Talented Ponies aim to be powerful in 2020

The gridiron has been waiting for the return of Montana sports and when it comes to Class A, the Havre High football team is ready to make some noise once again this season. There were plenty of great moments in 2019, as the Blue Ponies fought their way to a semifinal appearance in the Class A playoffs. In fact, with a strong veteran core returning to the field, as well as some young and hungry new players, Havre is primed to have another great season in 2020.

The Eastern A has never been an easy conference to play in, but the Ponies have been itching to get their shot at a great run after what looked to be lost due to COVID-19, but now, that will not be slowing Havre down anytime soon. The Ponies are excited to get to tackle the conference and Class A head-on.

And, as always, Havre head coach Ryan Gatch is just as excited to get back on the field and see his team give it their all.

"As far as the season coming up, we're excited about it," Gatch said. "We're excited to get back to be able to have competitive sports, going to school and being in a community that stands together. Anytime we get a chance to come back, we're very excited about showcasing Havre and representing our community in a positive fashion. We're ready to go."

Returners for the Ponies include seniors Eli Cloninger, Brock Nystrom, Joey Byrd, Kellen Detrick, Bradyn Winchell, Ethan Carlson, Carson Lunak, Evan Butcher and Colby Lammers; juniors Randy Tommerup, Trenton Maloughney, Jared Rosgaard, Orion Thivierge, Carter Nystrom, Zach Monk, Justin Rosgaard, Derek Olson and Riley Long Knife; and sophomores Evan Baker, Jayce Jensen, Stephen Preputin, Zale Thomas, Ryan Powell, Zeke Antonich, Gabe LaRoque, Chase Mariani, Jason Wold, Hunter Sawdey, Kale VanCampen, Brody Nanini and Crawford Terry.

Freshmen newcomers for Havre are Landon Caplette, Tristan Stygles, Ciaran Courtnage, Trayden Riley, Jacob Herring, Carson Harris, Jacob Kunz, Mason Wilting, Brisbin Reiter, Clara Laird, Daniel Edmonds, Isiah Parker, Andrew LaRoque, Ryne Petrini, Rhett Wertheimer, Michael Emge, Jerry Kirkaldie, Ricky Moore, Asher Springer and Brayden Kimberling.

There are plenty of returning standouts, too. Senior running back/defensive lineman, Detrick will be a force to be reckoned with once again this year after tearing up offensive lines last season. A set of big returners for the Ponies include linemen Lunak and Carlson, who were a major part of a strong offensive line in 2019. At the skill positions, Nystrom and Thivierge are a pair of receivers that will be ready to make some big plays for the Havre pass attack, while veteran quarterback Maloughney will look to see to it that those passes find their targets. Running back Winchell will help solidify the running game, too.

There are some notable young talents on the roster for 2020, too. Sophomores VanCampen and Mariani looked very solid at the Blue/White scrimmages. Even freshman quarterback Courtnage had some impressive reps at his position, giving him a bright outlook for his role as a Blue Pony.

Schedule-wise, the Blue Ponies are lined up for another tough season. Havre starts the year with its home and season-opener against the Laurel Locomotives, a 2019 championship team, Friday night, followed by a road game versus the Glendive Red Devils Sept. 18. Then, Sept. 25 sees the Ponies play against the Lewistown Golden Eagles in Lewistown for a classic rivalry showdown. Class A defending champs Miles City Cowboys will be at Blue Pony Stadium Oct. 2, then it's back to Blue Pony Stadium for homecoming against the Hardin Bulldogs Oct. 9 and on the road against the Sidney Eagles Oct. 16. The regular season ends with a home game against the Billings Central Rams, a defensive standout among Class A, Oct. 23, followed by the postseason, which spans from Oct. 31 to Nov. 21, depending on how deep the Ponies may run.

There are plenty of challenges ahead for Havre. Plenty of the Eastern A teams on the schedule this season were in the playoffs in 2019. Miles City proved their dominance with a 2019 state chipper title and will continue to look to be a force in the Eastern A. Laurel drove their way to a championship match versus the Cowboys last season, meaning the squad will look to get back on top in 2020. The Billings Central defense will be another consistent obstacle for the Ponies, too, as the Rams have not let up when it comes to defensive prowess.

Then there are opponents like Lewistown, who Havre had to push through twice last season to make it to the quarterfinals in the playoffs. The Golden Eagles are nothing short of a tough program to face and the Ponies will have to stay on their toes constantly when facing them. Sidney is another thorn in Havre's side, too, as the Blue Ponies have seen a rough losing streak against the Eagles throughout the past couple of years. Needless to say, there are a lot of mountains to climb as always in the Eastern A.

But with a strong returning core, plenty of drive and passion and a team that wants to make it back to the postseason once again, Havre has a lot of potential to make it far in the 2020 season. As the season draws closer, the Ponies are ready for their first challenge in the Laurel Locomotives for the home and season-opener at 7 p.m. at Blue Pony Stadium.