2-point conversion lifts Beavers over Dogs

A bold play call paid off for the visiting Dillon Beavers in a hard-hitting football game Friday at Whitefish.

The defending state champions scored on fourth and goal with 2:32 left in the fourth quarter, then cashed in on a 2-point conversion to take a 1-point lead.

Whitefish’s final drive stalled with a turnover on downs, giving Dillon the 22-21 victory in Class A action between two teams picked to contend for a state title this season.

“A great game,” Whitefish coach Chad Ross said.

“They made some great plays at the end."

All-State receiver Nate Simkins accounted for all of Dillon’s scores, tallying 14 receptions for 228 yards and three touchdowns.

Whitefish held a 21-14 advantage in the fourth quarter after Dylan Cardon brought in a beautiful 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Luke May. An interception by defensive back Peter Mow set up the scoring drive.

May connected with Brian FauntLeRoy on a 19-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter to put the Dogs on top 14-7.

Whitefish’s first touchdown came with 3 seconds left in the first half. May scrambled out of the pocket and launched a pass into the back of the north end zone. Senior receiver Jed Nagler jumped over a crowd of defenders and pulled down the pass for the score.

Steven Quimby and Nagler combined to sack Dillon quarterback Troy Anderson to set up the scoring drive.

Dillon was the first to strike when Simkins hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter. 

While all of Whitefish’s scores came through the air, the Dogs used a balanced attack to move the chains. Running backs Chris Park and FauntLeRoy carried the load on the ground.

Whitefish had 105 yards rushing to just 30 for Dillon.

May used his feet plenty to gain yardage and finished 17 of 26 passing for 140 yards and three touchdowns.

Whitefish (1-1) is on the road next Friday at Browning.

Dillon 7 0 0 15 — 22

Whitefish 0 7 7 7 — 21

Dillon — Nate Simkins 20 pass from Troy Anderson (Payton Lafrentz kick)

Whitefish — Jed Nagler 25 pass from Luke May (Haley Nicholson kick)

Whitefish — Brian FauntLeRoy 19 pass from May (Nicholson kick)

Dillon — Simkins 26 pass from Anderson (Lafrentz kick)

Whitefish — Dylan Cardon 16 pass from May (Nicholson kick)

Dillon — Simkins 4 pass from Anderson (No. 86 pass from Anderson)