the Central Mustangs.