Friday Night Lights: Mister Versatility for the Ponies

Leadership and versatility are two very important things on a football team. If the leadership is great, the team will be greater. If a team is versatile, it will have more opportunities to keep the opponent on its toes.

An offense needs a leader. The Havre High football team knows all of these facts and its offense has a certain athlete that has progressed in leaps and bounds to become one of the many big pieces on the Blue Pony offense.

That standout is senior quarterback and receiver Reese Bulkley.

Bulkley's high school football career at Havre High started off quite rocky. In his freshman and sophomore years, Bulkley was unfortunately injured and did not play actively on the team. But, after his sophomore year, Havre High head coach Ryan Gatch saw an opportunity to make big difference for the Ponies.

"He never played quarterback till his junior year," said Gatch. "So, we started working with him and he's developed into the person he is."

Jumping into the quarterback position was something new for Bulkley, but it proved to be a great choice for the young man. Bulkley became the quarterback the Blue Ponies needed on the field.

Bulkley did not just help lead the offense, he helped put life into it. After playing his junior year, he became a major offensive weapon for Havre. Bulkley's athletic prowess is a great ability to have, but Gatch is also proud to have a great person as his quarterback.

"He's got great leadership ability," Gatch continued. "He embodies everything when we talk about Pony Pride. He's respectful, responsible, educated, safe. Those are the four core values we have, so it matches up really easily with us when we talk about being social, academic and athletic in our football program. He's a great person to have on the team. I'm glad he's a Blue Pony."

Bulkley has made many great achievements in his career at Havre High, but his passion has been rooted since he was in the fourth grade. Coming this far is something Bulkley can be proud of. On top of that, he enjoys the time he has on the field with his team.

"My favorite thing about football is the camaraderie," said Bulkley. "And being with all my friends and teammates."

The Ponies' cohesiveness is special and has carried them to do great things in their season. Everyone watches each other's backs and when they all come together, it becomes a force to be reckoned with.

Bulkley not only appreciates the friendship and togetherness of his team, but also the fact that the team works hard and pushes every teammate to be their best in every aspect.

"My greatest motivation has probably been just the team and everyone that surrounds the game," Bulkley said. "All my friends drive me to play harder and play stronger."

Bulkley has thrived as a quarterback for Havre, and it has given him opportunities to go above and beyond. But he is not just a great leader for the team; he's also a versatile player on the team. Not only can Bulkley lead the offense, he can make plays when he is a receiver.

There have been a few times this season that Bulkley has led Havre in passing and receiving yards. In the conference game against the Glendive Red Devils this season, Bulkley put up 67-reception yards to lead the team and caught a 54-yard pass from fellow quarterback, sophomore Trenton Maloughney, to give Havre a great start to the game.

Against the Hardin Bulldogs on Sept. 13, Bulkley racked up 167 passing yards to help lead the team to a win. Bulkley also has scored many touchdowns as both a quarterback and a receiver. Bulkley is happy to play both positions and knows that in the end, his team benefits from his versatility.

"My versatility really helps us diversify our offense," Bulkley said. "We can create multiple threats, so we're not just stuck to the same old routine."

It pays to be unpredictable when moving the ball downfield, and Bulkley has put forward his fair share. Quarterback sneaks, deep passes and great catches are all in Bulkley's skill set. He loves to play both quarterback and wide receiver, making it all the more fun for Bulkley.

"My favorite part about being a quarterback is being a leader and just leading our team, plus commanding the offense," Bulkley said. "My favorite thing about wide receiver is that I just love catching the ball and scoring a touchdown."

Bulkley also has his favorite hobbies outside of football.

"My hobbies are a lot of fishing, hunting and just spending time with my family," said Bulkley.

Whether it's on or off the field, Bulkley is an exemplary young man. His dedication to his family and football has helped him grow into the stellar person he is today. When one is a great person and player, everyone around them respects and looks up to them. The team has a great bond with Bulkley, and he could not be happier to be a Blue Pony.

Bulkley will be one of the many key factors in the game against the Billings Central Rams next Friday in Billings. Havre receives its forfeit from Livingston tonight, which improves the Ponies to 3-3.