FHS fields two No. 1 soccer teams
One is a great number in sports, but the Braves and Bravettes have to achieve a different number first - three. As in three in a row. To come home with a state soccer crown, the teams will have to win today, Friday and Saturday at Helena's Siebel Fields.
For the first time, both of Flathead's teams head into the state AA soccer tournament ranked first in the West. The Braves posted a 10-1-1 record while the Bravettes went undefeated this year.
Because Flathead doesn't play teams from the East during the regular season, building a strategy becomes harder. The Braves and Bravettes will have to concentrate on their own styles.
Bravettes
The girls put together an impressive season, going 12-0 and outscoring opponents 48-4.
But the Bravettes aren't alone in their perfect season. Bozeman also enters the tournament with an undefeated record.
Chemistry has been the key to the Bravettes' success this year. Most of the girls have been playing together year round for more than seven years.
Head coach Scott Warnell said he feels the pressure of being the team to beat in the West.
"It puts a target on our back," he said. "People want to be the first to knock off the undefeated team."
Because the Bravettes didn't have to win a playoff game to reach state, they have had almost two weeks off. The girls have had good practices and have maintained their intensity. The time off gave some players a chance to heal from minor injuries.
Warnell, in his second year as head coach, has been able to earn his players' trust and loyalty.
"He is an amazing coach," defender Jessica Corpron said. "He brought a lot of confidence to our team. He makes it easy to play for him."
Warnell said he isn't planning on any big changes to the roster or starting lineup. Flathead will stick to its potent offense and stingy defense to get the job done.
First up for the Bravettes is Billings West. The teams face off at 2:30 p.m. Thursday. If Flathead wins, the girls will play the winner of the Helena Capital and Billings Senior game on Friday.
"I expect it to be a great tournament," Warnell said. "Everyone comes in 0-0. The girls are excited to go down and get it started."
Lineup
No. Name Grade Position
1 Megan Rice 12 F
2 Jessica Corpron 12 D
3 Heather Magnan 12 D
5 Brett Asa 12 M/F
6 Jenna Thiel 12 D/M
7 Jessica Thiel 12 D/M
8 Jelisa Guy 12 F/M
10 Theresa Gill 12 D/M
11 Sarah Griffith 11 F
13 Samantha Riebe 12 M/F
14 Mikenna Maroney 12 M
15 Annie Braseth 11 M/F
16 Allie Davis 11 D
18 Keni VanBrunt 10 M/F
19 Emily Lewis 12 M
20 Alyssa Younkin 12 G/F
21 Meghan O'Connell 10 F
Braves
The Braves are anxious to start playing and show they can overpower even the best teams in state. The boys have been scrimmaging hard for two weeks and are confident about their chances.
Because of the extra time off and an easy last few games, the Braves have had to push themselves to keep focused.
"It can be hard to have that time off," head coach Tom McFarlane said. "But I think they are ready for it. We have a lot of seniors with experience."
The Braves have been successful all season in spreading out opposing defenses. Flathead has so many capable scorers, teams can't focus on just one player. If they do, another Brave will score.
The Braves have a deep roster, and 13 of the players could start on any team in state. McFarlane said he will stick with the core starters and keep his sub rotation similar.
Bozeman is the first team the Braves will face. Last week, Bozeman beat a weak Billings Skyview team by six points.
"We don't know much about Bozeman," McFarlane said. "We're not going to take them lightly. You have to win every one of them. I'm hoping they get a little bit of a jostle against Bozeman, to get them back into a higher level of competition."
If the Braves beat Bozeman, they will face the winner of the Helena High and Billings Senior game.
No. Name Grade Position
1 Alex Young 12 M
3 Luke Fisher 10 M
4 Luke Thies 12 M
6 Kale Norwood 12 D
7 Chresten Knaff 10 M
8 Jeremy DeHerrera 12 M
9 Zach Brenneman 12 D
10 Nicho Hash 12 M
13 Sean Riley 12 F
14 Andrew Gill 11 G
16 Kellen Murray 12 F
17 Stephen Bailon 12 M
18 Eric Narduzzi 12 M
19 Mack Andrews 12 G
20 Brendan Passmore 10 M
State AA Soccer Schedule
Girls
Thursday
2:30 p.m.
1. Flathead (1W) vs. Billings West (4E)
2. Helena Capital (3W) vs. Billings Senior (2E)
3. Bozeman (1E) vs. Missoula Hellgate (4W)
4. Great Falls CMR (3E) vs. Helena High (2W)
Friday
Noon
5. Loser No. 1 vs. Loser No. 2 (loser out)
6. Loser No. 3 vs. Loser No. 4 (loser out)
7. Winner No. 1 vs. Winner No. 2
8. Winner No. 3 vs. Winner No. 4
4 p.m.
9. Winner No. 5 vs. Loser No. 8
10. Winner No. 6 vs. Loser No. 7
Saturday
Consolation Game
10 a.m.
11. Winner No. 9 vs. Winner No. 10
Championship Game
2 p.m.
12. Winner No. 7 vs. Winner No. 8
Boys
Thursday
Noon
1. Flathead (1W) vs. Bozeman (4E)
2. Helena High (3W) vs. Billings Senior (2E)
3. Great Falls CMR (1E) vs. Missoula Hellgate (4W)
4. Billings West (3E) vs. Helena Capital (2W)
Friday
10 a.m.
5. Loser No. 1 vs. Loser No. 2 (loser out)
6. Loser No. 3 vs. Loser No. 4 (loser out)
7. Winner No. 1 vs. Winner No. 2
8. Winner No. 3 vs. Winner No. 4
2 p.m.
9. Winner No. 5 vs. Loser No. 8
10. Winner No. 6 vs. Loser No. 7
Saturday
Consolation Game
10 a.m.
11. Winner No. 9 vs. Winner No. 10
Championship Game
Noon
12. Winner No. 7 vs. Winner No. 8