TFalls and Ronan trade leads

RONAN – The Thompson Falls Bluehawks went on the road to Ronan last week for a shootout with the Chiefs.

The lead and momentum swung back and forth throughout the game but after four quarters of play Ronan was able to overcome Thompson Falls by a score of 31-26.

“We traded leads every touchdown. No one had the upper hand until the final quarter,” Thompson Falls Head Coach Jared Koskela said.

Thompson Falls’ first touchdown came off of a big run from sophomore running back Mack Holt.

Holt took a carry 48-yards for the first touchdown on the night for the visiting Bluehawks.

The score was the first on the night and put Thompson Falls up by a score of 6-0.

However, Ronan would answer the points with 13 of their own, setting up the Chiefs with a 13-6 lead after one quarter of play.

Holt’s followed his touchdown run with a touchdown reception in the second quarter to tie the game at 13.

Senior quarterback Greg Wadsworth delivered a 13-yard scoring strike to Holt to equalize the game.

However, Ronan would score again and appeared bound for half time with a 19-13 lead.

Late in the second quarter senior defensive back Ty Carter picked off a pass from Ronan quarterback Justin Krahn and proceeded to run the interception back for a 60-yard touchdown score.

The big turnover sent the Bluehawks into the half with a 20-19 lead.

According to Koskela, the defense altered their strategy during halftime.

The head coach noted Thompson Falls had been running a 4-3 defensive front during the first half but Ronan was employing a number of read options so the Bluehawks switched to a 3-4 set, adding an additional linebacker so the defense could better react to Ronan’s offensive scheme.

The seesaw battle would continue into the second half as Ronan snagged a 25-20 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

In the final quarter of play Thompson Falls was able to regain the lead once again, going up 26-25 after junior wide receiver Joe Lundberg hauled in a 13-yard touchdown pass from Wadsworth.

Despite falling behind Ronan did not relent and the home team was able to lead an eleventh hour drive down the field for the final points of the night.

The Chiefs slammed home a 2-yard touchdown run to give them a 31-26 victory after a hard fought game.

On the night Wadsworth threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns for Thompson Falls. Holt also had a big night for the Bluehawks rushing for 82 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, in addition to a receiving touchdown.

Thompson Falls also received contributions from junior wide out Trais Hoisington who compiled nine receptions for a total of 146 yards.

Koskela added he was pleased with the team’s effort through the air and noted the team had a 50 percent completion percentage on the night

“We were forced to pass and did it with success,” Koskela said.