For a first half of the season game, the Plains at Mission football game in St. Ignatius this past Saturday was a contest both needed to win in a Western Conference standings race that is taking shape.

With Seeley, which beat Mission last week 34-6, and Valley Christian atop the standings with 4-0 records, a second loss could prove costly later in the year as playoff possibilities begin to emerge. 

That said, there is still a lot of football to be played, and Mission’s 60-24 was a statement game by the victorious Bulldogs who were no doubt stung by the big loss to Seeley. 

And for Plains, it makes winning more important than ever. 

For the first quarter of the game, Plains looked to be the better team.  The Horsemen scored first on a six-yard run by senior quarterback Darren Standeford, capping a long drive.  The point after touchdown (PAT) attempt was no good, leaving Plains with a 6-0 lead. 

But Mission came back with a drive of its own, capped by a short TD pass.  The PAT run was good for two points, putting the Bulldogs ahead 8-6. 

Plains answered that score with a long drive that ended with Standeford hooking up with Caleb Lakko on a five-yard TD play.  The PAT try failed, but as the first quarter came to an end the Horsemen were ahead 12-8. 

In the second quarter, Mission took control on the Plains 23 when the Horsemen went for a first down on fourth and seven.  Several plays later, the Bulldogs scored on a 10-yard pass play that put them on top 14-12 when the PAT attempt was no good. 

On the Horsemen’s next drive, Standeford threw his second TD pass of the first half, connecting with wide out Wyatt Butcher from 32 yards out.  The PAT was no good, but Plains was in the lead 18-14. 

Then it was Mission’s turn to cap a drive, which they did with a short quarterback run.  The PAT try failed, but Mission took the lead 20-18. 

On Plains’ next possession, Standeford was intercepted, setting the Bulldogs up on the Plains 12.  The two teams traded penalties.  A few plays later, Mission completed a 10-yard pass for a TD.  This time, as time ran out, the home team had a successful two-point PAT pass, lifting them to a 28-18 halftime lead. 

Plains scored one more touchdown, a second half 32-yard score by Zayden Allen who hauled in a Standeford pass. 

From there it was all Mission as the Bulldogs scored 32 second half points to close out the game and lift their season record to 2-1.  The loss dropped Plains to 1-2. 

“Our first looked really good but Mission’s relentless pressure took a toll”, said Plains head coach Mike Tatum. “Combined with three turnovers on our part we didn’t help ourselves at all”. 

Standeford had another solid game, having a hand in all four of the Horsemen’s touchdowns.  He threw for three TDs and ran for one during the game. 

On defense, Butcher led Plains with eight tackles, while linebacker Beau Crabb had seven. 

“Mission looked sharp and took advantage of our miscues on offense and defense”, Tatum said. “They didn’t make many errors”. 

Next up for the Horsemen is a game this Friday night (Sept 27) against Superior, which is also 1-2 on the year.