St. Regis-Mullan sneaks past Arlee

One of the questions coming into the 2024 high school football season was how St. Regis would fare playing their games back in Montana after several years as an Idaho competitor via their co-op arrangement with Mullan, Idaho. 

The answer is: St. Regis will be a factor. 

The Tigers are still co-op partners with Mullan, but this year they switched back to Montana’s Western B-8 players conference. 

After opening the season with a loss to one of the conference’s pre-season favorites, Mission High, the Tigers have reeled off two straight wins, including this past Friday in Arlee, 30-28. 

The host Warriors got on the scoreboard first, scoring on a five-yard TD run and a successful two-point after touchdown (PAT) conversion that gave them an 8-0 lead. That score would stand throughout the first quarter. 

St. Regis-Mullan tied the game in the second quarter when Nathan Bohn hauled in a seven-yard TD pass from sophomore quarterback Conner Lulis.  The Tigers added a two-point PAT to knot the score at 8-8. 

Before the first half ended, Arlee regained the lead on a 52-yard touchdown run. The PAT try failed, but the Warriors led 14-8 at the conclusion of the first half. 

In the third quarter, with rain falling throughout the game, Arlee added to its lead with a drive-capping, three-yard touchdown run and a two-point PAT. At that point the score was 22-8 in favor of the home team Warriors. 

Later in the third quarter, St. Regis struck back, scoring on a 12-yard TD run by senior Ayden Rael and a two-point PAT.  That score pulled the Tigers to within six, 22-16 heading into the fourth quarter. 

Arlee scored first in the final quarter, cashing in on a two-yard TD run.  The PAT try failed, but at that point the Warriors led 28-16. 

Then, St. Regis-Mullan took control. 

Barrett Bessette scooped up an Arlee fumble and rambled 18 yards for a score.  A successful two-point conversion cut the Warriors’ lead to 28-24 with time ticking away in the final quarter. 

The Tigers mounted a late quarter scoring drive, capped off by a one-yard Lulis TD plunge into the end zone that put St. Regis up 30-28.  The PAT try was unsuccessful, but St. Regis held on for the 30-28 win. 

The victory lifted the Tigers season record to 2-1, while Arlee fell to 1-2. 

St. Regis had 203 yards total offense, including 112 yards passing and 91 yards on the ground. 

Lulis, who had one rushing and one passing TD, led the Tigers rushing attack with 42 yards on 11 carries.  Bessette added 31 yards on the ground, while Rael had 20 yards on six carries, good for one touchdown. 

Senior Hunter Stolla was the leading receiver for the Tigers with 42 yards via three catches.  Bohn and Bessette had three catches each for St. Regis. 

Senior Leevy Bush led the Tigers with seven tackles, while Lulis, Bohn and Bassette had six each.  Lulis and Bessette each had a fumble recovery for St. Regis. 

Tigers’ head coach Jesse Allan was pleased with his team’s effort in the comeback win. 

“I cannot say enough about our guys”, Allan said. “We battled through adversity on and off the field, but they sold out for each other and were able to make enough plays to get the job done. 

Allan had extra praise for Bessettte’s defensive effort, as well as his contributions on the offensive side of the ball. 

“Barrett Bessette continues to be an absolute force on the defensive side of the ball and makes a play each game that showcases his ability and potential to play at the next level,” Allan said.  

He also singled out senior running back Kaden Sanders for an unselfish act during the game. 

“Sanders selflessly gave up his running back spot when we were in desperate need to fill a hole at center, with second and goal from the one-yard line and time running out.  This young man said, ‘don’t worry coach, I’ve got us’ and paved the way for the game winning TD”. 

Next up for the Tigers is a game this Friday (Sept 20) versus I-90 rival Superior, in Superior beginning at 7 p.m.  They return to St. Regis September 28 for the homecoming game against Seeley-Swan.