A couple times this season the Braves have shown to be able to take the early punch and then deliver the knockout blow. That was no different last night as the Braves took down CMR 38-9. The way the game started was not the way anyone intended. A 63 yard touchdown pass from Nelson to Barnes would create an early deficit. It would be the only touchdown the Braves would allow all night. This was a contest the Braves gained control of as the game wore on. Lots of credit goes to the defense tonight! Braves sit at 6-2 and will travel to take on Hellgate next week. Flathead still in the hunt for that #3 seed and a home playoff game.
The Braves Offense...
There is a lot to get to with this offense. MacNiel another multiple passing touchdown performance. As a QB he is gaining confidence and his decision making is reflecting that. Jaden with another night of 100 yards rushing and nearly 200 yards passing. He finished the game with 196 and 3 touchdowns.
Jadens numbers through these last three games, 38 completions out of 59 attempts with 16 touchdown passes and 624 yards through the air. With this success it is forcing teams to have to pick their poison, along with worrying about MacNeil's legs.
Blake Counts is now your single season rushing title holder at Flathead High after beating former Dolphin, Griz, and Brave great Lex Hilliard. Blake is humble and gives all the credit to his teammates and coaches. This kid is so fun to watch because his legs will not stop. He cuts and makes defenders miss where he can and then lowers the shoulder and will over power you to fight for that extra yard. Blake made big plays in the running game and passing game. His catch in the 2nd Qtr really setup the first touchdown and the blocks he got from his Oline sprung him and this team I think.
This offense has scored 30 points 6 times this season. Anthony Jones has 8 touchdowns in the last three games. Going forward I don't want to be the DC who has tor try and figure out how to confuse the Braves.
The Defense...
A ton of credit for this defense 5 holds on 4th down last night. The goal line stand at the end of the half was huge. Going into the half leading by 8 instead of 1 is huge. Plus I think it fueled that defense in the 2nd half as well. A lot of credit goes to the front 7 as they put the pressure on the CMR QB's and kept CMR under 75 yards rushing. Russell, Hammond, and Welder recorded sacks. Bruner and Rieke made great plays in coverage as well getting a couple pass deflections. MLB Paxton Boyce came up with an interception to preserve the 2nd half shutout.
Concerns...
I'm sure the coaching staff will talk about this but the penalties are killers. 17 for 154 yards for the Braves and CMR had 11 for 111 yards but two penalties wiped two touchdowns. Especially a big 4th down run by Blake Counts that went 47 yards for a touchdown. The positive is that the Braves can overcome those penalties but you don't want that many in the post season.
Overall observation...
We see the word family, brotherhood in sports. Championship teams actually believe in it. It isn't just a phrase to say in interviews. With this Braves team I see that family and sense of brotherhood in this team. Every player values the win more then the individual performance. I get the feeling every player looks the man next to him as brother then just teammate.
Were down to two weeks left in the season and the Braves clinched a playoff berth so they will keep their season going. That final week battle with Helena will determine what seed the Braves are.