Watkins answers the call
Former FHS defensive back will play in Saturday's Badlands Bowl
Beau Watkins didn't have to think about it twice.
When he took a telephone call two weeks ago asking him to pack his bags and head for Miles City - a 557-mile trip one way - he was more than happy to oblige.
"I didn't hesitate," he said.
"I just wanna play; it's fun to play."
What Watkins said yes to was an invitation to participate in the 13th annual Knights of Columbus Badlands Bowl. Watkins, a 2006 graduate of Flathead High School, is a defensive back and will be the lone member from the Flathead Valley on the Montana all-star squad.
The game is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. in Miles City. Montana will be facing an all-star team from North Dakota.
Montana hold a decisive 9-3 edge in the series despite losing 52-29 to North Dakota last year in Dickinson, N.D.
Watkins, 18, was originally listed as an alternate for this game, but when a few players canceled out, he was an easy choice to fill the roster.
He was a two-year starter for the Braves in the defensive backfield and earned all-state first team and all-conference honors as a corner back his senior season.
"They called and needed me to play," he said.
"I said sure."
Watkins drove from Kalispell to Billings last Saturday to spend the night with his grandparents. Sunday he headed for Miles City.
Three-a-day drills began Monday.
"I've been training," he said.
"Since I'm going to MSU (Montana State Unviersity), I'm on their (conditioning) program, working out with it."
Watkins had two interceptions his final season for the Black and Orange, one which set up the game-winning touchdown against Helena High.
"I'm pretty ready," Watkins said of getting back in the football mode.
"This will help me get ready for college ball in the fall."
Next month Watkins will play in the 60th annual Montana Shrine Game in Great Falls. He's on the regular West roster for that July 15th contest, so he won't be waiting for another last second phone call.
"I'm taking these two games to prepare me for college football," Watkins said.
"That's what my mindset is."
Watkins, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, is already 15 pounds heavier than last fall.
"I've gained a little weight since basketball," he said.
"I may switch between safety and corner (for this game), but probably will end up being a safety because of how big I am."
Does he have a preference to which one he plays?
"I don't really care," he said
"I played every position in the defensive backfield in high school, so I pretty much know all the positions."
In addition to football at FHS, Watkins was a two-year starter for the Braves on the court as a guard.
In track, he was an all-state sprinter.
Watkins signed with MSU as a preferred walk-on in February. The first day of fall drills for the Bobcats is Aug. 7.
Watkins also looked at playing football at University of Mary, Montana Tech, Montana State-Northern, Rocky Mountain and South Dakota Tech.
Idaho State showed some interest in Watkins for track.
"I like being in this position, being a preferred walk-on," Watkins said.
"I have nothing to lose."
Jason McEndoo, MSU's offensive line coach, sold Watkins on the Bobcats.
"All the coaches treated me very well," he said.
"That's what got me hooked on Bozeman."
Watkins is thinking about majoring civil engineering or surveying.
"I'll just play it by ear my first year, get my core classes done and go from there," he said.
In addition to Saturday's game, the other thing Watkins is looking forward to is the banquet on Friday night. Former Miami Dolphins fullback Larry Csonka is the guest speaker.
"That will be kinda cool," said Watkins.
Csonka was named the MVP of Super Bowl VIII and is a member of the NFL Hall-of-Fame.