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Playing for the first time in the postseason, the first-year Three Forks High School Girls Flag Football team excelled with a second-place finish at last week's Southwest Divisional Tournament in East Helena.
The Wolves opened the September 21 tournament with a thrilling 15-13 four-overtime win over Jefferson High School (Boulder) and fell 13-12 in another close game in the championship to host East Helena.
"I'd like to thank the ladies for putting in all the hard work, the parents for all their great support, and Coach (Terry) Hauser for the added efforts and football knowledge," said Head Coach Maree Hanson. "The ladies played great and put in a real tough effort."
Looking back on the win against Boulder, Hanson said sophomore Hailey Williams's interception to end the game was absolutely fantastic.
"Her (Williams) ability to read the quarterback is great," Hanson said.
According to Hanson, eighth grader Makenna Ewan had three interceptions during the two games at Divisionals, and Devynn Judd had an excellent day at quarterback with multiple first-down quarterback keepers.
Hanson said Maya Noble and Williams had a great day for the Three Forks squad.
"They're so incredibly fast and smart in their football plays," Hanson said.
Other highlights from Hanson included Bella Jones with a huge catch on a fourth down, Cammi Conaster being able to keep the run game evened out keeping the defense having to play honest, and Ava Burgos-Gruby making great blocks upfront to keep Judd protected.
The Wolves will now move on to the 2024 Girls Flag Football State Championships, which are scheduled for Thursday, September 26, and Friday, September 27, at Montana State University in Bozeman. Three Forks will open the tournament on September 26 at 1 p.m. against Dawson County High School (Glendive) in a game to be played at Bobcat Stadium.
"We are all looking forward to next week at state up at MSU. It will be a great experience for our first-year program. I couldn't be more proud or blessed to coach this group of girls," Hanson said.
The state roster for Three Forks is Devynn Judd, Ava Burgos-Gruby, Hailey Williams, Maya Noble, Bella Jones, Cammi Conaster, Arabella McCauley, Anabelle Ewan, Makenna Ewan, Sylviajean Labonte, Emry Judd, and Claire Van Vleet.