Pirates upend Loggers, secure Northwestern A title
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POLSON – The fourth-ranked Polson Pirates proved they are a force to be reckoned with Friday as they captured their third Northwestern A title in the past four years after derailing Libby 46-7 in Polson. The Loggers were the first team Polson has played this season with a .500 or better record, but the Pirates didn’t let that or the cold, rainy conditions get in the way of accomplishing their goal. The win took Polson to a perfect 7-0 record, 4-0 in conference.
“It’s a great feeling to win the conference,” Polson quarterback Vince DiGiallonardo said. “That’s been our goal all season to take first; the first round bye is an added bonus.”
The Pirate offense was firing on all cylinders as it amassed 281 rushing yards. DiGiallonardo led the way for his team, finishing the game with 111 yards on the ground for three touchdowns and 126 yards passing. DiGiallonardo completed passes of 43 yards to Justin Hoel and a 38-yard pass to Ian Laimbeer for two touchdowns. Chris Cote finished the game with 11 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown, while Paul McClurg had an outstanding night with 8 carries for 95 yards and a score.
DiGiallonardo is proud of how his team came out and played with high intensity for all four quarters.
“I think we played really well,” DiGiallonardo said. “Everyone was flying around with intensity.”
With consistent rain and temperatures in the low 40s, DiGiallonardo said the weather was a little difficult to deal with, but he thought his team overcame the elements.
“The rain made it a little tough,” he said. “I thought the receivers did well catching the ball in wet conditions.”
DiGiallonardo helped boost his team early on, opening up scoring with a 25-yard touchdown run followed by a 46-yard run.
On defense, the Pirates held Libby to 130 total yards. Justin Hoel led the team defensively with an interception.
“The defense played outstanding,” head coach Scott Wilson said.
“We knew they fire off the ball and hit hard, so we had to prepare for that,” junior defensive lineman Eric Williamson said. “It feels great (to win the conference championship); that was one of our main goals.”
The Pirates finish up their regular season on the road Friday in Browning.
SUMMARY
Libby 0 0 7 0 - 7
Polson 18 14 14 0 - 46
P - Vince DiGiallonardo 25 run (kick failed)
P - DiGiallonardo 46 run (pass failed)
P - Justin Hoel 43 pass from DiGiallonardo (kick failed)
P - Chris Cote 31 run (Brady Hislop kick)
P - Ian Laimbeer 38 pass from DiGiallonardo (Hislop kick)
P - DiGiallonardo 25 run (Hislop kick)
L - Chase Hoyer 5 pass from Micah Germany (Patrick Valentine kick)
P - Paul McClurg 36 run (Hislop kick)
