Defending state champs next test for Braves

On the face of it, tonight's Class AA football game between the Flathead Braves and the visiting CMR Rustlers looks to be a big challenge - for Flathead.

The Rustlers (2-1) are the Class AA defending state champions, they blasted the Braves 47-0 a year ago and they return first team all-state running back Drew Savage (5-foot-10, 165 pounds).

Game time is 7 p.m. at Legends Stadium.

As a junior, Savage rushed for a school-record 2,053 yards and scored 23 touchdowns. He was the Class AA offensive MVP.

"He's coming into the year one of the best players in the state, for sure," said Flathead head coach Grady Bennett.

Savage ran for 102 yards on 32 carries and scored the Rustlers' lone touchdown in their 7-3 win over Helena Capital last week. He also caught two passes for 24 yards.

"He's got great speed. He's not a big running back, but for his size he runs hard. He's a real good sprinter. He hits it up in there hard and he'll stay with it. Chance to bust it anytime. If he gets a little crease, look out."

And the rest of the Rustlers?

They graduated 25 members of their state championship squad, but …

"Typical Jack Johnson team," Bennett said.

"His teams are going to line up and be very, very solid and disciplined."

The Rustlers this year may be younger, less experienced and lacking in the overall 'glaring talent' of last year's Class AA state champions, but the way they approach the game is very similar, according to Bennett.

"They just line up and they play very, very sound football," he said.

But the Braves also have reason to feel good about themselves.

"We feel like we're getting there with our program - led by this senior class. They're an amazing group," Bennett said.

For one thing, Flathead played very well against the opponent the two teams have in common.

The Braves fell 21-7 to Capital two weeks ago, but they led for much of the game - and had one touchdown called back on a penalty.

"The kids look back and know that's a game we should have won," Bennett said.

"I really think we're making strides. Our kids are believing.

"Now, our kids are like … we know we can play with them. We've felt that the last few weeks. It just comes down to believing and mental toughness and making plays."

That started to show up in Flathead's 6-3 win last week at Great Falls High.

The Brave defense held the Bison to 50 total yards of offense - minus one yard in the second half.

"Our defensive line last week was simply outstanding," Bennett said.

"Dominating effort. It was awesome.

"They controlled the line of scrimmage, didn't give (the Great Falls High) backs any chance at all to even get started. If those guys continue to play like that, it'll make things a lot easier for our linebackers and our secondary."