The Braves (8-3) will take on the Bozeman Hawks (11-0) tonight at 7pm in Bozeman. When you get into the playoffs and you want to wear the title belt you have to go through teams like Bozeman. The first match up went in the hawks favor 49-34. While the braves won the 2nd half 27-21 and were within one possession of the hawks late, they could not overcome the early deficit 28-7 at halftime.
The hawks have not had to play too many close games. They are averaging 46 points per game while only giving up 22 points per game. The closest games that come to mind are the games against West back in week 2 and Senior in week 5. Great Falls pushed Bozeman early in the first half as the Bison hung around the hawks, but ultimately Bozeman would create separation 49-21. As silly as it is to say if you can hang with Bozeman within one possession you have a chance.
Both teams do resemble each other. Both coaches said that on my radio show this week. Both coaches are familiar with each other as they played together at Northern. McCade O'Reilly and Blake Counts are similar backs both big and powerful. Kris Brown is the better passer but Jaden MacNeil has come a long way throwing the football. In the last game Jaden threw for over 200 yards and that was key as the braves fought themselves within one possession of the hawks. Jaden's edge is his speed and escape ability in the pocket. Jaden is going to have to use every tool in his belt to keep the Bozeman defense and importantly Eiden (21 sacks on the season) and Lonergan (3rd in sacks in AA) on their heels.
Counts will be in the record books as all he needs is 19 yards rushing to cement his name in the Class AA record books as the top rusher in a single season. I said it in my last story, he gives credit to others before himself. His playoff performances have been outstanding. In two playoff games, 53 carries for 533 yards and 5 touchdowns. 7 career 200 yard games and one 300 yard rushing performance.
My keys to the game...
Can't get off to a slow start. As I mentioned above Bozeman has avalanche teams this season and they did it to the Braves back in September. It can not happen if the braves want to put themselves in the title game next week.
Need to get turnovers. The Braves in 6 of their last 7 games have recorded a takeaway. Last week the Braves were able to get 4. I think the Braves will need to at least get two. With those turnovers creating short fields.
Field position. Part of the reason the braves were in a hole was because the field position had been flipped on them. Bozeman had three possessions in the first half that started in Flathead territory. Flathead in the 2nd half of that game was able to force Bozeman to go the length of the field while Flathead was able to shorten the field for themselves.
Pressure. Tanner Russell has played outstanding as he is 2nd in the state with 12.5 sacks. Russell, Gannon Welder (who is returning after missing last week), along with Patrick Hammond who has 9 sacks on the season, have to get pressure on Brown. While they get after Brown they have to get him down.
Flathead's secondary- This group is playing with more confidence as the season has wore on. Chance, Seth each have 4 interceptions. Wells has done a great job roaming the middle of the field like a center fielder. Siblerud will be key in the running game and passing game. This group plays with moxy they could create the turnovers Flathead needs.
Offensive line- This group is playing well and that is an understatement paving the way for 500 yards rushing last week against Senior. This group will need to keep Eiden and Lonergan at bay. Those two guys had impact in the first game they need to have a limited one tonight.
Overall thoughts...
This game will be won by Will! Whose power of will, will exceed the others. It is the small details, who win's their individual match up. Taking a line from the movie Any Given Sunday "Claw with their finger nails for that inch"who will do that? All the pressure is on Bozeman as they are the favorite.
To quote another movie Miracle starring Kurt Russell "Great moments are born from great opportunity... this is your time. Now go out there and take it"! Good luck to the players and coaches tonight!