Pony Power aims to stop the Locomotives

The Havre High football team has had a very exciting season so far.

After losing their opener against the Sidney Eagles, the Blue Ponies have showcased amazing talent and skill in their last two wins.

Havre's second game of the season was a home game against the Glendive Red Devils and the Ponies defended their turf and routed the Red Devils 43-6. Then, Havre went down to Hardin and came home with another dominant 35-12 win against the Hardin Bulldogs.

The Ponies are in good shape with the first half of the season almost over. But they will have to face another powerhouse team in the Laurel Locomotives, who come to Blue Pony Stadium tonight.

Havre head coach Ryan Gatch knows the game against Laurel will be a battle for the season.

"Big game, man," Gatch said. "Laurel's real good. They're coming to town and they're picked to be finished up top of the Eastern A."

The Locomotives (1-1) have had a fairly good season, as well. Laurel opened its season against Hardin, shutting the Bluudogs out 49-0. The Locomotives' second game was against Miles City and was a much tougher game. Miles City, another team within prime position to make some noise in Class A football, held Laurel to 16 points and won the game 21-16.

The Locomotives have an explosive offense and, despite their loss, racked up 211 yards of total offense and gave Miles City some heated competition. Laurel's passing game has been a force throughout their young season, with their quarterback Eli Aby putting up 147 passing yards against Miles City and 284 yards against Hardin.

Havre's offense has sparked in their last two games, as well. The Blue Pony run game is one of their major weapons and Laurel will have to find a way to contain it. Senior running back Mason Dionne has proven his prowess at his position, racking up 158 rushing yards against Hardin and 69 yards against Glendive.

The Locomotive defense has been performing well in their season so far, too. Holding Hardin to no points and giving another good team in Miles City some trouble is case enough to give Havre something to take notice to.

"They're a traditionally strong football team," Gatch said. "They're one of the top teams in the state for a reason."

The Blue Pony defense has given it their all so far in 2019. Holding Sidney to 18 points and a tight game kicked off their promising start. Havre's defense against Glendive held the Red Devils to six points and put a sack and an interception on the game, too. Against Hardin, the Pony defense racked up a total of five sacks on the Bulldogs. Havre's pass rush and run defense has given them an edge against most teams.

But the Ponies have to tighten up their defense when it comes to deep passes. Against Hardin, the Ponies let the Bulldogs get away with two deep pass scores, one for 62 yards and another for 81-yards. If the passing defense tightens up and disrupts the ball downfield, Laurel will have some trouble throughout the game.

Laurel will also have to deal with the loud and proud fans at Blue Pony Stadium. The Havre home crowd is always fired up and can be intimidating for an away team. Of course, road games are always difficult for most teams. It will be up to Laurel to shut out the noise and stay consistent.

Gatch is aware of Laurel's strong playmaking and is looking for his team to counter it.

"They got good, skilled kids," Gatch said. "It's gonna be a good game, man. I'm glad we have them at home. We need all of our fan support."

Overall, the game between the Ponies and the Locomotives will be a highly competitive Eastern A showdown. This matchup will also serve as a turning point for both teams' seasons. Can Havre keep its dominant win streak? Will the Locomotives be able to corral the Ponies?

All that's left to do is wait and see.

The Blue Ponies kick off against the Laurel Locomotives tonight at 7 inside Blue Pony Stadium.

"It'll be a good measuring stick for us to see how we've improved over the last three weeks from game one to game four," Gatch said.

Havre Blue Ponies (2-1) vs Laurel (2-1)

Tonight at 7 p.m.

Blue Pony Stadium

Radio: 610 KOJM AM