Five things to watch in Hi-Line high school football

In one week, it's for real. The 2021 high school football season will be here, and there will be plenty of exciting storylines around the Hi-Line. Included in those will be how far the Havre High football team can rise, and, who will be playoff contenders in Northern C and Northern C Six-Man football from the area.

So, with the start of the season right around the corner, here's five things to watch on the local high school football scene.

1. How far can the Ponies go?

After a deep playoff run in 2019, Havre High slipped some in 2020. The Eastern A was as tough as ever, and, the Ponies ended up having to forfeit their final game of the season, due to COVID-19 issues. So, to say last year was tough would be an understatement. Now, though, Havre head coach Ryan Gatch returns a senior- and junior-laden squad led by the likes of star receiver/linebacker Orion Thivierge and returning starting quarterback Trenton Maloughney, among others. And with some turnover in the Eastern A, the veteran Ponies should rebound nicely this season and definitely contend for a Class A playoff berth.

2. How will Harlem do in 8-Man?

Football has always been big n Harlem. But with enrollment down, the Wildcats had been struggling at the Class B level in recent years. So, this past summer, The MHSA granted Harlem the ability to play 8-Man football, so, the Wildcats will begin their first year in the Northern C next week.

3. Does Big Sandy keep on going?

The Pioneers have been to the Six-Man quarterfinals or better for years in row. They've dominated the Six-Man North Division for even longer now. And while graduation did take some of Big Sandy's biggest stars, including record-setting running back Kade Strutz, the Pioneers still figure to be an area power, and they should show no signs of slowing down.

4. Fort Benton's new look

Speaking of graduation, the Longhorns certainly watched some firepower walk across the stage last spring, including five All-State players. So, while the 'Horns still have plenty of talent, and strong numbers, with all of the losses to graduation during their great playoff runs the last two years, there's no doubt they will look different this season. And yet, don't expect Fort Benton to go away.

5. Loaded Northern C

With the ever-changing enrollment landscape in Montana, the Northern C just gets tougher and tougher as a result. In recent years, Shelby, Choteau and Cascade dropped down to 8-Man football, and now, there are six Class B schools playing football in the Northern C. Add to that traditional powers like Belt, Fort Benton and Chinook among others, and the Northern C is unlike any other division in Montana. And, this might be its deepest and toughest year yet.