Bigfork 42, Mission 21

Bigfork showed why they were undefeated in the District 7-B, but Mission showed why they went from a team that was picked last in the conference to a 5-3 record. The Bulldogs played one tough half of football and only trailed the Vikings 21-13 at halftime before losing 42-21 last Thursday night in St. Ignatius.

"We played hard against these guys. They were big," Mission head coach Peter Hamilton said.

The Bulldogs rushed for 332 yards in the game, including a 172-yard performance from senior running back Lane Wheeler. Junior Austin Durglo, who had just recently switched from tight end to running back, had 105 yards on 19 carriers. Junior Scotty Gilleard had 53 yards. All had a touchdown rushing.

Despite their command on the ground, penalties hampered drives and plagued the Bulldogs all night.

"We kept slipping all over the place," Hamilton said.

The loss puts the Bulldogs in a position that if Troy loses tonight against Thompson Falls then they're in the playoffs. If Troy wins, their season will end with a strong showing of improvement. Numerous coaches in the league commented on the hard-nosed running game the Bulldogs bring to every game and just how punishing they are.

"People don't like to play against us," Hamilton said.

Asked if he would be watching the Troy game, Hamilton gave a resounding "no."

"I don't even want to think about it," Hamilton said. "I haven't slept in two days."