Polson's season ends with playoff loss to defending state champion Frenchtown

The Polson Pirates saw their football season come to an end Friday night, falling 56-19 to defending State A champion Frenchtown in the opening round of the Class A playoffs.

Despite the loss, the Pirates received a boost from the return of quarterback Case Cox, who had missed the previous six games. Cox threw for 241 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Ben Aldridge for two scores and Eli Emerson for another.

Frenchtown wasted little time taking control, as Eli Nahapation returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to give the Broncs an immediate 7-0 lead.

The Broncs extended their lead to 14-0 on a 40-yard touchdown run by Cooper Hardy before quarterback Cody Forthofer added a 9-yard scoring run early in the second quarter to push the advantage to 21-0.

Polson answered with its first touchdown of the night when Cox connected with Aldridge on a 25-yard scoring pass. Roman Sawyer added the extra point, cutting the deficit to 21-7.

Frenchtown responded with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Cody Forthofer to his brother, Jake Forthofer, giving the Broncs a commanding 28-7 lead at halftime.

The Pirates continued to battle in the second half, with Cox finding Aldridge again for a 19-yard touchdown. Cox also connected with Emerson on a 17-yard scoring strike as Polson worked to keep pace with the defending champions.

Aldridge emerged as Cox's favorite target, hauling in seven receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Cox completed 15 of his 35 pass attempts in his return to action.

On the ground, Kelby Dumont led the Pirates with 48 rushing yards on 14 carries.

For Polson, the defeat ended a season in which the Pirates finished 4-5. While the return of Cox provided an offensive spark, the Pirates were unable to overcome Frenchtown's explosive start.

Frenchtown improved to 7-2 with the victory and advanced in the State A Playoffs.