Noxon football ends season with first victory

NOXON – The Red Devils pulled out their first win of the season during their last home game, bringing joy to all the Red Devil fans.

The final score was 38 to 14, ending Noxon’s season on a high note.

In the strong performance the men banded together to overtake Darby.

“It was the best one of the year since it was our first win. The kids played hard and a lot of them fought through injuries and rose to the occasion,” said Head Coach Josh Patterson.

Sophomore quarterback Corey Tessier had 13 of 15 passes for 135 yards and three touchdowns.

Jacob Mitchell also played a strong game with four catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Patterson said Mitchell had his best performance of the year against Darby.

Throughout the season the team continually improved, the final game of the season proving just that.

“We improved each week,” explained Coach Patterson. “They definitely got a lot better and it will definitely help them as they continue to grow and mature to be juniors and seniors.”

Most of the Red Devils are expected back for next year.

“Despite the season they had, they still had fun and a lot of people are talking about coming out and playing next year,” said Coach Patterson. He hopes to add to the team’s roster, recruiting new players to grow out his numbers because as of now, Noxon is expected to be down on numbers next year.

The team is losing six seniors and it is unknown how many first time players will be recruited for next year.

Coach Patterson hopes the decision is made for Noxon to play six man football, although that decision will be unknown for some time.

Patterson stated the team would be much more competitive in the six man league. If the team is unable to play six man football, a tough decision may have to be made.

“We may have to look at a number of different options whether that be not having a program or co-oping with another school. We’ll see what decision MSHA makes,” said Coach Patterson.

Currently the Montana High School Association is thinking about doing away with eight man football and going to nine. Coach Patterson explained that if that decision is made, numbers for six man ball will be looked at once again.

If the change was made for Noxon to play six man, the small numbers of the team would help garnish a strong force from the Red Devils. Coach Patterson explained that numbers seem to be down across the board for many schools in Montana.

With a tough season behind them, Coach Patterson is proud of his team and has particularly enjoyed the company of the seniors.

“I want to congratulate the seniors who participated this year. I really appreciate their hard work,” said Coach Patterson.

Hopefully next year will see a high number of returning players, as well as more victories on the scoreboard.