BILLINGS – Lightning was the only thing slowing Billings Central on Friday.
The Rams held a 14-0 lead over Eastern A rival Miles City before lightning caused a 34-minute delay in the second quarter of Central’s 38-0 win. Joe Byorth’s three-yard run on fourth down put Central up 7-0 in the opening quarter, then Jack Studer added a 32-yard rushing touchdown in the final minute of the quarter for the 14-0 advantage.
Officials sent teams to the locker room at 7:33 p.m., before allowing play to resume some 34 minutes later. Miles City continued its drive, but a fourth-down pass fell incomplete. Byorth hit Chrishon Dixon for a 56-yard touchdown moments later, giving the Rams a 21-0 lead.
Camden Capsen’s 42-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds of the half bounced off the crossbar and through the post for a 24-0 lead.
Studer added a 57-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, then Byorth scored his second rushing touchdown of the season from a yard out, giving Central a running clock at 38-0. Robert Gunderson had a pair of sacks in the win, which was No. 199 for Central coach Jim Stanton, according to radio broadcaster Rocky Erickson.
Miles City played without Keith Vanderlaan, last year’s Class A state champion in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.
Class A football scores
(Click the links for game highlights)
Belgrade 31, Sidney 7
Billings Central 38, Miles City 0
Corvallis 36, Browning 26
Frenchtown 53, Timberlake (Idaho) 0
Hamilton 36, Whitefish 10
Havre 24, Hardin 0
Libby 35, Bonners Ferry 6
Livingston 35, Glendive 34
Stevensville 28, Polson 18
