By Jess Green
Saturday's class C football included an event that hasn't happened in some time. The Hays/Lodgepole Thunderbird football squad won a game.
The Thunder birds played on the road beating the Box Elder Bears 50-36. This win ended 44 game losing streak for the Thunderbirds.
The Thunderbirds fell behind early in the game, but came back with two quick score to take a 34-24 halftime lead.
The third quarter saw the Thunderbirds extend their lead when Randy Werk scored on a six yard run and Trevor Boushie caught a 5 yard pass in the endzone. Both two point conversions were good, and the Thunderbird squad was on top 50-36 at the end of the third quarter.
Box Elder mounted a comeback in the fourth by scoring two late touchdowns, but the Thunderbird lead was too much for the remaining time on the clock.
Senior Duane Doney threw four touchdowns during the game and had one intercepted pass.
The Hays/Lodgepole team had two players that rushed for more than 100 yards on the day. First there was Randy Werk, who not only rushed for more than 100 yards, but had two touchdowns on the day. The Bear defenders had difficulty tackling the 220 pound senior as he rumbled down the field taking out Bear players on the way. Second was Elmer Fox who had one rushing TD. With his speed, Fox supplied the Thunderbirds with an alternate style of running that managed to keep the Bear defense guessing.
Also scoring for the Thunderbirds were Lester Doney, J.T. Hawley, and Trevor Grant who each caught passes in the endzone during the game.
The Thunderbirds offensive and defensive lines were anchored by Josh Werk, John Brockie, Shawn Grant, and Dean Moccasin. Each member of the team stepped up in this long overdue win.
Head coach Ben Reynolds and Assistant coach Zach Hawkins took over the program at the beginning of the year with hopes of breaking the streak. Now that it has happened, they hope it will be a boost for the team and the next win will be just around the corner.
Although Reynolds was unavailable for comment, Hawkins said that he is very proud of his kids.
"It is a good feeling to win," said Hawkins.
he Thunderbirds now must prepare to play Chester on Oct. 14. The game will be played at home and wil start at 1 p.m.
