The loaded Mission Bulldogs, who are expected to be one of the top teams in this year’s version of the Montana Western Conference 8-player football group, showed they are a team with which to be reckoned when they scored 14 first quarter points to take a 14-0 lead at the end of the opening stanza against St. Regis last Friday.

Mission added to that lead with a touchdown and two-point conversion in the second quarter to make it 22-0 at the half.

St. Regis fought back, scoring on a touchdown pass from standout sophomore quarterback Conner Lulis to wide out Kaden Sanders in the third quarter. They converted a two-point point after touchdown (PAT) try to make the score 22-8.

But the high-powered Bulldog offense was able to add two second half touchdowns (both PATs were no good) to pull away to the final margin of victory.

“I’m proud of our guys’ effort, they battled to the end,” St. Regis coach Jesse Allan said. “We are excited to get back to work and clean some things up.”

He also had high praise for Mission.

“They are certainly a good team,” he said. “They are physical up front with some really talented athletes. They are well-coached, and their kids play with high energy and effort.”

    Mission's Vinny Shepard prepares to pass the ball during Friday's game against St. Regis. St. Ignatius handily beat the Tigers 34-8. (Christa Umphrey photo)
  

    Bulldog Titan Mansell keeps a tight grip on the ball during last Friday's season opener against St. Regis. (Christa Umphrey photo)