Mission has balanced attack against Plains
By BRANDON HANSEN For the Leader | Lake County Leader | UPDATED 11 months AGO
The Mission Bulldogs left no doubt Friday night, overwhelming Plains 54-12 to move to 3-0 on the season. Behind an attack led by quarterback Vinny Shepherd, the Bulldogs built a commanding lead early and never looked back.
Shepherd was sharp through the air, completing 13 of 23 passes for four touchdowns while also adding 22 rushing yards. His favorite targets were Kai O’Brien, who caught three passes for 55 yards and a score, and Lex Lafrombois, who hauled in five receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown. Leelyn Shepherd also found the end zone, pulling in two catches for 10 yards and a score, while Mack McDonald added two grabs for 10 yards.
On the ground, the Bulldogs spread the workload. Ryan Sharbono had eight carries for 86 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Cage Salmilen had 28 yards on four carries, while Lafrombois chipped in 40 yards on three carries. O’Brien added 17 yards rushing, and Shepherd kept the defense honest with timely scrambles.
Defensively, Mission stifled Plains throughout the night. Milo Crook had seven tackles and two sacks. Krugger Pierce anchored the front with three solo tackles, two assists, and a pair of sacks.
O’Brien was disruptive in the backfield with 2.5 tackles for loss. Dakota Zeiler added four solo tackles, two assists, and forced a fumble, while Lafrombois collected six total tackles and a pass deflection.
Arlee, Charlo, and Ronan drop games
Arlee struggled against Darby, falling 62-12 and 0-3 on the year, while Charlo was overpowered by Superior 52-6 to also drop to 0-3. The Vikings got on the board with a late touchdown in the fourth quarter after trailing 52-0 through three quarters.
Ronan faced Class A foe Butte Central and couldn’t get its offense going, dropping a 40-0 decision at Montana's Washington-Grizzly Stadium on Thursday. The game was called early because of lightning.
Charlo Vikings tackle Bobcat Landon Richards during their home game on Sept. 11. The Vikings took a loss with a 6-52 score. (Emily Messer / Leader)