OUTLOOK — The LCBI Bisons had all the momentum on their side on Oct. 17 at their home field in Outlook.
Welcoming not only the Central Butte Bulldogs to their field, but also a large contingent of people who were already at the school for LCBI's annual homecoming events weekend, the Bisons certainly had support on their side as they took to the field for this special 'Friday Night Lights' game played later than usual and under the lights.
In the first quarter, things were a bit of a feeling out period between both rosters before the points started going up on the scoreboard. When they did, it was the Bisons who had earned them, with #87 Eli Hundeby nabbing it at the 5:37 mark on the clock, although the convert kick was no good. Still, LCBI kept up the momentum and it paid off when #28 Tyler Wright scored a touchdown for the team at 2:29, with the convert being good this time.
The second quarter saw the field become more lively with both teams fighting for possession of the ball. Bisons #88 Fisayo Odesola got more points on the board for his team with a touchdown at 11:44, convert good. Minutes later, LCBI #36 Beckett Nelson jumped on a Bulldogs fumble to gain back possession, which led shortly to #8 Knute Gjesdal nabbing a touchdown at 2:41, making an impressive run through and avoiding contact with any opposition, with the convert being good. Looking for some redemption, Central Butte came back in the final minute of the quarter with some impressive plays that led to #33 Carter Stewart scoring a touchdown, convert good. With just 12 seconds left in the first half of the game, the Bulldogs wrapped it by scoring another touchdown, made by #10 Lucas Erickson, though the convert was no good.
At halftime, game official Lauren Ferguson was recognized by Phil Guebert for her work serving as a local sports official, being given an award for Official of the Year on behalf of the West Central District Athletic Association. In addition, the crowd was given a musical halftime show with Outlook group the Riverbottom Boys playing a few tunes. Comprised of Chris Akre, Martin Rude, Curtis Akre and Rick Myrol, the band played on a flatbed trailer hooked onto a truck that was wheeled out to midfield, playing a few of their favorites and providing some entertainment for those looking to relax during the halfway point of the game.
The third quarter of the game saw things continue to pick up, with LCBI #28 Wright score another touchdown at 11:29, convert good. Continuing that momentum, the Bisons jumped on a Bulldogs fumble at 9:55, which led to #88 Odesola nabbing another touchdown for LCBI at 8:56, though the convert was no good. Hoping to recapture some momentum of their own, Central Butte #15 Walker Newton took the ball and actually ran through on the kickoff from LCBI, scoring an incredible touchdown at 8:49, though the convert was no good. Despite the impressive move from their opponents, the Bisons remained focused and continued racking up points with another touchdown by #8 Gjesdal at 7:38, convert good. In the last 55 seconds, LCBI managed to rack up another touchdown, this one made once again by #88 Odesola, convert good.
The fourth and final quarter saw things slow way down in this chunk of time, with both teams fighting for possession of the ball and position on the field. At the 11:10 mark, Bisons #28 Wright managed a great evading run, but the team couldn't take advantage of the situation. The Bulldogs managed to rack up one more handful of points with a touchdown scored at 7:10 by #10 Erickson, though the convert was no good.
That would be it for points by either roster as the clock wound down, and when it did, it signalled a victory for LCBI at a score of 60-26.
With the regular season now over, league playoffs are set to begin. It's expected that a schedule will be finalized this week showing when and where games featuring the LCBI Bisons and the Hanley Sabers will take place.
