Undefeated Hamilton tops Columbia Falls 23-7

COLUMBIA FALLS — Defending state champion Hamilton Broncs kept their undefeated record intact by topping the Columbia Falls Wildcats 23-7.

Things were close through one half with Hamilton leading 8-7, but once the second half got underway the Broncs started bucking, scoring 15 unanswered points.

As one would expect with less than ideal playing conditions, it was a low scoring defensive battle early. The score sat at 2-0 through the first quarter after Hamilton notched a safety.

Things picked up in the second quarter when the Wildcats responded with less than a minute off the clock.

While set up deep in Wildcats (6-2) territory quarterback Cody Schweikert faked a handoff to his running back and found Mark Robison wide-open on a slant route over the middle for the lone Columbia Falls score of the day.

Hamilton’s offense found life mid-way through the second when Liam O’Connell took a redzone handoff and darted toward the right sidelines for the score. The Broncs (9-0) would miss the ensuing two-point conversion attempt. From there the defending state champions locked down on the defensive side of the ball to pitch the second half shutout and seal the victory.