Braves Run Past Bruins

(Photo Courtesy of Art Anderson)

While Flathead and Capital are not the same teams from last November, you knew that game was in the back of the minds of the players and fans. Capital has been a Brave killer in years past. Not Friday night as Flathead took out its old playoff frustration on the Bruins 37-9.

The Braves offense once again put the ball on the ground rushing for 380 yards. A second game in a row that this team has put over 375 yards on the ground. While MacNiel and Counts did most of the ground and pound there were others that will see more touches in the future. I wouldn't be surprised to see Jones or Sheldon Allen get more touches and get those guys out on the edge. MacNiel didn't find a rhythm in the passing game til the 2nd half, hitting some short throws that eventually lead to a big 30 yard touchdown pass to Blake Counts. Speaking of Counts; another game with 200 plus all purpose yards. He continues to be a a battering ram that continues to knock down defenses. This offense is racking up the yards and the points. Through two games the Braves have averaged 474 total yards of offense and 40 points per game. To say the offense is humming is an under statement.

Defensively the Braves took care of business. The defense surrendered 154 yards of total offense, holding capitals passing attack under 75 yards and the rushing attack under 100 yards a third of that yardage came on one play for 46 yards. It is very tough to not allow a third down conversion in a game but that is just what defensive coordinator Matt Upham's group did. Capital was 0-9 on third down. The defense didn't have as many sacks as they did against Butte but applied a lot of pressure on the Capital QB. Russell and Welder continue to fly by tackles as they get after the QB. Siderious, Koch, and Hammond shut down rush lanes for the Capital QB.

The Flathead Braves pushed their way past the Bruins, they took down an arch nemesis and I think will gain a lot of confidence for beating Capital the way they did. The Braves also cleaned up their penalties as they had 5 for 25 yards.

You can really see the culture and the work Kyle has put into this program really paying dividends. When I talk to the players I can sense the confidence they are playing with and that is a direct result of Kyle and his staff. The Braves win round two of this fight but round three will see bigger punches thrown...

The Flathead Braves get ready for Billings West who comes to town. Last year the Braves were forced inside all week because of smoke, hopefully the smoke stays clear here in the valley. West will provide a big test for the Braves as this team has plenty of offensive fire power. They have a fast running back in Carr, a dynamic wide receiver in Owens, a big offensive line and a quarterback who can wing it around in Erbacher. In my opinion the Braves and Golden Bears game is the game of the week! What is going to win out... The Braves rushing attack or the Golden Bears air attack? Which lines are going to be more dominant? Which defense will get turnovers? So many questions for this game and they will be answered starting at 4pm on September 7th.

Anthony Nachreiner the host of The Nach on Sports 6-8pm on 600 KGEZ and FM 96.5.