Timberlake falls in opener

LIBBY, Mont. - A late comeback effort came up short for the visiting Timberlake Tigers as they fell to the Libby Loggers 26-22 on Saturday night in the season opener for both schools.

Brian Cronnelly hit Tyler Shaffer on a 35-yard touchdown pass with 1:52 remaining in the fourth quarter to pull Timberlake within 26-22.

Timberlake recovered the onside kick, but was unable to move the ball past the Libby 30-yard line as the Loggers closed out the game on defense.

"We drove down the field, but just couldn't convert," Timberlake assistant coach Brian Kluss said. "We had our chances at the end of the game, but couldn't get it done."

Chris Williams scored on an 50-yard interception return, along with an 80-yard touchdown run for Timberlake, which hosts Freeman, Wash., on Friday.

Timberlake outgained Libby 492-242.

"We were actually balanced on offense," Kluss said. "We did some good things, but we also had two fumbles and an interception and some typical penalties for a first game. Overall, I was pleased with the effort."

Williams finished with 112 yards rushing. Christian Heth rushed for 88 yards and Shaffer had four catches for 111 yards for Timberlake.

Cronnelly completed 14 of 30 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown and one interception.

Timberlake 8 8 0 6 - 22

Libby 7 7 6 6 - 26

Libby scoring plays unavailable

TL - Chris Williams 50 interception return (Christian Heth run)

TL - Williams 80 run (Devin Smith run)

TL - Tyler Shaffer 35 pass from Brian Cronnelly (run failed)