RONAN — The Ronan Chiefs (2-2) received a nice pick-me-up tonic before moving into conference play next week.

“Winning cures lots of ills,” Ronan head coach Jim Benn said. “Things are starting to become a lot crisper and we’re in better shape. I feel like we’re ready for conference.”

With three different backs out due to injury, Benn and the Chiefs had plenty of ills in the first part of the season. They did get some relief as junior Marcus Hungerford returned to the backfield for Ronan and scored two touchdowns in a 38-26 victory over Corvallis last Friday at home.

Hungerford led the team in rushing with 76 yards on nine carries.

Corvallis had two fumbled twice in the first half and Ronan capitalized to score on one of those turnovers.

The returning backs also allowed Benn to give some of his defensive backs a breather or two during the games.

“They’re iron-manning it a lot,” Benn said.

The Chiefs unleashed an attack through the air that saw junior quarterback Robbie Gauthier throw three touchdown passes.

“[Our offense] is making strides,” Benn said. “It’s solid but it’s not quite where we want it at.”

Junior Chris Clary, who was converted from the offensive line to fullback after injuries required him to do so, scored Ronan’s first touchdown of the game on a five-yard run in the first quarter.

On defense, Clary also had a sack.

Benn said Ronan likes to run the ball to force the other defense to put eight or nine guys in the box, near the line of scrimmage.

“It opens up other things,” Benn said. “If we decide to throw the ball, they can’t cover everyone cause they’re all on the line of scrimmage.”

Gauthier had an excellent night through the air for the Chiefs, going 15-of-19 for 155 yards.

Gauthier’s first scoring pass was to junior Dalton Molzhon for a five-yard touchdown.

His next touchdown pass was instrumental for the Chief’s win, a 17-yarder to sophomore back Dallas Jore to make it 30-19 in the fourth quarter. He also had an interception while playing defense.

“He’s a first year full time starter,” Benn said. “He didn’t play quarterback as a freshman. He’s a smart kid and he works hard.”

Ronan will play Whitefish at 7 p.m. this Friday for their homecoming game.

Editor Heidi Hanse contributed to this article.