Friday Night Lights: Time flies, just like Korb does

The 2016 seniors on the Havre High football team have been through a lot. They have played in the Class A playoffs twice, won a Central A championship and were one win away from playing in the state championship game a year ago. They have also been through three head coaches in three years, yet, no matter what, they keep winning.

This season, with a new head coach, a new quarterback and a number of new starters, the Blue Ponies were unsure what they could achieve. However, that didn't keep them from setting their goals high and now, as they get ready to enter conference play, which opens tonight against Browning at Blue Pony Stadium, all their goals are still in front of them.

"3-1 is a good start for us," Havre senior Nate Korb said. "And we know because of that, we have a chance to have a great season and with conference games starting, that's when it's really important that we play our best football."

Korb, who is in his third season as a starter, is just one of numerous players with previous experience and thus far, it has paid off in spades, especially in the secondary. While the defensive backs were strong a season ago, they have been even more productive this season, intercepting six passes (three by Isaac Warp) compared to giving up just three touchdown passes for opposing offense.

"Our thing is that we want to make plays on the ball," Korb said. "We want to stop other teams from getting big yards passing and when we have a chance, we want to make big plays."

A season ago, when he earned Second-Team Central A All-Conference honors, Korb made plenty of big plays, finishing with 42 tackles to go along with three passes defensed, one interception and two fumble recoveries. And after getting his hands on the ball plenty in 2015, he's been at it again this season, notching an interception in the season-opener against Whitefish, giving Havre's starting safeties (Korb and Warp) a total of four interceptions in four games.

"We feel pretty good about who we have back there," HHS head coach Ryan Gatch said. "We have a lot of experience and a lot of great leadership there with guys like Nathan (Korb) and Isaac (Warp)."

Yet, the secondary, which also features a stellar group of cornerbacks, is just one reason why the defense is thriving. With upperclassmen all over the field, the Havre defense has become the bread-and-butter of the team, allowing just over 11 points per game. And while the defense is stingy against the pass, the Ponies are equally strong when it comes to stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.

However, with players like Korb, who plays on offense, defense and special teams, it's not a shock to see the Ponies succeed.

"We have a lot of seniors and a lot of guys who have had experience," Korb said. "And I definitely think that has helped us this season. But we also know that because we have a lot of seniors, this is our time and we need to make the most of it."

Through three games, Havre has done just that. But, especially on the offensive side of the ball, the success of the Ponies has come in a little different fashion. Previously, when Dane Warp was under center, Havre was a pass-first offense. Now, with Gatch running things, HHS has become much more focused on establishing a ground game and with Jase Stokes carrying the ball, it's been a successful strategy. But, it has meant less opportunities for Korb and the wide receivers.

Korb, who caught nine passes for 133 yards last season and has six for 43 this year, is one of a number of high-caliber receivers on Havre's varsity roster. He and Isaac Warp, along with Ivar Aageson and Jacob LaBrie are all talented when it comes to catching the football, but this season, they have done just as much damage with their run blocking, as their receiving.

"We take a lot of pride in our blocking," Korb said. "And we are trying to help the team get a big play, no matter what it takes.

"Our receivers have done a really great job this year," Gatch said. "They have done a great job blocking and a lot of those big runs Jase (Stokes) has gotten, is because of them blocking down the field."

Throughout his career at Havre High, Korb has been a steady and impactful presence for the Ponies. He's been both a good player and an even stronger leader and he's one of many on the HHS football team. And that, more than any other reason, is why, when it's all said and done, Havre could be in line for a very special season.

"It goes by fast," Korb, who also plays basketball and tennis at HHS, said of his high school football career. "I can't believe how fast it has gone by and that's why we really need to take advantage of the chances that we have. We know this is our last chance to do something special and we want to make the best of it."