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

The Chinook Sugarbeeters are headed back to the Montana Class C State Football Eight-man playoffs after winning a hard hitting physical contest 12-8 over the Chester/Joplin Inverness Hawks at home Saturday night.

It's not very often one will witness a Class C football that has a final score of 12-8 but Saturday's contest was a hard hitting defensive battle that saw both offenses struggle with the opposing defense.

The Chinook defense made it's presence felt early in the contest as senior Trajan Hannum ended the Hawks first possession with an interception. The offense was unable to get anything going and turned the ball over on downs.

The teams traded three and outs before freshman Toby Niederegger intercepted an errant pass on the Hawks third possession.

After forcing a fourth and goal at the one yard line the defense was unable to hold the Hawks out and suddenly the 'Beeters found themselves down 8-0 with 9:31 remaining in the first half.

The offense would again go three and out but on the Hawks next possession the 'Beeter secondary again came up big as junior Sam Dumas intercepted a third Hawk pass to give the offense back the ball.

Both teams continued to struggle moving the football until late in the second quarter when Hannum connected with senior Karson Powell on a 36 yard scoring strike on a drive that took just the one play. The conversion was unsuccessful and the teams headed to halftime with the Sugarbeeters trailing 8-6.

The Hawks began the third quarter with a steady rushing attack that picked up a few first downs. The Hawks then went to the air and didn't connect twice, leading to a turnover on downs.

The 'Beeters were a motivated group coming out of halftime and Dumas picked up a superb block from Powell on their first play from scrimmage leading to a 43 yard gain all the way down to the Hawk 7 yard line.

The 'Beeters were stopped for a three yard loss on the next play but Dumas then found the end zone with a 10 yard sprint to paydirt for a 12-8'Beeter lead at the 6:45 mark of the third quarter.

The teams traded possession but the game started to be played more on the 'Beeter side of the field. With points coming at a premium flipping field possession would be just as nice.

Dumas gained two yards on the 'Beeters first play from scrimmage late in the third quarter but the Hawks were called for a 15 yard Helmet to Helmet penalty and the 'Beeters were on the move.

Senior James Christensen rambled for 17 yards and Hannum followed with a 25 yard scamper down to the three yard line of the Hawks. A bad snap pushed the offence back to the 26 yard line and another Helmet to Helmet penalty on C/J-I never resulted in a first down giving the ball back to the Hawks but on their side of the field.

The Hawks moved the ball well to start the fourth quarter and after a pair of first downs a 45 yard completion had the Hawks at the 'Beeter three yard line but an unsportsmanlike penalty on the Hawk Coach pushed them back and led to a turnover on downs.

With 4:35 remaining in the contest and a slim lead the offense was looking to run some clock. Christensen rumbled 33 yards around the left side after picking up a huge block from Niederegger but eventually Chinook had to punt the ball back to Chester.

On the Hawks first play from scrimmage Dumas intercepted his second ball of the game and returned it 10 yards to the Hawk 18 yard line.

The Hawks were twice whistled for Helmet to Helmet penalties as time was running out in the contest and on their season.

The 'Beeters finished the game in victory formation, taking a knee, twice from the Hawks three yard line

Senior Quarterback Trajan Hannum garnered 102 yards rushing on 18 carries and threw for 71 yards and a score in the win.

Christensen carried the ball for 66 yards on 10 carries and Dumas added 54 yards on six carries and a touchdown. Powell led the receivers with three catches for 50 yards and a score. The offense did lose 40 yards an sacks and errant snaps giving them a total of 253 yards offense.

In the end it was the 'Beeters discipline on defense that helped lead the team to victory in addition to not responding to six Hawk personal fouls they thwarted C/J-I drives with four interceptions, forced seven punts and stopped them twice on fourth down.

The Chinook defense stands ready for the snap Saturday against Chester/J-I. The defense came up big for the Sugarbeeters in their 12-8 win over the Hawks sending them into the State Playoffs. The 'Beeters intercepted four passes and held the Hawks short on a number of fourth down attempts.

Senior Tye Mitchell led the effort with 13 total tackles, including seven solo. Dumas added 10 total tackles and two interceptions. Hannum had a pick and 9 tackles while Powell recorded two pass break-ups and five tackles.

"Coming into this game we knew it was going to be a hard fought game as all Chinook/CJI games are. We were able to work together and adjust well with some in game adjustments," commented Head Coach Mike Jones.

After a hard fought win there was plenty to be happy about, "Our boys responded well and set out to finish two goals they had at the beginning of the season. They wanted to finish the regular season with a winning record and make the playoffs and this game did both. I am extremely proud of them, they were able to set two goals and had the discipline and toughness to achieve their goals," added Jones. "We are enjoying making the playoffs for a minute but we are going to get right back to work and preparing for next week."

The 'Beeters earned the North No. 5 Seed and will be on the road this Saturday to take on the No. 1 South Fairview Warriors in a first round playoff game. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.