Beeters fall just short

When football teams reach the state playoffs, anything can happen. Rankings no longer apply and records get thrown out the window. The team that puts together the best game will win

The No. 1 Chinook Sugarbeeters encountered that on Saturday in Fairview when they faced the No. 2 Fairview Warriors. The Warriors put together an incredible 30-0 second half to overtake the Beeters 36-16 in Class C football semifinal action.

With the loss, the defending state champion Beeters saw their 19-game winning streak snapped. The loss also gave the Beeters a 10-1 record as their season came to an end, just one game away from playing for their second straight title. Fairview improved to 11-0 on the season and will play in their first ever state title game when they host

Photo by the Sidney Herald

Chinook's Ben Stroh (left) tries to stiffarm a Fairview defender during a Class C semifinal game Saturday in Fairview.

host Twin Bridges (10-1) on Saturday.

With the first quarter in the books, the Beeters found themselves in unfamiliar territory, trailing 6-0. But Chinook found its way offensively, and scored two passing touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 16-6 lead at the half. Zach Molyneaux connected with Kaylan Johnson on a 20-yard TD pass and then Geoff Qualls on an 18-yard TD pass.

But the 16-6 lead was short lived, as the Warriors went on to score 16 points in the third quarter and 14 in fourth for the win. Fairview got their rushing game on track and rushed for three out of the four scores in the second half. Cody Vitt gave the Beeters the most trouble, carrying the ball 26 times for 138 yards and three touchdowns.

Chinook knew the running game was going to be hard to contain, and that proved to be true. And while the Beeters housed one of the best running games in the state, no rushing scores on Saturday was not typical Beeter football. Still, it's been a remarkable run for Chinook the last two years.

Chinook 0 16 0 0 — 16

Fairview 6 0 16 14 — 36

Fairview — Cody Vitt 30 run (pass failed).

Chinook — Kaylan Johnson 20 pass from Zach Molyneaux (Brandon Riphenburg pass from Zach Molyneaux).

Chinook — Geoff Qualls 18 pass from Zach Molyneaux (Ben Stroh run).

Fairview — Tim Hurley 15 pass from Brock Schriver (Schriver run).

Fairview — Cody Vitt 3 run (Schriver run).

Fairview — Brock Schriver 27 run (Schriver run).

Fairview — Cody Vitt 28 run (run failed).