By Rob Everingham
Its been a really long time since Chinook fans can remember going to a Class B playoff game on their home field, but after a 7-1 regular season, the Sugarbeeters hosted Shelby Saturday.
Shelby, also 7-1, was sent home without a point, as Chinook shutout the Coyotes, 35-0.
Chinook scored on its first drive. After facing a fourth down and inches, Beeters quarterback Mike Maddox moved the ball the needed yards.
The touchdown came just six plays later as Jimmy Steyee ran the ball in from 30 yards out. Justin Friede tacked on the extra point giving Chinook the 7-0 lead.
The Coyotes found no room on their first drive, as the Chinook defense forced them four-and-out. Chinook did it again on its next drive after a pair of fumbles that the Beeters recovered.
Maddox ran in from 10 yards out on the end around. The extra point was missed, giving Chinook a 13-0 lead after one.
Maddox did all the work in the second quarter as he scored twice for Chinook. The first came from the two-yard line as he punched the ball in. The Beeters tried for a two-point conversion, but were unsuccessful.
The Coyotes next drive ended in disaster as they fumbled the ball and Chinook recovered. Then, again, from the two-yard line, Maddox ran the ball in. Another failed two-point conversion gave Chinook a 25-0 lead.
Tyler Oehmcke came up big on defense just as the half ended as he intercepted a Ryan Davis pass. The half ended with Chinook on top 25-0.
Shelby had the first possession of the second half, but was forced to punt the ball.
The Beeters then marched the ball down the field and Friede drilled a 27-yard field goal to put Chinook up 28-0. Friede also attempted a 37-yard field goal in the third quarter but came up short.
Chinooks defense again came up big, as they stopped the Coyotes next drive and put the ball back in the hands of their offense. Chinook scored their first touchdown through the air, as Maddox found big Dirk Paulsen open over the middle on a 38-yard passing play. Friede knock the extra point through, giving Chinook its 35-0 lead.
Defensively in the fourth, the Beeters stayed strong as Oehmcke came up with another interception as did Maddox from his defensive linebacker position.
Chinook head coach Scott Friede said it was a big win for his team. Friede said his players surprised him with their play and said they were bound and determined to show what they were capable of.
Friede also said he was glad to see his team finish with the intensity that it started the game with, especially after giving up two late touchdowns in its last home game against Glasgow.
They deserved a shutout, Friede said.
Chinook is home again next weekend as it takes on No. 10 Missoula Loyola, who picked up a 22-6 win over Eureka last weekend. Friede said the one bonus for his club is no travel.
They (Missoula Loyola) have to travel over the mountains, Friede said.
Friede said they just need to rest up and use the week to prepare.
