Hardin (7-3) at No. 4 Frenchtown (7-1), 1 p.m.
At stake: The winner will travel to either Polson or No. 2 Miles City in next week's state Class A football semifinals.
Hardin is coming off a 27-10 victory over Belgrade in the first round last Saturday. Frenchtown, in the playoffs for the 19th straight year, had a bye.
“This is a first for us, and it's kind of exciting to play a team you've never played before,” Frenchtown coach Steve Pinsoneault said.
The teams did scrimmage at the Montana Grizzly football camp this summer, and both have plenty of film on each other. Also, Pinsoneault and a contingent from Frenchtown traveled to Belgrade to scout the Bulldogs last Saturday.
Pinsoneault came away impressed.
“Hardin is a very good football team, very well-coached,” he said. “They're a little unorthodox, so they'll present a challenge for us.”
Specifically, Hardin features a 3-4 defense, which is spearheaded by senior linebacker Nathan Murphy and defensive lineman Tristan Costa. Murphy leads the Bulldogs with 112 tackles, though he injured his knee in a loss to Billings Central and is still not 100 percent, coach Derek Gackle said.
“But (Murphy) dinged up is still better than anyone else we have,” Gackle said.
Hardin runs what Gackle calls a “Fly” offense. Senior running back Drew Zelka will sometimes line up in the slot, moving parallel to the line of scrimmage as he takes the handoff. Zelka, who was an all-state receiver as a junior, leads the team with 1,348 yards rushing. He's scored 11 rushing touchdowns and caught two more.
The Bulldogs also throw the ball with senior quarterback Ryan Gratwohl, who is 56 of 126 for 894 yards and 14 TDs. Gratwohl's primary target is senior wideout Martin Old Horn. The 6-foot-2 Old Horn has 29 catches for 545 yards and 10 touchdowns, plus one more on the ground.
Hardin will have to contend with Frenchtown's Wishbone offense, particularly senior Cody Kirk, who led the Southwestern A in rushing with 1,739 yards and 16 TDs.
The Broncs and Bulldogs shared one common opponent in 2008 - Dillon. Frenchtown thumped the Beavers 42-8, while Hardin lost 38-22.
Gackle noted that looking at common opponents can be misleading, but he admitted his team will have its hands full.
“Any time you can beat Dillon like that, it means you've got something going,” said Gackle, in his third year as the Bulldogs' coach. “Frenchtown is obviously a very good team, and they're experienced in the playoffs.”
- John Smithers, Missoulian
Stat pack
Hardin (7-3)
Points scored: 222 (22.2 ppg)
Points allowed: 182 (18.2)
Top rushers: Drew Zelka 208-1,348 (6.48 avg.) 11 TDs; Nathan Murphy 107-629 (5.88 avg.) 3 TDs.
Top passer: Ryan Gratwohl 56-126-5 INT, 894 yards, 14 TDs.
Top receiver: Martin Old Horn 29-545 yards, 10 TDs.
Top defenders: Nathan Murphy 112 tackles, 3 fumble recoveries; Tristan Costa 89 tackles, 7 sacks.
No. 4 Frenchtown (7-1)
Points scored: 242 (30.3 ppg)
Points allowed: 123 (15.4)
Top rushers: Cody Kirk 147-1,739 (11.8 avg.) 16 TDs; Johnny Dilworth 89-665 (7.5 avg.) 7 TDs.
Top passer: Daniel Aichlmayer 25-59-5 INT, 443 yards, 3 TDs.
Top receiver: J.D. Undem 10-225 yards, 3 TDs.
Top defenders: Jake Anderson 67 tackles, 4 sacks; J.D. Undem 62 tackles.
No. 2 Miles City (9-1) at Polson (7-2), 1 p.m.
At stake: The winner will host the winner of the Frenchtown-Hardin quarterfinal in next week's semifinals.
The storyline: The game will feature a pair of quality running backs in Polson's Tim Rausch and Miles City's Brennan Haughian.
Rausch has rushed for 912 yards and 20 touchdowns for the unranked Pirates, who earned a first-round bye by winning the Northwestern A regular-season title.
“He's explosive, has decent speed, but he runs hard,” Polson coach Scott Wilson said of the 6-foot, 185-pound junior. “We've done a very good job blocking for him to give him those seams. He's tough to bring down one-on-one; he breaks a lot of tackles.”
The other featured back is the Cowboys' Brennan Haughian, who has rushed for 959 yards and 15 touchdowns. Miles City runs out of the power-I formation under coach Dan Stanton, rather than the option employed for years under former coach Ed Rohloff.
“He's more of a power slasher kind of runner,” said Stanton, whose team went 2-7 last season before turning things around this year. “He's not necessarily a juker.”
Polson appears to have a slight edge in the passing game where QB Craig Bagnell has completed 87 passes for 1,357 yards and 13 TDs.
Bagnell's favorite targets have been Ryan Kelley and Kyle Bagnell, although Chris Alfiero came on strong toward the end of the season.
“A big part of our success has been the fact that we can do both,” Wilson said of the balanced offense. “Throwing the ball makes us not so one-dimensional. We're very lucky having the receivers we've had. We have had big games out of all three.”
Wilson said he's impressed with a Miles City defense that gives up just 7.1 points a game.
“They're very aggressive and they like to bring pressure from all different places,” Wilson said. “On film they look very quick.”
The Pirates used the week off to get healthy and get back to basics.
“We were a little banged up at the end of the year,” Wilson said. “It allowed us to get our depth back. After that we concentrated on fixing things we needed to fix to get better.
“Special teams was one of the areas where we haven't had real breakdowns, but we've had some kicks blocked on PATs, so we worked on that and punt kickoff coverage, because they have a kid who is a good returner.”
- Bob Meseroll, Missoulian
Stat pack
No. 2 Miles City (9-1)
Points scored: 301 (30.1 ppg)
Points allowed: 71 (7.1 ppg)
Top rushers: Brennan Haughian 133-959 (7.2) 15 TDs; Cord Berg 50-257 (5.1) 2 TDs.
Top passer: Jordan Bryant 39-64-3 653 yards, 7 TDs.
Top receivers: Hayden Kalfell 9-151 2 TDs; Brennan Haughian 9-161 1 TD.
Top defenders: Nick Love, James Love, Brennan Haughian.
Polson (7-2)
Points scored: 304 (33.8 ppg)
Points allowed: 213 (23.7 ppg)
Top rushers: Tim Rausch 127-912 (7.2) 20 TDs.
Top passer: Craig Bagnell 87-160 1,357 yards, 13 TDs.
Top receivers: Ryan Kelley 32-385 5 TDs; Kyle Bagnell 16-327 2 TDs.
Top defenders: Tim Rausch, Brock Picard.
Columbia Falls (6-3) at No. 1 Billings Central (9-0), 1 p.m.
At stake: The winner will travel to take on the winner of the Havre-Dillon quarterfinal in next week's semifinals.
The storyline: Deception, and lots of it.
Both teams employ offenses that are something of a shell game. Keep your eye on the ball or you'll be fooled.
The Wildcats use a spread option attack under sixth-year coach John Thompson while coach Jim Stanton's Rams use the old-school Wing-T.
Discipline is the name of the game in trying to defend both offenses.
“They use a ton of misdirection in the backfield,” Thompson said. “If our guys get caught peering into the backfield and not reading their keys, we'll be in trouble.”
Aleksei Grosulak is the featured fullback in the Rams' attack. He's rushed for 1,295 yards and 18 TDs.
“He's as good or better than any we've seen this year and we've seen some good ones,” Thompson said. “With all the misdirection that is part of that offense, he can create some problems.”
QB Mitchell Wassam triggers a Columbia Falls offense that features backs Mackey Nolan and Stephen Baumgartner. The duo has combined to run for better than 1,700 yards and 23 TDs.
“We need to stop them from running the ball,” Stanton said. “At the same time we can't get too concentrated on the run and get caught by the play-action fake. You can get put to sleep there. And the Baumgartner kid definitely has some speed. He's capable of breaking a big play.”
The Wildcats know they have their hands full with the defending state champs, who have won 21 straight games over the last two seasons.
“They have a ton of tradition,” Thompson said. “It's a huge challenge. Like we told our kids, those challenges only come up very rarely during an athletic career. You have to be ready to take advantage of them.”
The Wildcats survived a comeback by Corvallis in the first round last week, stopping a potential game-winning two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter. Might that have seasoned the Cats?
“That remains to be determined,” Thompson said. “We were just fine when it was a 20-point lead. Corvallis came roaring back. For our kids to face adversity and survive it, those are important things to do over the course of a season. The lead disappeared in a hurry, but the kids didn't hang their heads. We got a big score when we needed it.”
- Bob Meseroll, Missoulian
Stat pack
Columbia Falls (6-3)
Points scored: 266 (29.5 ppg)
Points allowed: 145 (16.1 ppg)
Top rushers: Mackey Nolan 127-864 (6.8) 7 TDs; Stephen Baumgartner 83-841 (10.1) 16 TDs.
Top passer: Mitchell Wassam 37-97 543 yards5 TDs.
Top defenders: Kelly Houle, Mackey Nolan, Stephen Baumgartner, Quenton Hegel 4 INTs.
No. 1 Billings Central (9-0)
Points scored: 315 (35.0 ppg)
Points allowed: 95 (10.5 ppg)
Top rushers: Aleksei Grosulak 163-1,295 (7.9) 18 TDs; Tyler Hawkins 85-552 (6.5) 8 TDs.
Top passer: Cole Cattelan 19-42-2, 293 yards, 6 TDs.
Top receivers: Tyler Hawkins 8-150 4 TDs; Mike Henthorn 7-168 3 TDs.
Top defenders: Aleksei Grosulak, Max Tolstedt, Josh McQueen.
Class B
No. 6 Loyola Sacred Heart (8-0) at No. 4 Baker (7-2), 1 p.m.
At stake: The winner will advance to play either No. 2 Fairfield or No. 10 Townsend in next week's semifinal round.
The storyline: The defending Class B champion Spartans are seeking their seventh state crown under 35-year coach Don Schillinger. But Baker didn't look like a playoff team in dropping its first two games by a combined score of 77-8 to No. 1 Huntley Project (44-8) and No. 3 Glasgow (33-0).
“We had a lot of improving to do,” said Schillinger, who also serves as school superintendent. “We had to get down to basics and become a lot more physical.
“As the year has progressed that has been our strength. We have improved a fair amount, particularly on defense.”
That's an understatement. In its last seven games, Baker has allowed a measly 22 points. The Spartans dropped No. 8 Shepherd in their playoff opener last week, 10-2.
Still, Schillinger looks for a stiff test from the Rams. He likes their running game, led by Joe Mitzel and Kevin Berland. Mitzel tore his ACL three weeks ago and did not play in last week's 14-6 win over Troy, but he practiced this week and will play with a brace on his knee, according to Loyola coach Dan Weber.
Mitzel's presence changes everything for the Rams' offense. Last week Loyola was forced to move quarterback Billy Chilton to running back and use backup Brandon Haggarty at quarterback.
But Weber believes his team's sputtering offensive display last week had less to do with personnel and more to do with a two-week layoff.
“We ended up with the bye week after we lost a game with Seeley-Swan, and I think that has more cons than pros,” Weber said. “For the week you're off you don't have as good of practices.
“We were a little sloppy with our execution against Troy. Nine holding calls, that's not like us. This week has been a good one in practice.”
The Rams will try to offset Baker's superior size with their speed. He's impressed with the Spartans' running game, but notes his team has been good stopping the run.
“Part of the challenge is the fact Baker is 600 miles away, and no matter how you do it, it's a two-day trip,” Weber said. “Also when you get there, there's a reason why Baker has done so well. It's a tough place to play.
“The whole town turns out and they have one of the best coaches in all of Montana football.”
- Bill Speltz, Missoulian
Stat pack
No. 6 Loyola (8-0)
Points scored: 289 (36.1 ppg)
Points allowed: 44 (5.5 ppg)
Top rushers: Joe Mitzel 89-763 (8.6 avg.) 11 TDs; Kevin Berland 97-694 (7.2 avg.), 11 TDs.
Top passer: Billy Chilton 25-43-1, 391 yards, 6TDs (played at running back last week).
Top receiver: Peter Shaughnessey 11-266 yards, 4 TDs.
Top defender: Zack Balcom 60-plus tackles, 9 sacks.
No. 4 Baker (7-2)
Points scored: 226 (25.1 ppg)
Points allowed: 99 (11 ppg)
Top rushers: Tanner Varner 124-745 yards (6.0 avg.) 10 TDs; Dalton Arnell 49-301 (6.1 avg.) 6 TDs; Bryan Overton 35-292 (8.3 avg.) 3 TDs.
Team passing: 24-82-3, 375 yards, eight touchdowns.
Top defenders: Arnell, Slade Bettenhausen. Team has recorded 10 fumble recoveries, seven interceptions and nine sacks.
Conrad (6-3) at No. 5 Eureka (7-1), 1 p.m.
At stake: The winner will advance to face either No. 1 Huntley Project or No. 3 Glasgow in next week's semifinal round.
The storyline: Eureka coach Ed Newell calls Conrad “the biggest team we've faced so far.” The Cowboys run the ball out of a spread option, taking advantage of three linemen who weigh 270 pounds or more. Senior captain Eric Norby (175 pounds) is the bread-and-butter running back with 900 rushing yards on 132 carries.
“We're running the ball pretty well,” Conrad second-year head coach Joe Moerkerke said. “Our offensive line is doing a pretty good job of taking on guys and sustaining blocks. We've been effective there and the defense is playing well.”
With eight seniors that start both ways, Conrad is playing with a sense of urgency. The Cowboys showed their scoring potential with a 46-29 win at No. 9 Colstrip in a first-round playoff game.
Like Conrad, Eureka will try to play smashmouth football. Dalton Williams and Chad Price have combined for more than 2,400 rushing yards this season.
“They're a good power running team, and that's going to be our challenge,” Moerkerke said.
Newell likes the fact the game will be played in Eureka, and he's hoping for a strong turnout of fans. He also likes the persistence of his team. Twice the Lions lost leads in last week's playoff opener against Florence, but each time they answered in posting a 21-14 victory.
“It was the closest game we've had in a while, and we responded well to tough situations,” Newell said. “(Florence) came down and took that opening kickoff of the second half and scored on us. But us being able to respond and go right down the field on them was huge.”
Conrad has also shown impressive resilience. The Cowboys dropped a 40-0 decision at No. 2 Fairfield in their fourth game and a 55-0 decision at No. 3 Glasgow in their seventh, but each time bounced back with victories.
- Bill Speltz, Missoulian
Stat pack
Conrad (6-3)
Points scored: 215 (23.9 ppg)
Points allowed: 173 (19.2 ppg)
Top rushers: Eric Norby 132-900 yards (6.8); Josiah Moerkerke 93-483 yards (5.2).
Top passer: Josiah Moerkerke 40-85 attempts, 560 yards
Top receivers: Cutter Martin 184 yards; Norby 152 yards.
Top defenders: Trent Knox 75 tackles; Colby Johns 69 tackles.
No. 5 Eureka (7-1)
Points scored: 285 (35.6 ppg)
Points allowed: 91 (11.38 ppg)
Top rushers: Dalton Williams 147-1,257 yards (8.55) 16 TDs; Chad Price 139-1,207 yards (8.68) 19 TDs.
Top passer: Colin Gillard 24-50-1 INT, 282 yards, 3 TDs.
Top receivers: Williams 10-135 yards.
Top defenders: Taylor Vaughn 57 tackles, 1 fumble recovery; Williams 53 tackles, 6 sacks, 4 hurries.
Class C
No. 2 Absarokee (9-0) at No. 3 Superior (9-0), 1 p.m.
At stake: The winner advances to the semifinal round of the Class C state playoffs next Saturday and will host either No. 6 Scobey or No. 9 Chinook.
The storyline: It's the first-ever meeting between the schools.
Absarokee was a power in Class C in the late 1980s and early '90s, reaching five state championship games, winning three in a row (1988-90). The Huskies have now made the playoffs under coach Warren Boeck three years running. They were bounced in the first round by Stanford in both 2006 and '07.
Saturday's game will be a stark contrast in styles, but then nobody in Class C really emulates Superior's wide-open, no-huddle attack.
The smaller Bobcats will certainly face a big test against run-oriented Absarokee, which boasts good size at almost every position.
The Huskies' leading runner is senior Spencer Bakich, a 5-foot-11, 210-pound back who earned all-state honors as a junior.
Bakich rolled up 950 yards and scored 20 touchdowns this season, including a 5-yard score in the Huskies' 52-14 first-round victory over Harlowton.
And when Absarokee - the No. 2 seed from the South - isn't running the ball, they have two tall wideouts for senior quarterback Jeff Royce to throw to. Tim Duffy and Derek Doerschel, 6-3 and 6-2 respectively, are both seniors. Doerschel has five TD catches, while Duffy has four.
Experience is something the Huskies have plenty of with seven senior starters on both sides of the ball.
“That's one of our strengths,” Boeck said. “We've also got great tradition, and this group won the conference last year as juniors so they're experienced at having success.
“I wouldn't say we have any great athletes, but we have a lot of good athletes,” he added.
Those athletes will be busy against explosive Superior, which has now scored an even 500 points in nine games. Absarokee, meanwhile, is giving up an average of just eight points a game.
Superior QB Travis Stroot, the leading passer in the Western C, has thrown for 1,948 yards and 29 touchdowns.
“We're going to have to tackle those kids when we get a chance,” Boeck said. “They aren't huge, but they're quick, and in eight-man football it's all about tackling and blocking.”
Going into the game as the smaller team is nothing new for Superior's Dan Lucier or his Bobcats.
“It's pretty normal for us,” Lucier said. “Pretty much every game we've been in we've been undersized.
“(The Huskies) are 9-0. That says a lot,” he added. “They're a pretty big, strong team. I've been impressed with what I've seen.”
One thing Lucier was happy about was playing the game on Superior's home turf.
“It is nice to be at home. It certainly helps, especially in the playoffs. Right now, we're just looking forward to the challenge.”
Stat pack
No. 2 Absarokee (9-0)
Points scored: 369 (41.0 ppg)
Points allowed: 73 (8.1 ppg)
Top rushers: Spencer Bakich 187-950 (5.1 avg.) 20 TDs; Jeff Royce 63-342 (5.4 avg.) 11 TDs.
Top passer: Royce 54-99-2 INT, 575 yards, 10 TDs.
Top receiver: Derek Doerschel 22-333 yards, 5 TDs; Tim Duffy 16-168 yards, 4 TDs.
Top defenders: Royce 67 tackles, 4 interceptions; DJ Stepper 67 tackles, 2 sacks.
No. 3 Superior (9-0)
Points scored: 500 (55.6 ppg)
Points allowed: 170 (18.9)
Top rushers: Drew Walen 96-625 (6.5 avg.) 22 TDs; Travis Stroot 75-387 (5.2 avg.) 8 TDs.
Top passer: Stroot 129-219 for 1,948 yards, 4 INT, 29 TDs.
Top receiver: Tyler Stenberg 51-902 yards, 17 TDs; Walen 39-563, 9 TDs.
Top defenders: Walen 88 tackles; Kyle Ryan 62 tackles.
- John Smithers, Missoulian
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