Back in the Corral: Ponies host Browning

Now that Class A football uses the wildcard playoff system, the truth is, every game matters. But when it comes to the Havre High football team, the goal is to clinch one of the Central A Conference's two automatic berths and that process starts tonight, against the Browning Indians.

The Blue Ponies, who went 3-1 in the non-conference play, with wins over Whitefish, Hardin and Miles City, as well as a loss to Sidney, play the first our four straight conference games as they will host the Indians tonight at Blue Pony Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7.

"You always worry about these kinds of games," HHS head coach Ryan Gatch said. "Because even though Browning hasn't won any games yet, when you start conference play, everyone is 0-0, so this game is just as important for them as it is for us."

Browning has always struggled to compete with Havre in football and this year, it looks like the Indians will need a herculean effort just to keep the game close. Through four games this season, the Indians have been outscored 180-14 and against Hardin and Whitefish, teams Havre beat earlier this season, Browning was defeated 40-6 and 27-8, respectively.

"They are an athletic team," Gatch said of Browning. "They aren't as big as some of the teams we have played recently, like Miles City or Sidney, but they are athletic and they come out and hit you hard. So if we don't come out strapped on and ready to go, they are capable of hitting you in the mouth."

One way Gatch and the Ponies are going to try to prevent that from happening is by establishing the ground game, and to do that, Havre will be looking to pound the ball with Jase Stokes, who was rushed for 552 yards in four games so far this season.

"Obviously, we want to try and get the running game going," Gatch said. "That's going to be our first priority like it is in every game. We haven't been able to do that as much the past couple of weeks, so that will be important for us."

While Stokes will be the primary ball carrier for Havre, Dane Flammond, who is a starting linebacker for HHS, will also see some carries after notching four for 32 last week in the loss against Sidney. Mason Dionne may also see some touches.

If the Ponies can get the ground game going, Gatch and the offense will then look for some big plays in the passing game, which is led by starting quarterback Trey Murphy, as well as a number of talented wide outs. Murphy, who has thrown four touchdowns in the last three games for Havre, will be looking to spread the football around to his wide receiver group, which features Isaac Warp, Ivar Aageson, Nate Korb, Jacob LaBrie and Michael Loftus.

Warp has come on strong the past two weeks with more than 140 yards receiving and two touchdowns. He has become a key target for Murphy, along with Aageson, who is in his second game back from a shoulder injury. Loftus and LaBrie each have touchdown receptions as well this season, while Korb has six catches for 43 yards.

Defensively, the Ponies will be looking for a similar path to success as the one they have taken in recent weeks and that's been stopping the run, pressuring the quarterback and forcing turnovers.

Stokes has been the leader on offense and is playing at an All-State level on defense, leading the team in tackles and forced fumbles. He also has a two sacks and an interception.

In the secondary, Warp has been the top playmaker for HHS, notching three interceptions in his past two games. Up front, the Ponies have relied heavily on the run-stopping ability of Jared Sienkowski, as well as defensive ends Tyler Schaub and Chris Gabrielsen, who have been equally strong defending the run and harassing the quarterback.

In terms of what the Indians are doing, Gatch said his focus was on his team's execution and continuing to do the things they've been doing to be successful.

"We just want to keep playing sound, fundamental football," Gatch said. "We just need to keep working and moving forward and getting better. I know the kids are excited about playing and I think we are going to have a good football game."

Havre and Browning will kick off tonight at 7 inside Blue Pony Stadium. Havre goes on the road to face Livingston next Friday.