'Beeters can't convert on final play, fall to Shelby 26-22 in home opener
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Chinook senior Benton Elliot avoids the Coyote rush, keeping the play alive long enough to find an open Receiver down field. Elliot passed for three touchdowns Friday night versus Shelby and has 7 in Chinooks first two games.
The Sugarbeeters have found themselves in a pair of barn burners to start the season. After earning a hard fought down to the wire win in week one, the 'Beeters fell short in the final seconds to lose their home opener to the Shelby Coyotes 26-22. The loss evens their record at 1-1.
The 'Beeters thwarted the Coyotes opening drive by forcing a fumble. A fourth down attempt on the ensuing possession came up short after the chains were brought out.
Shelby punted the ball back to Chinook late in the first quarter and after it came to rest the 'Beeters would begin their next drive at their own one yard line.
The drive started slow with a false start pushing the 'Beeters back even closer to their own goal line. Chinook has done well early on, orchestrating long drives and they would manage another one here.
Chinook marched 79 yards to paydirt, scoring their first touchdown of the contest on a 10 yard bullet from senior quarterback Benton Elliot to junior wideout Toby Niederegger. Benton added the conversion with a nice completion to senior tight end Reese Elliot for a 8-0 Chinook lead.
The Coyotes answered at the 3:59 mark of the second quarter, but a failed conversion attempt left Chinook with the lead, 8-6.
The 'Beeters took over late in the first half, starting the possession with 1:59 remaining.
Sophomore Tyler Schoen began the drive with runs of 7 and 5 yards moving the chains with 1:21 showing on the clock. Elliot and Niederegger then connected on a long pitch and catch down to the Shelby 30 yard line. Elliot then hit junior back, Hunter Molyneaux for a 10 yard pickup with just :06 remaining in the half. Following a penalty Elliot dropped back, gave the defender a little pump fake and found Niederegger for an 18 yard touchdown pass with one second left culminating a 73 yard drive. The conversion was no good and the teams headed to halftime with the 'Beeters on top 14-6.
The Coyotes began the second half with a vengeance, returning the second half kickoff 50 yards for a score to cut the 'Beeter lead to 14-12.
Shelby then benefited from a onside kick that was deemed to have traveled 10 yards, giving the Coyotes outstanding field position. Waisting little time the visitors scored with 9:48 left in the third quarter to take their first lead of the contest 18-14.
A fumble thwarted the 'Beeters first possession of the half, but after a solid defensive effort the Beeters would begin their next drive at their own 30 yard line.
Chinook moved the ball effectively to the Shelby 33 where they were faced with a fourth and nine situation. Elliot scrambled a bit and patiently waited for his receivers to break free before connecting with Niederegger for a 13 yard gain to keep the drive alive. Elliot then drew the defense in to set up a perfectly executed screen play to Molyneaux for a 23 yard scoring pass. Molyneaux added the conversion run putting Chinook back on top 22-18 at the 4:45 mark of the third quarter.
The Coyotes quickly responded, scoring their fourth touchdown of the game just :31 later. Following a successful conversion, Shelby again had the lead at 26-22.
All the scoring in the contest was done in the second and third quarters with the defenses shining in the first and fourth.
The teams traded possessions down the stretch with the 'Beeter defense standing tall late in the contest, giving the ball back to the offense with just :31 remaining and the ball at their own 16 yard line.
Elliot first found senior wideout Damon Hannum for a 10 yard pickup, then connected with Niederegger for a 12 yard gain. The 'Beeters then found themselves at the Coyote 27 yard line with just :03 showing on the clock.
The 'Beeters sent one receiver down the left side, lined up two on the right as time wound down. Elliot moved out of the pocket to his right releasing a well thrown ball to the end zone, unfortunately the ball would fall incomplete handing the 'Beeters a tough 26-22 loss.
Chinook was proficient offensively, putting together a number of long drives. The Coyotes pinned Chinook back deep on a number of occasions with well placed punts. The defense made some big plays, including a fumble recovery early on and a number of turnovers on downs.
The Sugarbeeters were again their own worst enemy, losing the turnover battle for the second week in a row. The 'Beeters lost four fumbles in the contest which either led to Coyote scores or thwarted promising drives. Chinook out gained their opponent for the second week in a row and their defense was strong throughout.
The 'Beeters will have an unscheduled open week coming up after the game with Fairview was canceled prior to the opening week of the season. Chinook will travel to Hays to take on the Thunderbirds at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19. The 'Beeters next home contest will be Friday, October 2 when Simms will come to town for Homecoming. In between Chinook will head to Chester to face the Hawks on Friday, September 25.
