Browning tops Bigfork for 1st win
BIGFORK - Friday night's match up between Bigfork and Browning was all about the first win of the season. The only question was whose it would be. In the end, Browning (1-3) defeated Bigfork (0-3) 21-6.
Both defenses came out swinging in the first quarter, but neither team's offense was able to follow through and convert plays into touchdowns. The game was riddled with mistakes on both sides, but Browning capitalized on the opportunities Bigfork gave them. The Indians came close to a touchdown in the first quarter, but fell short and settled for a field goal attempt that was missed.
"We started out really well," said Bigfork senior wide receiver Cheyne Valentine. "We can't let it slip though. We need to be mentally prepared. Our defensive line did really well. We had some good blocks. We didn't play bad, we just need to play better."
It wasn't until half way through the second quarter that Browning's junior quarterback Bill Blackman connected with Cody Edwards on a 6-yard pass for the first touchdown of the game. Dontaye Northcutt made the extra point.
Bigfork held the rest of the half and through the third quarter.
Things changed dramatically though when Bigfork fumbled on its 35-yard line and Northcutt grabbed the ball and ran it back for a 65-yard touchdown for Browning. Northcutt also kicked the extra point, which was good.
Bigfork handed Browning another opportunity to score when it fumbled the ball again and Browning gained possession. Browning capitalized with Blackman throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to Lyle St. Goddard, and Northcutt followed with another successful kick.
Bigfork finally got on the board at the end of the fourth quarter when sophomore quarterback Christian Ker threw a 15-yard pass to Valentine. The Viking's run for an extra two points was shut down by Browning.
"We made some mistakes that got us in the end," said Bigfork senior linebacker Donnie Tudahl. "People missing their assignments and some penalties got us."
Bigfork has a relatively inexperienced team this year after having only 16 players suit up last year. That number has more than tripled this year, but the Vikings are still struggling.
"We have a young team that is getting better each week," Bigfork head football coach Bruce Corbett said. "But we make mistakes that cost us the game like they did tonight. It comes down to taking advantage of the opportunities when they come about. That only comes with experience though. If you look at where we are compared to last year, we've improved greatly. I'm really proud of them."
Bigfork 0 0 0 6 - 6
Browning 0 7 0 14 - 21
Browning - Cody Edwards 6 pass from Bill Blackman (Dontaye Northcutt kick)
Browning - Northcutt 65 fumble return (Northcutt kick)
Browning - Lyle St. Goddard 20 pass from Blackman (Northcutt kick)
Bigfork - Cheyne Valentine 15 pass from Christian Ker (run failed)