Blue Pony football schedule set for fall season

After a season that was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Havre High football team yearned for a normal season. With the release of their fall 2021 season, that ambition is now closer to reality as the Blue Ponies now have dates and opponents for their full season. However, their opponents on the schedule reminded Havre head coach Ryan Gatch that they will face some tough sledding this fall.

"When you play in the Eastern A, it's a tough schedule," Gatch said. "There's no gimmes on there. Every game we have is a street fight for a state championship berth because right now the East has the strongest teams."

Since there will be many strong opponents throughout the season, not many games on the schedule stood out to him. Instead he sees every game as important in the development of the program throughout the season.

"Every game's critical on developing a team, team unity, team chemistry, being great Blue Ponies, representing our school and our community," Gatch said.

The Ponies will kick off the season with a game against Sidney at Blue Pony Stadium on Aug. 27. Not only does this game mark the beginning of the season, but Havre will be looking to avenge a 37-14 loss they suffered to Sidney last fall.

The Ponies will then get back at it as they head on the road to play against Lewistown Sept. 3. They hope to play better than they did last year on the same field where they lost 21-0. The Ponies will return home to play against Hardin on Sept. 10. Havre hopes for a repeat of last season where they defeated Hardin, 26-14, at home for their lone win. Havre will then get back on the road to play at Billings Central on Sept. 17. Gatch believes this matchup will be one of their toughest outings this year as the Rams made it all the way to the state title game last season.

The Ponies will then get a chance to compete at home Sept. 24 when they host Miles City. Gatch believes this will be another tough outing for the Ponies after they lost, 55-12, to the Cowboys last season..

The Ponies will head on the road to start the month of October as they will face Glendive. They will then play on the road at Polson on Oct. 8..

Havre will celebrate its senior night on Oct. 15 with a home game against Livingston. They will then get back on the road for their regular-season finale as they face probably their toughest opponent of the season in defending state champion Laurel Oct. 22.

With just over a month before the beginning of the season, Gatch has been training with his team at the Blue Pony Football Camp this week. When they finally head into the season, he expects his team to be ready to compete through their tough schedule.

"Every week it doesn't matter who you play, you got to go," Gatch said. "You got to get out there and you got to play to the best of your ability and play great football."

The HHS football team will begin their season at Blue Pony Stadium with a game against Sidney on Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.