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

The Chinook Sugarbeeters headed west this past Saturday to take on the Simms Tigers in a huge Northern C, 'B' Subdivision contest. Both teams began the day with perfect 5-0 records having steam rolled through the competition.

The winner would earn the top spot in the subdivision and take on the 'A' subdivision number one for the Northern C Conference Championship. The winner would also be assured of hosting a first round playoff game as either the No. 1 or No. 2 seed when the Montana Class C Eight-player State Football playoffs begin later this month.

Unfortunately for the Sugarbeeters, a slow start was to much to overcome in a tough 34-24 road loss to the Simms Tigers.

The Tigers would open up the scoring with 6:09 remaining in the first quarter on a 73 yard touchdown run. The 'Beeter defense has been stout all season long, but has on occasion given up the big play.

The defense would respond and keep the tigers in check for much of the contest. The offense however, was unable to build any momentum, especially in the first half.

Chinook had been extremely efficient through the first five games. The team had committed just two meaningless fumbles in lopsided wins. Saturday against the Tigers the 'Beeters would turn the ball over four times, all of them costly.

Midway through the second quarter and Chinook still trailing 6-0, the Tiger applied tremendous pressure on a 'Beeter punt, making the block and recovering the ball in the end zone for a 12-0 Tiger lead.

In the closing seconds of the first half The Tigers intercepted the 'Beeters, something that hadn't happened all season long. With :32 left in the half, Simms found the end zone again and following the conversion took a 20-0 lead into halftime.

The 'Beeters had their chances in the opening half despite the two turnovers that directly resulted in 14 Tiger points. Twice the 'Beeters had first and Goal opportunities only to come away with 0 points.

Chinook looked to start the second half in a much different way and they did. The 'Beeters played spirited football the final two quarters in making a valiant effort to mount a comeback.

Chinook marched down the field to start the third quarter and quickly put points on the board. Junior Quarterback Levi Jensen connected with senior Wideout Drake Berreth for a 20 yard touch down at the 10:15 mark.

Moments later the 'Beeters would find the end zone again. Senior Toby Niederegger hauled in the Tiger punt at midfield, blasted through the Tiger defense and stiff-armed his way to a 40 yard touchdown return to make it a one score game, 20-12 with the Tigers on top at the 7:53 mark of the third quarter,

Simms answered with another long run, but Chinook once again responded. Jensen capped a nice 'Beeter drive off with a four yard scoring strike to Niederegger to make the score 28-18 in favor of Simms.

Simms put together a sustained drive that culminated with a five yard scoring run to give the Tigers a 34-18 lead late. Jensen capped the scoring with a 39 yard touchdown pass to junior Tyler Schoen, providing the final points of the contest with 1:18 remaining and Simms on top 34-24.

The 'Beeters out-gained the Tigers for the game 267-230 and ran 17 more plays, but the four turnovers were to much to overcome. Jensen finished with 248 yards and three touchdowns while throwing a pair of interceptions.

Senior wide Receiver Oskar Pula picks up a nice gain during first half action for the 'Beeters.

Pula caught five balls for 85 yards and a score while Niederegger added 52 yards and a score on seven catches to go along with a 40 yard punt return for a touchdown. Berreth caught four balls for 47 yards and a score to round out the 'Beeter receiving corp.

Chinook will now look to become road warriors for the remainder of the season. The 'Beeters lone remaining home game will come on Friday, October 15 when they will host the Cascade Badgers in a Subdivision Seeded game.

Chinook will then see how things shake out in determining if they will be the No. 3 or No. 4 Seed in the playoffs. Should the Sugarbeeters defeat Cascade and win convincingly over the Choteau Bulldogs this Friday they would in all likelihood be the No. 3 Seed out of the North.

The first round of the State Eight-player football playoff is set for Saturday, October 30. The Sugarbeeters will be on the road to take on either the No. 2 or No.1 Seed out of the Eastern Division.