Bigfork survives Polson’s late push in Friday thriller

The Bigfork Vikings held off a determined Polson comeback Friday night, edging the Pirates 22-19 in a tense Northwestern A showdown that featured turnovers, big plays and a chaotic finish.

Senior running back Treker Hickey powered the Vikings’ offense, rumbling for 272 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries, including key first downs on Bigfork’s final possession that allowed the team to run out the clock at the Polson 2-yard line.

Polson (2-4, 0-3) refused to back down despite early miscues. After an interception in the end zone by Pirate defensive back Bradley Smith, Bigfork’s Tamret Savik answered with an interception of his own to keep the game even. The Vikings (4-2, 2-1) eventually found the end zone late in the first half, but Polson capitalized on a pair of bad snaps to stay within striking distance.

A fumble recovery by Jarett Seifert led to a short scoring drive capped by a Case Cox keeper, though the extra point was blocked. After another Bigfork touchdown by Austin Savik on a pass from Cole Schmit, Polson clawed back behind an 18-yard touchdown strike to Eli Evenson and a 2-yard plunge by Holden Emerson to close the gap to 22-19 midway through the fourth quarter.

The Pirates’ defense appeared ready to give them one last chance, forcing Bigfork into a third-and-long — but a costly pass interference penalty kept the Vikings’ drive alive. Hickey did the rest, grinding out yardage until Bigfork knelt to close out the game.

Cox led Polson with 88 total yards and accounted for two touchdowns, while Roman Sawyer added a PAT. The Pirates’ defense shined at times, forcing two fumbles and tallying five tackles for loss, led by Brody Bulette and Cody Haggard.

Bigfork outgained Polson 268-98 on the ground and 330-162 overall. The win keeps the Vikings in the hunt for a playoff spot, while the loss all but ends Polson’s postseason hopes with two conference games remaining.