Sidney football surges in second half against Polson
By BRANDON HANSEN For the Leader | Lake County Leader | UPDATED 11 months AGO
Polson football faced one of the longest - if not the longest - road trips in the state Saturday, traveling nearly the entire width of Montana to take on Sidney in non-conference action. After a promising start, the Pirates came up short in the second half, falling 34-14 to the Eagles and dropping to 2-1 on the season.
The Pirates opened the game with momentum, marching downfield and capping it off with a 5-yard touchdown run from Holden Emerson. Sidney answered in the second quarter, but Polson’s passing game struck back as Case Cox connected with Merick Ramesar for a scoring toss that gave the Pirates a 14-7 edge.
Sidney quickly evened the score before halftime on a touchdown pass from Gradin Sukut to Evan Erickson, tying the contest at 14-14.
Polson nearly stole back the lead on the final play of the first half when a 35-yard field goal attempt clanged off the upright.
Sidney seized control in the third quarter. Sukut powered in from the 1-yard line to put the Eagles ahead. The fourth quarter saw Sidney surge. Sukut broke free for a 32-yard touchdown run, then added another short plunge to extend the lead to 34-14.
Despite the loss, Polson showed flashes of offensive balance. The Pirates rushed 23 times for 111 yards, with Daniel O’Roake leading the way at 50 yards on nine carries and Luke Horner adding 30 yards on four attempts. Cox went 18-for-38 passing for 190 yards and two scores but had two interceptions as well. Horner hauled in seven receptions for 55 yards, and Eli Evenson provided a big 52-yard catch. Emerson also recorded an interception on defense.
On defense, O’Roake had eight total tackles and one tackle for a loss. Kyrin Doty also had eight tackles, while Cooper Kisler and Brody Bulette each had six tackles.
In all, the Pirates outgained their opponent 341 yards to 256 yards, and Sydney’s QB completed just five passes in the game.
Polson groups for another road game this Friday at conference foe Libby, which is coming off a 40-0 loss to Hamilton. The Loggers are 2-1 on the year.