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The Noxon Red Devils fought one of their hardest games of the season last Friday as they traveled to Wilsall to face off against the Shields Valley Rebels in the first round of the Class C 6-Man playoffs. Though the Red Devils’ season ended with a tough 55-43 loss in windy Wilsall, Coach Bart Haflich was proud of his team’s performance on the field.

“We were a No. 4 team playing a No. 1 team,” Haflich said. “They showed a lot of heart, played hard and I’m proud of the way they stepped up and finished out the year.”

Shields Valley scored on their opening drive to start the game 8-0 ahead of Noxon. As the Red Devils took over the ball, Shields Valley was holding them to within 10 yards of the goal line. Haflich called a timeout and the next play, senior Cade VanVleet ran the ball in for a touchdown, breaking through two tackles, and Noxon took the lead 8-6. VanVleet would carry the ball 30 times for 255 yards and score four of the Red Devils’ six touchdowns in the game against Shields Valley. Derreck Christensen threw one touchdown pass Saturday and put three kicks through the uprights for extra points for the Red Devils.

Opening the second quarter down 16-14, Noxon had the ball and Treven Monegan ran it in for a touchdown. The snap was fumbled during the PAT attempt, but VanVleet acted quick, grabbed the ball and threw it to Gunnar Swanson in the end zone for the extra point. Noxon again took the lead 21-16.

The Red Devils answered points and the Rebels were unable to get more than one score away from Noxon until the second half of the game. The teams traded leads and Shields Valley maintained just a one-point lead at the half, 30-29.

Noxon was plagued with two turnovers in the fourth quarter, but the Red Devils played with determination until the last play. Both teams scored in the fourth quarter. Noxon drove the ball down for a touchdown with seven minutes left in the game, but Shields Valley blocked the kick for extra points. With just four minutes remaining, the Red Devils were within a touchdown of advancing in the playoffs, trailing 48-43. However, Shields Valley threw a long pass in for their final touchdown and won 55-43.

Haflich was proud of his team’s performance in the playoff game. “They competed for four quarters,” he said. “I’m proud of those guys for going out and competing against a No. 1 seed.” He noted his team played a lot better offensively and had a lot of momentum, but there were also some costly turnovers against Shields Valley. He added that his offensive line of Swanson, Wyatt Lackner, Shane Reishus and Shamus Wheeldon gave all their effort and blocked better than they have all year.

Noxon faced their share of adversity this season, from school shutdowns due to COVID to injured and sick players to then having to play two games a week twice during the season to make up for those shutdowns. “They fought through a rough season,” Haflich said. “We had to deal with a lot of extra challenges. The fact that they battled through the adversity is a testament to this team.

“It’s sad to see these seniors go,” he added. “I appreciate their hard work and dedication the last four years.”