Horsemen cap season with win over Arlee

For the Plains Horsemen, the road game against Arlee was a microcosm of their B-8 player football season.

They played well, particularly on defense, in the first half.  Then, as was the case with other games they played, the second half was a different story. 

This time, however, the outcome was featured a good ending as the Horsemen fended off a later Warriors’ rally and held on for a 19-14 win this past Friday afternoon in Arlee. 

The win lifted Plains to a 3-5 overall record, the same as their Western B conference mark.  Arlee fell to 3-6 with the loss, 2-4 in league play. 

It was the season’s final game for both teams, neither of which advance to post-season play. 

“It was a fight to the end,” said Plains head football coach Mike Tatum, who began the Horsemen’s turn-around last year with three wins following two straight winless seasons. “Arlee always brings a tough game; they are coached well and play well.  We were able to capitalize on some key turnovers to halt their momentum and score just enough to walk away with the win”. 

After a scoreless first quarter, Arlee lit up the scoreboard for the first time of the afternoon when Isadore Mitchell hauled in a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Keelan DuPuis with just over nine minutes left in the second quarter.  The point after touchdown (PAT) attempt failed, leaving the home team with a 6-0 lead. 

In what was a tight defensive battle throughout the first half, Plains standout senior quarterback Darren Standeford topped off a Horsemen drive with a seven-yard scoring run with just 32 second left in the opening half.  Spanish exchange student Pedro Martinez booted the PAT kick through the uprights, giving Plains a 7-6 lead at halftime. 

Junior Beau Crabb interrupted the defensive battle midway through the third quarter when he plowed into the end zone from two yards out, giving the Horsemen a 13-6 lead.  The PAT try failed. 

Plains added to their slim lead in the opening minute of the fourth quarter when senior wideout Wyatt Butcher snared a 22-yard scoring toss from Standeford with 11:21 to play in the game.  The PAT run was not good, but at that point the Horsemen were in front 19-6. 

Arlee showed they were not done yet when, with 7:52 left in regulation play, Dean Moran caught a 24-yard TD pass from DuPuis.  The PAT run was good for two points, leaving Plains in front, 19-14. 

Neither team scored the rest of the way as the Horsemen hung on for the victory. 

Standeford finished with 190 yards passing, to go with his 65 rushing yards.  Plains senior receiver Zayden Allen led the Horsemen in receiving with 71 yards, including catches of 30 and 25 yards. 

Butcher had another outstanding day on defense for Plains, leading the team with 10 tackles and two fumble recoveries. One of the fumble recoveries came after a relatively short Plains punt, giving the ball back to the Horsemen and denying Arlee what would have been good field position. 

Sophomore Greg Tatum added six tackles to the Horsemen effort, including a pair of sacks and a forced fumble. 

Cody West and Standeford each had an interception, with both picks halting Arlee drives. 

“It’s a great way for the seniors to end their seasons,” said coach Tatum.  “I’m really proud of these guys, not only for their accomplishments on the field, but for the sportsmanship they have shown all season”. 

    Plains Horsemen defender Wyatt Butcher scoops in an Arlee fumble during their game this past Friday afternoon in Arlee. (Photo by Tracy Scott)
  

    Plains exchange student Jayden Lapierre hauls in a long pass during the Horsemen's 19-14 win over Arlee Friday afternoon in Arlee. (Photo by Tracy Scott)