While no game is “easy” in the world of football (that’s where they get the term ‘on any Sunday’), not going down to the wire every time out can be a good thing.

So it was no doubt a relief from their cliffhanger games this year for the Noxon Red Devils when they scored early, often and the defense put up goose eggs on the scoreboard. 

Instead of last-minute wins, the Red Devils cruised to a 41-0 win over visiting Alberton Friday night, making their 2024 Homecoming a pleasant, low-stress event. 

Noxon got on the scoreboard first when senior wide receiver Ricky Williams hauled in a touchdown pass from quarterback Justice Kayser.  A short time later, the Red Devils, after shutting down the Panthers offense, got another touchdown pass from Kayser. 

Before the first quarter ended, senior running back Logan Buckner scored on the ground for the Red Devils, giving them a 21-0 lead at the end of the opening 12 minutes of play. 

The Devils defense continued to shut down the Panthers in the second quarter while adding to their lead. 

Kayser hooked up with senior wide receiver Chance McDaid on a pair of touchdown throws.  They were successful on both point after touchdown (PAT) tries following those scores, giving them a 35-0 lead at the half. 

No one scored on either side in the third quarter. 

The Noxon shutout continued in the fourth quarter.  The Devils got a defensive score in the final quarter when sophomore Shane Hatchell returned an interception for six.  The PAT try failed, but at that point the home team had a 41-0 lead. 

The win boosted Noxon to 4-1 in the 2024 season, and 3-0 in conference play. 

Alberton fell to 0-3 on the season and 0-2 in conference play with the loss. 

Next up for Noxon is a long road trip to West Yellowstone this Saturday (Oct 5, 1 pm) to take on the Wolverines, who are 2-2 on the year.  Alberton, meanwhile, is scheduled to play a home game against Gardiner this Friday (Oct 4, 7 pm).