Undefeated Hot Springs State Champs in 6-man football
courtesy photo
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PLENTYWOOD — The Hot Springs Savage Heat steered 615 miles to the northeast edge of Montana Saturday and scorched their competition, 54-20, to earn the title of State Champs in 6-man, Class C football.
Hot Springs running back Trevor Paro struck first on a long touchdown run on the team’s first play. The Savage Heat hit again, taking the lead to 15-0, but the Mon-Dak (Westby/Grenora) Thunder returned the kickoff 78 yards to cut the lead to 15-6.
Paro scored again before the half, bringing Hot Springs’ lead to 23-6 as teams left the field.
A high-scoring third quarter opened with Hot Springs scoring again on their first offensive play as Paro rushed for a 31-6 lead.
The Thunder woke everyone up in response, scoring on a long pass into the endzone, but Hot Springs answered on a Paro TD reception, bringing the score to 39-14. The Thunder struck back but missed their point-after attempt, and the Savage Heat went to the endzone again and forced a safety to take the 48-20 lead going into the final quarter.
Hot Springs coaches allowed their reserves to play in the fourth, and the rookies rose to the occasion, scoring the final touchdown with a minute to go and sealing Hot Springs’ 54-20 victory.
Savage Heat quarterback Marco Degel completed 8-12 passes for 189 yards. Paro rushed for 280 yards, caught four passes for 116 yards and scored five touchdowns and a safety. Kane Lawson led the defense with eight tackles.
The Savage Heat ended their season undefeated with post-season wins against North Star, Bainville, and a 58-8 tromping of Northern C Valier in the semi-finals. Hot Springs also earned the title in 2012 with a 77-0 shutout of Big Sandy.
Montana has 30 six-man teams from 38 schools, and is only one of five states with sanctioned high school six-man football squads.
Results
Mon-Dak Thunder 20,
Hot Springs Savage Heat 54
Mon-Dak 6 0 14 0 – 20
Hot Springs 15 8 25 6 – 54 Valley
