Tuesday, October 13, 2026
28.0°F

Heat start, finish fast, top Shields Valley

JOHN HAMILTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 1 month AGO
by JOHN HAMILTON
| September 10, 2025 12:00 AM

Rocketing out to a fast start, the Hot Springs Savage Heat built a 20-0 lead early and kept up the pace all game long in winning 84-51 on the road in Shields Valley Friday in Western C 6-Man football action.

Now 1-1 for the season, coach Jim Lawson and his Heat host the Heart Butte Warriors Friday.

Lawson was impressed with how his boys responded against Shields Valley after falling to No. 2 rated Chester-Joplin-Iverness in season-opening action the week before.

“We responded well, went out and played with a lot of energy,” he said. “Got off to a fast start and held the lead the whole way. It seemed like everyone got involved and everyone made plays.”

Ben Aldridge, Sampson Jakabosky, Chase DePoe and Bill DeTienne all played leading roles for the Heat in the big win.

Aldridge was in on six touchdowns for the Heat, running for three, passing for two and returning a fumble 50 yards for another. Aldridge finished the day with 188 yards rushing, and also made 10 tackles on defense.

“Ben is coming into his own,” Lawson said. “He’s slippery to hold on to, tough to tackle He had a great game against Sheilds.”

Jakabosky was no less impressive, rushing for three touchdowns besides returning a kickoff 65 yards for another TD. Defensively, he led Hot Springs with 16 tackles.

A sophomore who Lawson says keeps improving each game, DePoe had another productive outing, returning an interception 55 yards for a touchdown to give the Heat a 20-0 lead in the first quarter and later catching a 17-yard scoring strike from Aldridge.

For his part, DeTienne was good for six pass catches for 87 yards and another TD pass from Aldridge.

Hagen Wendt scored four touchdowns for Shields Valley.

ARTICLES BY JOHN HAMILTON

Hawk harriers enjoy good times at Whitefish Invite
October 7, 2026 midnight

Hawk harriers enjoy good times at Whitefish Invite

Outside of an unfortunate injury to one of her best runners, Thompson Falls coach Sarah Naegeli said the Hawks had a great running time at the Whitefish Invitational Sept. 29.

Lady Hawks cap homecoming with net win
October 7, 2026 midnight

Lady Hawks cap homecoming with net win

The Thompson Falls Lady Hawks capped a busy week of homecoming activities with a feel-good 25-17, 25-18, 25-11 win over the visiting Eureka at TFHS Saturday.

History-making Hawks improve to 5-1
October 7, 2026 midnight

History-making Hawks improve to 5-1

Look who is 5-1 and on the cusp of one of the best regular seasons in modern day Blue Hawk football history.