McCarvel new head of Flathead football

The hand at the helm of Flathead Brave football next fall will be?

Russell McCarvel, math teacher at Flathead High School and running backs coach of the team that advanced to the Class AA state semifinals last fall.

"I'm very excited, very humbled to have this job," McCarvel said.

"There's a great tradition of football coaches at Flathead High … Bob Raeth, Gene Boyle, Bob Applegate, Jim Sweeney and Grady Bennett.

"There's great tradition and I know I have big shoes to fill," he said. "The kids have gone a long time without a head football coach.

"It's a big job, but luckily we have great kids. We have great players and that's certainly going to make my job easier. We're looking forward to next year's group of seniors," he said.

He has already taken on some leadership of the team, McCarvel said.

That includes helping out in the weight room and meeting with players to discuss their goals for the upcoming season.

The first thing on McCarvel's mind as he steps in?

"Initially getting a staff together will be my biggest challenge," he said.

Besides himself, the only holdovers from last fall are Dallas Stuker and Dan Hodge.

Stuker coached defensive backs and special teams. He will become Flathead's new defensive coordinator.

Hodge has yet to receive his assignment.

"He's a versatile guy. He'll help with everything," McCarvel said.

"From there, we're just trying to find some coaches from the community," he said.

That process could take right up until the final school bell this spring - or possibly longer, he said.

After that, there will be some small changes, but nothing radical, the new coach promised.

"Just putting my stamp on the program," he said.

McCarvel's resume includes a teaching degree from Montana State University and 18 years of coaching experience. He spend six years in Glendive (1995-2000), five as head coach, four years as offensive coordinator in Carson City, Nev., (2001-2004) and one year at Carroll College. He coached running backs during Carroll's 2005 NAIA national championship run.

McCarvel and wife Jacki have two sons, Robert, 9 and Conor, 6.