Sports
Big Horns football claims dramatic Homecoming win
Published
3 years agoon
Posted By
AdminLPHS defeats Ennis in heart-pounding overtime
By Al Malinowski EBS Contributor
BIG SKY – The Lone Peak High School varsity football team felt October magic at its Homecoming matchup Friday night.
On an evening that saw multiple lead changes, the Big Horns found a way to make one more play than the Ennis Mustangs and earned a hard-fought 38-36 dramatic overtime victory. With the homecoming win over the Mustangs (2-4) in front of a large and spirited crowd, the Big Horns (2-4) are running with a two-game winning streak.
Prior to kickoff, Big Horn Head Coach James Miranda said the two teams were evenly matched and that the game would come down to which team comes more prepared. Over 70 percent of both teams’ rosters are made up of freshmen and sophomores and neither squad had much experience in close high-stakes games.
Former players and coaches often refer to football as the ultimate team game. The Big Horns proved it as multiple players contributed to the team’s success, including relentless effort from the offensive and defensive lines that aided in the victory.
After Lone Peak’s opening drive ended in a punt, Ennis took an early 6-0 early lead on a possession culminating with a 3-yard touchdown run by senior Jacob Johnson. The Mustangs attempted an extra point, but Big Horn junior George Helms found a seam in the offensive line and blocked the kick.
On the Big Horns’ next possession, sophomore quarterback Juliusz Shipman connected with freshman Bridger Flores on a go pattern. Flores was gang tackled at the Mustang 5-yard line and fumbled, but senior Isaac Singer recovered the ball to maintain possession. On fourth down, Shipman scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak and after a failed Point After Touchdown, or PAT, the score was tied, 6-6.
In the second quarter, Ennis turned the ball over twice on downs, and both times Lone Peak would capitalize. Shipman scored on another 1-yard sneak and later found Helms on an out pattern for a 20-yard score. Both PAT attempts failed. Ennis completed the first half with a 15-yard run from Jacob Johnson, adding a 2-point PAT pass from senior quarterback Brand Ostler to junior Nicholas Johnson. The Big Horns led at halftime, 18-14.
The Mustangs took the lead and the momentum with their first possession of the second half. Ostler again connected with Nicholas Johnson for a 5-yard touchdown pass. The Mustangs converted on the 2-point conversion on an option pitch from Ostler to Jacob Johnson to take a 22-18 lead.
After Lone Peak threw an interception in the end zone and an Ennis punt following their next possession, Shipman lofted a deep pass to Flores who had snuck behind the Ennis safety for a 32-yard touchdown. Ennis responded with another Jacob Johnson run, this time from 19 yards out. A successful PAT pass from Ostler to Nicholas Johnson gave Ennis the lead 30-24.
Lone Peak next turned the ball over on downs, and with the ball deep in Big Horn territory and Ennis looking to run the clock out or take a two-score lead, an aggressive Big Horn defense stripped the ball from a Mustang runner, and senior Henry Slade recovered it at the Big Horn 21-yardline with three minutes to play.
Lone Peak would use every second of those three minutes to tie the game. With two seconds remining on the clock, Shipman heaved a desperate pass to the end zone. The ball, tipped by both a Big Horn receiver and Mustang defender, appeared headed for the deep blue end zone turf before Helms snatched it out of the air.
While he wasn’t the intended receiver, Helms was in the right spot just at the right time. After a missed PAT, the game went into overtime with the score locked at 30 apiece.
In overtime, the Big Horns took control. Junior Pierce Farr scored on the first play from scrimmage on a powerful 10-yard run. This time, Lone Peak added the two-point conversion, their first successful attempt of the game. Ennis countered with a five-yard touchdown run from Jacob Johnson, his fourth touchdown of the game, but the Big Horns shoved him out of bounds on the PAT attempt before he could reach the end zone, sealing their victory.
Next week, Lone Peak will try to extend its winning streak to three with a home game against the Twin Bridges Falcons (2-4) on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m.
The Ophir Miners (3-1) were idle this week after the Ennis Middle School team canceled their Friday night game. The Miners will travel to Park City on Monday afternoon for a rescheduled game with the Sheridan Panthers, and will also take on the Twin Bridges Middle School team Saturday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. for their first home game of the season.
Upcoming Events
september, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 15 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 9:00 am - September 23 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
more
Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
July 24 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 1:00 pm
Location
Len Hill Park