The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

The Big Sandy Pioneers had a tough go of things on the football field and volleyball court this past weekend but both teams will look to bounce back this week as the season is still very young.

The Pioneer football team fell to the defending Class C Six-man football champion and top ranked Westby/Grenora Thunder Friday night 57-28. The girls fell against the Box Elder Bears Thursday night 3-1 in District 6C-East play and were swept 3-0 in non-conference action against the Geraldine/Highwood Rivals on Saturday.

The football team played a superb first half against the Thunder and held a slim 20-18 lead over the Thunder at halftime.

Sophomore quarterback Parker Proulx through for a pair of touchdowns, both to his brother, junior Brock Proulx. Parker also helped the team out on the defensive side of the ball, intercepting a Thunder pass.

The second half was a much different story as the Thunder outscored Big Sandy 39-8 to pick up a 57-28 win.

Proulx finished the game with 81 yards passing and the two touchdowns while sophomore Kade Strutz ran for 112 yards and a 14 yard touchdown in the loss.

The Pioneers fell to 2-1 on the season and are now ranked No. 7 in the Montana Class C Six-man football poll.

This week will provide another tough test for the Pioneers as they will host the No. 6 Geraldine/Highwood Rivals in a pivotal Norther C Six-man contest.

The Rivals also hold a 2-1 record on the season and the importance of the game is not lost on Head Coach Chuck Terry, "It's a big game, could very well be for the conference championship."

Sophomore quarterback Parker Proulx looks for an open receiver during first half action Friday night.

"We're a young team and things got away from us in the second half against Westby," Terry added. "The kids will bounce back, we'll work hard this week, get after some things and be ready to go against the Rivals.

The Pioneers have big expectations for the season and top spot in the playoffs is still high on the list. After the big game with the Rivals the schedule includes the Heart Butte Warriors at home on Friday, September 21.

The Pioneers will then have a bye as their contest with the Augusta Elk has been canceled. On Saturday, October 6 the team will hit the road to take on the Denton/Geyser/Stanford Bearcats before returning home to close out the regular season with games against the Power-Dutton-Brady Titans and the Valier Panthers.

The Montana State Class C Six-man football playoffs begin on Saturday, October 27.