Photo Courtesy of Art Anderson!
Getting to play once at Washington Grizzly is unique. Getting to play there twice is special. The Braves are 2-0 in that stadium after putting away the Hellgate Knights 62-23. The offense and defense had good starts just like Coach Samson talked about in the pregame. Forcing three, three and outs to start the game while the offense took the opening possession 6 plays for a Blake Counts touchdown which would be the first of four. The Braves have won three straight to get to 7-2 on the year. The Braves were favored in all three of those games against teams that will not be on the post season.
The Offense
This offensive group is the most dangerous in my time calling braves football. Jaden MacNeil continues to soar in his progression throwing the football. Jaden only had 34 yards rushing while throwing for over 200 yards for a 4th consecutive game. Jaden through the first 5 games of the season 45-80 496 yards 7 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The last 4 games 47-75 858 yards 13 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. If you are a Braves fan you like the improvement. Defenses will have to prepare for not only Jaden's legs but his arm as well. You can see the confidence this kid is playing with right now and I think that carries over with the offense.
Blake Counts; this young man is making 200 yards rushing look average. He just logged his 6th career 200 yard rushing performance in his career. Blake also has been a weapon for Jaden in the passing game the last two games Blake has two touchdown receptions one going for 60 last night against Hellgate.
Blake's stats inside Washington Grizzly... 49 carries 484 yards and 6 touchdowns rushing with a 60 yard reception and a touchdown. That has to catch the eyes of UM or MSU you would think...
Blake continues along with his offensive line to make life miserable for opposing defenses.
Anthony Jones talk about probably the fastest way to 10 touchdowns I have ever seen. Last 4 games 26 cathes 498 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is a weapon that is only getting better every time his cleats hit the field. Logan Sibelrud has 4 touchdown catches this season and is seeing his production increase. That is really good because having two wide-outs that Jaden can go to and get big chunks of yards will force more defenders out of the box for Blake or single coverage on either guy.
The Oline- I have a story coming out on these guys soon.
The Defense...
Tanner Russel and this Dline are a force to reckon with. Left tackles have a real problem with the speed and power of the young man. Welder using his length on the other side creates problems for opposing offense and in particular Helena this week.
Have to give it up the LB corp as the depth of this group has been tested with injuries. Hopefully the braves get back MLB Landrum but may have lost OLB Rieke for a time. Boyle and Stewart came in and made plays for the Braves defense.
Chance Sheldon-Allen has quietly put himself in the conversation as one of the top corners in the state. He is among the top leaders with interceptions and now a pick 6 that he had against Hellgate. Seth Moon and Brian Wells added interceptions to their totals as well. This defense is coming into its own right now. They bend but have not broken to often. Helena will put them to the test this week.
Overall...
This team is hitting its stride late in the year and that is what you want. This team will hope to get healthy as they did at the very least I believe guarantee themselves a home playoff game regardless of the results Friday night. Who they play we don't know yet but is should be really interesting to say the least as we enter the final week of the season.