We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Chinook senior Kyler Johnson corrals Thunderbird Frank Runs.
Thunderbird senior Tyson Shambo throws one of his three scoring passes in the 24-22 win over Chinook.
The Sugarbeeters and the Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds met on the gridiron for the first time in many years in the season finale for both schools.
The Sugarbeeters enter the contest with a 2-6 record while the Thunderbirds stood at 1-7.
Both teams took some time to get on track offensively as they traded possessions early on with both squads going three-and-out through much of the first quarter.
The Sugarbeeters forced a fumble after punting the ball away to the Thunderbirds early in the second quarter. After a short drive that culminated with a pass from junior quarterback Steven Mulonet to senior receiver Kyler Johnson from 13 yards out to get to Chinook on the scoreboard first.
Mulonet then connected with Johnson for the two-point conversion to give Chinook an 8-0 lead at the 9:42 mark of the second quarter.
On the ensuing possession Chinook blocked a punt and recovered the ball at the Thunderbird 17 yard line. Three plays later, senior Kade Friede power his way to the end zone from 10 yards out to give Chinook a 14-0 lead with 7:19 left in the second quarter.
The 'Beeter defense would force the Thunderbirds into a turnover on downs getting Chinook the ball back at the Thunderbird 34. Senior Jay Shambo stepped in front of an errant 'Beeter pass to make the interception off a ball first tipped, however the Thunderbirds were not able to convert the possession into points.
Senior Franklin Nez Perce broke through the line and blocked a punt to give Chinook the ball back again with great field position at the Thunderbird 22 yard line. Mulonet would find Johnson again in the end zone this time from 17 yards. The pair also connected on the conversion for a bigger 22-0 halftime lead.
After honoring their seniors at halftime the Thunderbirds came out with their offense performing at a high level and the passing game between senior quarterback Tyson Shambo and Senior wideout Frank RunsAbove firing on all cylinders.
The Thunderbirds begin the second half with back-to-back first-downs including a 25-yard Shambo to Runs Above connection. The Thunderbird Drive ended with the pair again hooking up for a 21-yard scoring pass as RunsAbove hauled the ball in between two defenders. The two-point conversion was added and the lead was trimmed to 22 - 8.
The Thunderbirds offense quickly moved down the field and following a fourth and two from the Chinook 18 yard line Shambo found RunsAbove again in the end zone and also for the two-point conversion bringing the score to 22-16 late in the third quarter.
The 'Beeters would put together a nice offense of possession but were not able to convert on fourth down giving the Thunderbirds the ball back to Hays /Lodge Pole.
The Thunderbirds kept the ball on the ground with Junior running back Chance Main caring most of the load.
Shambo found Main on a 2-yard screen pass to put the Thunderbirds in business near the goal line. From there Shambo found RunsAbove for his third touchdown reception of the contest to now tie the game up at 22-22. With the game on the line it was again Shambo to RunsAbove for the conversion and ultimately a 24-22 season-ending victory for the Thunderbirds over the Sugarbeeters.
