Despite a lightning quick start, the Thompson Falls Blue Hawks football team found itself on the wrong end of a 33-14 game with Missoula Loyola Friday night in the Garden City.

Blue Hawks return man Ian Myers took the opening kickoff and raced 89 yards for a touchdown, giving T Falls, with a successful point after touchdown (PAT) try, an 8-0 lead in the Western B conference football game.

Shortly after Myers’ TD scamper, the Breakers struck back with a drive-capping 26-yard run, that, when coupled with a successful PAT kick pulled the host Breakers within one point, 8-7

Then it was Thompson Falls' turn in what was shaping up as a back and forth game when senior tight end Max Hannum caught a 27-yard TD pass from junior quarterback Bryson LeCoure. The PAT try was no good, putting T Falls up 14-7 at the end of the opening quarter.

Loyola, which is now 6-1 on the year and 2-1 in the Western B, tied the score in the second quarter when Talen Reynolds topped off a Breakers’ drive with a five-yard touchdown burst. The PAT kick was good and the score stood at 14-14.

Before the first half ended, Loyola scored again, this time on a 24-yard TD throw from Aiden Round to teammate Ethan Stack. The PAT kick failed, but for the first time in the game, Loyola was out in front, 20-14.

In the third quarter, Loyola padded their lead when Reynolds scored his second TD of the game, hauling in a Round pass from nine yards out. The PAT kick was again no good, but Loyola was ahead 26-14 as the third quarter came to an end.

Loyola added another score in the fourth quarter on a seven yard Reynolds run, his third rushing touchdown of the game. Teammate Matt Reynolds kicked the PAT, boosting Loyola to a 33-14 advantage and closing out scoring in the game.

For the game, the Breakers had 379 yard of total offense, including 207 yards passing and 172 yards rushing. The Breakers held T Falls to 56 yards rushing, with LeCoure being the top ground gainer for the Blue Hawks with 24 yards.

Hannum led the Hawks in receiving yards with 59 on three receptions.

The defeat dropped Thompson Falls to 2-5 on the season and 1-2 in Western B play.

Next up for the Blue Hawks is a home game this Friday (Oct 13) against Florence.