Many Americans are thrilled that the game is back. We had the HOF Game recently and that generates excitement not because of the game but because there are two teams on a 100 yard field playing a game people love (for the most part). I say the reason football fans are so numerous is because fans root for the cloth more so then the player. I am not knocking any of the other leagues fans, but I hear more NBA fans rooting for individual players then teams.
2018 should be an exciting season at all levels. Let's start with high school football and the teams I cover. Some I have more knowledge then others.
Bigfork should once again be a playoff team how far they go well that is the question.
Whitefish has struggled that last few seasons since their state title but should be able to bounce back in 2018 with more experience.
Columbia Falls are the defending state champions. They have lost a lot and do have key contributors coming back. The coaching staff is very much intact and will have the guys ready to go but they will be getting everyone's best.
I spend most of my Fridays watching AA football. I know that league better then A or B. I will start with the team north of town. The Glacier Wolfpack lead by Grady Bennett. This team for the first time in 8 years missed the post season. They made quite a run at trying to squeeze in but couldn't quite make it. It goes without saying that the Wolfpack have established themselves as a program that you don't take lightly. The Wolfpack in my opinion have question marks that will need to be addressed.
I think the offensive and defensive lines are big question marks. Who will be the kids that step up and protect or create run lanes for Glacier. Who will get after the QB and stuff the run? Running-back and wide receiver will be interesting battles in camp. When you lose a back like Turner and a receiver like Estes it is going to be tough. The position battles in camp will be fun to watch. I will say this about Glacier though, Quarterback will not be a question with Evan Todd leading the way. The kids has a cannon. He played well in games against Sentinel, and Capital. I like what he brings to the table. The schedule does Glacier no favors as they open with Senior and CMR on the road. Senior being the defending champs in the AA. Defensively this team should be solid at linebacker but new faces will be in the secondary.
My prediction- a playoff team once again after a 1 year hiatus.
Now for the team I see every Friday night. The Flathead Braves. This team was fun to watch last year and we saw players that we were not sure about really blossom. Taylor Morton one of the best passers in the AA. At QB this year from what I hear it will be Jaden MacNiel. This will be interesting this kid is the definition of Athlete. There was a lot of good things through summer workouts and I expect that to carry into the season. I will be looking forward to seeing him play that first game against Butte.
Blake Counts was the 2nd best back in the AA behind Schneider from Capital. Anthony Jones was the 2nd best wide out behind Seniors Gabe Sulser. Now the door is open for Counts and Jones to dominate in the AA. There will be a battle for touches as Counts back up so that will be interesting competition in camp. At wide out, I expect Kaden Wills to be the number two. He is that Julian Edelman type wide out. He can cut and find the sideline and pick up first downs. the battle in camp will come after those two I believe. Who will step? We will find out. At TE gone is DeMars he is at Rocky now. Bulik will take over now and he did catch a TD pass last season. Curious to see how Kyle Samson uses him this season.
There will be beef back for the Braves. On the o-line the Braves have to replace 4 starters, on the d-line they have to replace Michael Lee in the middle and Riley Loff of the edge. Most of the d-line is intact with returners but on the o-line according to my sources we will see some of those d-lineman playing on offense too.
Defensively there is a lot to replace in the back 7. Gone is Reyna and Hemsley. Beyl has starting experience and will probably be the most experienced guy in the secondary. I look to Seth Moon to hold down a corner-back spot but after that the other safety and corner position is open.
Special teams the only battle will be at Kicker. Coulter is gone and so now Kyle needs to find another accurate big leg.
My prediction- This team will get back to the postseason and a dark horse in the wide open race that is the AA.
