Pony gridders earn Central A honors

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News [email protected]

Becoming Central A champions showed the dominance of the Havre High football team this season, but having 15 players voted all conference, five more with honorable mention honors and head coach Kevin Sukut achieving Central A coach of the year was the icing on the cake. And the Ponies success was achieved across the board. Their explosive offense and tough defense got the admiration they deserved in the conference, but so did their special teams, as John Perrodin was voted second-team all conference from the kicker position. At the beginning of the season, the Ponies gameplan was to rotate Beau Briese and Jordan Van Voast at the quarterback position, but by week two things changed. And with the way things turned out, ultimately they made the right decision. Quarterback Beau Briese went on to receive first-team all-conference, and Van Voast achieved first-team tight end, first-team defensive end and first-team punter. And the offensive 1-2 punch of Mike Hickman and Nate Christianson also translated to a 1-2 punch on defense. All season, when the two weren't terrorizing defenses by catching touchdown passes, they were terrorizing offenses by deflecting and intercepting them. Both Hickman and Christianson landed first-team all-conference at defensive back and second-team allconference at wide receiver. But also having an outstanding defensive season for the Ponies was Jordan Haas, who went on to get honorable mention with his play at safety. So many times this season, Sukut gave the credit of their success to the performance of the offensive and defensive line play. And when a team can run and pass the way the Ponies did, and lead the conference with fewest points allowed, give credit where credit is due. Will DeVries was chosen first team at offensive guard, Mitch Schnittgen first team offensive tackle and Paul Jensen was selected first team defensive tackle and offensive tackle honorable mention. Also getting noticed was Thomas Kline with honorable mention defensive end, Schnittgen honorable mention defensive tackle and Evan Ohm with honorable mention from the center spot. The success that came from how the line played also reflected on the Pony backfield. Kent Pattison received honorable mention running back, Adam Briese accomplished second team running back as well as first team safety. Jarrett McLain doubled up as well, receiving first team full back and first team linebacker. And while Ethan Hinebauch was honorable mention fullback, it was his defensive play that really got him noticed by coaches around the conference. Hinebauch not only played well enough to receive first team inside linebacker honors, but also the amazing feat of defensive player of the year. Last Monday night was a big night for the Pony football team. Not only were the Central A All Conference selections revealed to the athletes, but so were the plaques. HHS's Offensive Player of the Year was McLain, and selected as Defensive Player of the Year was the more than deserving Hinebauch. The award for Lineman of the Year was given to Jensen, and the Most Improved Player award was given to Haas. And getting the Pony Pride award was the versatile Van Voast. All season long Van Voast played selfless football by stepping up and playing where he was most needed, putting his team in the best position to be successful. On junior varsity, CJ Evans received Offensive Player of the Year, and Jake Myers Defensive Player of the Year. And on the Freshman squad, Ryan Brandt received Offensive Player of the Year, and Casey Schaub Defensive Player of the Year. The 2008 Class A All-State team will be announced on Dec.6.