Chiefs conquer rival Pirates in triple overtime
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POLSON – The Ronan Chief’s football team was able to snap a three-game losing streak on Friday night in an exhilarating 27-21 triple-overtime win against the Polson Pirates.
“To say I’m proud of our team would be a massive understatement. I was very pleased with how our team showed their resilience when adversity came in the game on both sides of the ball,” said Ronan head coach Matt Detwiler. “The rivalry aspect of the game makes a triple-overtime game that much more exciting. This is a game that people look forward to all year and this year’s rendition did not disappoint. I would like to thank the entire valley for coming out Friday night and supporting both teams. It was an experience I will never forget.”
The Chiefs improved their overall record to 1-3 with the win. Polson dropped to 0-5 overall with the loss.
“I’m sure it was a very exciting game to watch, and it was an exciting game to coach, despite the frustrating final outcome,” said Polson head coach Pat Danley. “I give Ronan credit for making enough plays to win that game. We certainly had opportunities (with) all three overtimes, and I cannot fault our kids’ effort. As has been the story throughout the year, we committed way too many turnovers and could not establish an effective running game.”
The Pirates were the first on the scoreboard when junior Dugan Davis scored six-points on a 24-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Boston Goode. A completed extra-point kick put the Pirates up 7-0 to finish out the first quarter.
Late in the second quarter, Ronan quarterback Eric Dolence connected with Kane McAllister on a 25-yard pass play to put six on the scoreboard. An extra-point kick tied the game at 7-7.
The offense on both teams struggled in the third quarter, and neither team found the end zone. In the fourth quarter, the Chiefs broke the 7-7 deadlock on a Dolence to McAllister 45-yard touchdown pass. A missed extra-point kick gave the Chiefs a 13-7 lead over the Pirates.
With 2:14 left in the game, the Pirates scored a four-yard touchdown run by Goode. With the missed extra point, the score was tied 13-13.
A three and out by the Chiefs offense gave the ball back to the Pirates with 36 seconds left in the game on the 24-yard line. The Pirates were able to move the ball down to the three-yard line on two plays. With just three seconds left on the clock, the Pirates set up for the game-winning field goal. Chief Zane Walchuk blocked the kick and sent the game into extra frames. The play, however, was nullified due to an inadvertent whistle that blew before the ball was kicked. On the ensuing re-kick, the Chiefs once again blocked it and sent the game into overtime.
In the first overtime, both teams scored, forcing a second overtime in which neither team scored.
The Chiefs scored first in the third overtime on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Dolence to Matthew Victor that put Ronan up 27-21. The Chiefs sealed the deal three plays later when Victor intercepted a Goode pass ending the game.
This week, during homecoming, the Chiefs square-off against Whitefish, while the Pirates look for their first win of the season on the road against Libby.
