Hi-Line Football Roundup: CJI survives double-overtime thriller to start the postseason

The 8-man and six-man football playoffs kicked off last weekend across Montana. In many games, football teams from the Hi-Line looked to extend their seasons and make a push for a state title. Some teams started their quest strong while many saw their seasons come to a disappointing end.

Probably the most exciting game of the weekend took place between the Chester-Joplin-Inverness six-man football team and Hot Springs. Over the course of a shootout Saturday, the CJI Hawks survived double overtime to pull out the 55-54 win on the road.

Both offenses got started early. The Savage Heat struck first with a three-yard touchdown pass from Johnny Waterbury to take the lead. The Hawks responded with a three-yard touchdown run from Nate Nelson to take an 8-7 lead. Waterbury made another play for Hot Springs with a 47-yard touchdown run to give his team a 13-8 lead to end the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Hawks and Savage Heat put on an offensive showcase. Garth Parker scored on a 10-yard run to add onto the lead for Hot Springs. The Hawks responded with a 52-yard touchdown run from Braden Mattson. After another Hot Springs touchdown, the Hawks got touchdown runs from Adam Grammar and Nelson.

The teams continued to exchange scores in the second half. CJI had a late lead, but the Savage Heat scored a touchdown to tie the game, 41-41, to send it to overtime. The Hawks began overtime with Nelson throwing a 15-yard touchdown pass. But Hot Springs responded with a touchdown of its own to tie the game and send it to double overtime.

In the second overtime period, the Hawks and Savage Heat each scored a touchdown. But the Savage Heat failed to convert on the two-point try, which ended the game and gave the Hawks the victory.

The Hawks finished the game with 442 total yards of offense. On the ground, the Hawks had 342 rushing yards with Nelson leading the way with 147 yards and five touchdowns. Mattson also had a strong game on the ground with 141 yards and a score. Through the air, Mattson went 6-for-13 for 82 yards.

The CJI Hawks are now 6-2 this season and will advance in the postseason to face Bridger at home this Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.

CJI - 8 27 0 6 7 7 - 55

HS - 13 20 0 8 7 6 - 54

HS - Johnny Waterbury 3 pass (Waterbury run)

CJI - Nate Nelson 3 run (Blake Harmon kick)

HS - Waterbury 47 run (kick fail)

HS - Garth Parker 10 run (run)

CJI - Braden Mattson 52 run (Harmon kick)

HS - Nick McAllister 22 run (kick fail)

CJI - Adam Grammar 51 run (Harmon kick)

CJI - Nelson 24 run (kick fail)

HS - Waterbury 35 run (run)

CJI - Nelson 7 run (pass)

CJI - Nelson 45 run (kick fail)

HS - Safety

HS - McAllister 29 pass (pass fail)

CJI - Nelson 15 pass (Mattson pass)

HS - Parker 5 pass (Parker pass)

Fairview 64, Fort Benton 24

Not every football team on the Hi-Line won this past weekend to extend the season. On Saturday, the Fort Benton 8-man football team's season came to an end with a 64-24 loss on the road to Fairview.

It looked like it would be a competitive game early on with the Longhorns and the Warriors exchanging touchdowns in the first quarter. By the end of the opening frame, Fairview had the advantage with the 14-12 lead.

But the Warriors dominated the second quarter to pull away. By halftime, the Warriors had built a 52-18 lead. The teams exchanged scores in the third quarter before Fairview scored again in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

With the loss, the season came to an end for the Fort Benton Longhorns. They finish their season with a 5-3 record. Meanwhile, Fairview will advance in the playoffs to face Joliet this upcoming weekend.

FB - 12 6 6 0 - 24

FAI 14 38 6 6 - 64

Broadview-Lavina 55, North Star 12

This past Saturday on the road, the North Star six-man football team suffered a 55-12 loss to Broadview-Lavina to end the season. The Knights were unable to keep pace as the Pirates got rolling early to take a 27-0 lead in the first quarter.

The Knights finally scored in response in the second quarter but the Pirates continued to roll to take a 41-6 lead into halftime. The Knights were unable to fight their way back into the game as the Pirates cruised to victory in the second half.

The North Star Knights' season has now come to an end. After missing the postseason last year, the Knights went 5-4 to qualify for this fall's postseason. Broadview-Lavina will advance in the playoffs to play Roy-Winifred this weekend.

NS - 0 6 0 6 - 12

BL - 27 14 7 7 - 55

Big Sandy 61, Savage 6

Just like it has done all season, the Big Sandy six-man football team dominated its opponent. On Friday night in Big Sandy, the Pioneers started the postseason strong with a 61-6 over Savage. The Big Sandy offense showed no signs of slowing down as it was the fourth straight game it scored at least 60 points. The Big Sandy Pioneers now advance to play Custer-Hysham-Melstone at home this Saturday at 1 p.m.

Ennis 19, Chinook 6

Despite a strong season, the Chinook 8-man football team lost, 19-6, to Ennis on the road this past Saturday. The season now comes to an end as the Chinook Sugarbeeters finish the year with a 7-2 record. Ennis now advances to play St. Ignatius this weekend.