The Noxon Red Devils kicked off the 2022 season with a win on their home field last Saturday. Noxon beat Heart Butte 57-12 in their first matchup of the 6-man season.

The Red Devils opened with #27 running in for a touchdown on their first drive. The Noxon defense came out roaring and forced Heart Butte to punt on their first possession of the game. Noxon capitalized on the turnover for yet another touchdown. #9 also returned a touchdown for a kickoff. And the first quarter wasn't even over. Red Devil #27 would catch an interception before the first quarter ended with Noxon up 18-6.

Noxon had few kinks to work out in the first game of the season as they worked their passing and running games throughout the game. The Red Devils will be on the road this week, playing Saturday at 1 p.m. in Geyser.

Hot Springs also opened their season last weekend, traveling to Highwood on Friday. After a lightning delay, Savage Heat took the field at Highwood and played a hard game, though they came up short and lost 32-18.

"I was happy with our first game," Hot Springs Coach Jim Lawson said. "The kids played hard." The teams went back and forth with scoring until the third quarter, when Highwood secured the lead.

Lawson stated that though they have a young team, with six of the 10 Savage Heat players in their sophomore year, they are working on improving their game. Some positions are new to the Hot Springs players and they are working to improve each week.

Coach Lawson noted that Nick McAllister played well for his first game as a starting quarterback, and also did a good job on defense. Quincy Styles DePoe also had a good game, returning a punt for a touchdown, leading the Savage Heat in tackles with 10, and snatching two interceptions against Highwood. Lawson also said that Westin Slonaker, a sophomore running back, did a good job running the ball for Hot Springs.

"The kids are really working hard and are excited to play," Lawson said. "They are eager to get their first win." The Savage Heat will look for that first win as they welcome Valier to their home field this Friday. Their first conference game of the season will be September 9 against Twin Bridges. That game will also be plated in Hot Springs.

Annie Wooden

Noxon quarterback Brian Risch looks down field as Sam Christensen keeps watch over defenders Saturday.

The Plains Horsemen traveled to Mission on Friday in their first game of the season, losing to the Bulldogs 58-6. Plains will host Superior this Thursday at 7 p.m.