Bluehawks, Horsemen clash in season opener

THOMPSON FALLS – The Bluehawks and the Horsemen clashed in battle on the gridiron Saturday night as both teams kicked off their season in the rivalry game.

As the strong competitors met out on the field, it was apparent that both teams wanted the win, especially for this game.

Junior Chayce Miller started off the game for Thompson Falls, getting control of the ball. As the Bluehawks proceeded down the field, Dylan Vaught broke away from the defense, gaining the first touchdown of the night for the Bluehawks. After a solid kick by Joe Lundberg, the score was brought up to 7-0.

With seven minutes left in the first quarter Horseman Trent Brouillette received the kick and began to run it down the field.

Jake Smith of the Bluehawks tackled Brouillette ending his run. As Plains moved steadily across the field towards a touchdown, they continued to make advancements down the field.

As Thompson got control over the pigskin again, Dylan Vaught brought the ball down the field and only had four yards to go for a touchdown.

After another try, the Bluehawks succeeded in their second touchdown, scored by Nate Norris.

With the clock ticking down to half time, Smith carried the ball down the field, advancing the Bluehawks but was stopped by Horseman Logan Goodwin.

Smith once again took control of the ball but Brouillette brought the advance to a stop.

As the sun went down and the lights turned on, the teams played under the lights and moved into the third quarter.

Ben Gorham kicked off the quarter and Bluehawk Dylan Vaught returned the ball.

After a holding penalty placed on Plains, the ball was moved back five yards to the 20-yard line.

A series of injuries occurred on the playing field for the Horsemen, taking out three of their players.

As the fourth quarter kicked off, the score was 35 to 0, where it would remain for the rest of the night, Thompson Falls taking their first win of the season.

Head Coach of the Bluehawks Curt Kegel said he was pleased with how the team played.

“It’s always nice to get off to a good start. We came right out and scored on our first drive,” said Coach Kegel. “The kids played really well.”

Quarterback Greg Wadsworth was 9 for 12 on passes for 225 yards. The primary receiver in the game was Vaught with 158 yards receiving on four receptions.

Smith led the team with ten tackles.

The Bluehawks will be playing Cut Bank for their next game – a team Coach Kegel said is “pretty big and physical.”

In their first time playing them, the team is unsure of what to expect because of the distance between the two – some 300 miles.

According to Head Coach for the Horsemen, Juan Lulack, the game was still a success for Plains.

“We had a lot of good things happen. Some of the mistakes we made can be easily adjusted so we had more positive things go on then negative things,” said Coach Lulack.

“The team was still upbeat about the game. One of our goals is to put points on the board and we’ll get there.”

The injuries incurred by the Horsemen were minor with Justin Gravelle suffering a knee injury, which was better at a practice afterwards. Brouillette and James Rulison both suffered calf cramps and have recovered.

“They are fine, just a little sore,” said Coach Lulack.

Currently the Horsemen are working on their defense. Plains first home game will be against Shelby on September 6.