Braves' defense to be tested in opener

Big time offense versus stingy defense.

That's a good way to describe tonight's Class AA football matchup between Coeur d'Alene High and the Flathead Braves.

The Coeur d'Alene Vikings were Class 5A state runners-up last year.

They've got all the offensive weapons this year and they're Idaho's preseason No. 1 as they head into 2005.

Game time is 7 p.m.

"They have the whole package," Flathead second-year head coach Grady Bennett said.

The 'package' begins with running back Kevin Ah-hi, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound senior.

Ah-hi gained 1,444 yards on 169 carries as a junior for Coeur d'Alene. Before you get out a calculator, that's 8.5 yards per carry.

He scored 16 touchdowns and was all-conference back of the year as well as a first team All-North Idaho selection.

"He's a Division I prospect," Bennett said.

"He's a threat to score every single time he touches it. Last year, he broke a couple on us. He's a great player," the coach said.

If's he's not enough, Bennett said the Vikings have better players in the skill positions as well.

"We're going to have our hands full."

But the coach also believes Flathead's strength is its defense.

"Our defense is very good. Our secondary is all back and very good. Our strength is defense, so we feel we can match up there," he said.

Offensively, there are a lot more question marks for Flathead.

Brian Fox, a 6-0, 200-pound senior, will get his first start as quarterback.

"He's been doing good," Bennett said.

"It's a great story I hope I can tell for years to come."

Fox has long dreamed of playing quarterback, but was always told that wasn't the job for him.

"He just wouldn't give up his dream. I've just never had a kid work this hard. He's put himself in this position.

"He's just so untested," added Bennett. "But Griz camp was good, he got better. Our passing tournament was good, he got better.

"It's his job and I'm hoping the best for him."

But Fox will have to move the football team.

"If he can do that, wow. I think he can," Bennett said.

"But if not, we do have a couple good kids behind him."

If nothing else, Bennett is thrilled to get the season under way.

He admits at this point last year, he was nervous about how the team would look, how the kids would play.

"This year is totally different. I'm so excited for these kids. I'm so excited to see them play. I want them to have success. They deserve it.

"I can't wait to watch them play."