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

Missed opportunities and turnovers plagued the 'Beeters in 19-6 loss to the Ennis Mustangs Saturday afternoon. The 'Beeters made the long trip to take on the Mustangs in the first round of the Montana Class C Eight-player Football Championships. When the dust settled the 7-2 Sugarbeeter's season was over, dropping their second contest in a row.

The Mustangs took the opening possession and picked up a quick first down but the 'Beeter defense then tightened and forced a turnover on downs. Chinook began their first possession with a pair of short runs from senior Running Back, Tyler Schoen and Quarterback, Levi Jensen. Facing a third and eight from their own 33 Jensen faked the handoff to Schoen and scampered 12 yards for the first down. Like the Mustangs, their opening drive then stalled, and they were forced to punt.

The Mustangs got things rolling on their second possession putting together a five play 65 yard drive that culminated with a 18 yard touchdown run. The 'Beeters stopped the conversion attempt keeping the score at 6-0.

Chinook then put together a promising drive marching deep into Mustang territory as the first quarter wound down. Schoen began the drive with a 10 yard run. Jensen added a well-executed shovel pass to senior, Flint Annis for a 12 yard gain. Schoen took the 'Beeters down to the Mustang 13 yard line with a 15 yard scamper.

The 'Beeters started the second quarter with a third down at the Mustang seven yard line. An incomplete pass left Chinook with a fourth and four for a first down. Schoen fought hard for three yards falling just short of the line to gain, turning the ball over to the Mustangs at their own four yard line.

The Mustangs moved the into 'Beeter territory before the defense answered the call. Chinook sophomore, Hendrix Doney stepped in front of a Mustang pass at the 30 yard line, making the interception and returning it to the Mustang 36. With 7:11 remaining in the half the 'Beeter offense was looking for points but just two plays later a fumble gave the ball right back to the Ennis offense.

The Mustangs strung together a series of short runs while mixing in runs of 22 and 18 yards as they moved the ball to the 'Beeter three yard line with time running out in the first half. Ennis would punch it with just thirty nine ticks left on the clock sending the teams to halftime with Ennis on top 12-0.

Chinook got the ball first to start the second half, but the Mustang defense really crowded the line of scrimmage making it very difficult for the 'Beeter rushing attack forcing the 'Beeters into a quick three and out and a punt. The teams traded possessions back and forth with neither team moving the ball until midway through the third quarter.

Ennis started their second possession of the half at their own 19 yard line. The Mustangs went to the air for a couple of long completions to move the ball into 'Beeter territory and then finished the drive with a 19 yard scoring run to extend their lead. Ennis added the extra point kick to make the score 19-0.

The 'Beeters had a few big completions in subsequent drives, a 29 yard pass from Jensen to Annis over the top started one drive but three incompletions led to a turnover on downs. Another drive ended with a fumble at the Mustang 11 yard line that thwarted another scoring opportunity.

Chinook would take over at the Ennis 10 yard line late in the contest when Jensen dropped back a hit a Schoen in stride for a 70 yard touchdown pass to provide the final points in a 19-6 Mustang win.

Senior Quarterback Levi Jensen (5) follows the lead block of sophomore Hendrix Doney (21) for a short gain.

Schoen led the 'Beeter rushing attack with 16 carries for 78 yards, Jensen finished with seven carries for 23 yards and Annis added 17 yards on five carries. The 'Beeters as a team had 28 carries for 118 yards. Jensen completed 5-16 passes for 143 yards with a Touchdown and an Interception. Schoen had the one catch for 70 yards and a score.

Chinook Head Coach, Mike Jones provided his thoughts after the game, "Even though we didn't get the results we were hoping for, and the season ended earlier than we had hoped. I am thankful and proud of this team especially this year's seniors." Jones added, "We played a good physical team in Ennis. They keyed in on our run game well, and we weren't able to consistently get our passing game going. I think these seniors have done a fantastic job leading our program. They left it 14-4 over the last 2 seasons."