Loggers brace for physical game

Host Sidney in quarterfinals of Class A football

To miss today's Class A football playoff game in Libby is to miss something special.

First, the team traveling from as far as possible has the most prestigious Class A football program in the state. Sidney's 32nd-year head coach Mike Gear won seven straight state championships in the 1980s and 90s and consistently puts his team deep into the playoffs.

"The neat thing about playing them is they have the most storied-team in the state," Libby coach Neil Fuller said. "You have to look long and hard to find a team of good quality that matches up to Sidney. It's fun playing them."

Second, even if the Loggers - who have lost just once in their last 20 games - beat Sidney and win again in the semifinals, this will be their final home game.

And third … It's playoff football - smash-mouth, real grass, mud, 50-degree autumn weather football.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Logger Stadium. The winner advances and travels to play the winner of the Frenchtown-Billings Central matchup.

The Loggers are considered the favorites after earning the No. 1 seed from the Northwestern A. Not only are they known as a physical bunch, they have exceptional weapons on offense, defense and special teams.

As the No. 3 seed from the Eastern A that had to go on the road to beat Belgrade 55-25 in the first round of the playoffs, Sidney is also known for its physical play.

"When we played them (in the 2004 playoffs), they were the hardest-hitting football team I've ever coached against," Fuller said. "We have that reputation, but that group from Sidney was the most physical I've ever coached against."

The Eagles, who practiced in Lewistown Thursday before staying the night in Cut Bank and finishing the nearly 700-mile, one-way trip on Friday, follow football lore as a tough team by running the ball more than passing it. They use all kinds of running styles with a quick tailback and strong fullback. They will use an offset I-formation and run through any hole they choose. They will use spread formations and run the option. And they will use play-action off of all of that to throw the ball sparingly.

"They are big up front and they are a power football team that likes to run the ball," Fuller said. "They don't pass a lot, but when they do, they do it effectively. They've got a big, strong fullback and tailback with good quickness. The quarterback throws well. He doesn't run a lot, but he's got quick feet on film."

Fuller said as long as his boys play assignment-oriented football and execute, they'll be OK. Defensive Coordinator Craig Rowan will vary his schemes between four-man fronts and five-man fronts and mix up some blitzes.

Sidney's main weapon is tailback Trent Thomas, who ran for 169 yards and three touchdowns on just 14 carries last weekend against Belgrade. On top of a 79-yard touchdown run, he also threw a 35-yard touchdown pass in that game and caught a 2-point conversion.

Thomas enjoyed success in Libby in August during the American Legion Baseball State Tournament. As Richland County's cleanup hitter, he collected eight RBIs while hitting a home run and two doubles in helping lead the Patriots to the championship game.

All told, the Sidney offense ran 45 times for 279 yards against Belgrade and quarterback Allen Anderson completed seven of 10 passes for 146 yards.

Libby is exciting on offense. It averages 44 points per game. It has a 1,000-yard, 20-touchdown running back in senior Jeremy Chumley. It has a 2,000-yard, 21-touchdown throwing quarterback in junior Joel Fuller. It's got an 800-yard, 11-touchdown receiver in senior Zach Rowan. Plus senior wide receiver Loren Nelson has added another 400 yards and four touchdowns. And don't forget Chumley's 300 yards and three touchdowns receiving.

Coach Fuller said the Eagles don't seem to get out of position on defense, but likes what he thinks he'll be able to do on offense if the Loggers don't have any rust from the opening-round bye.

"They (the Eagles) will run some 50 fronts, but we've seen them run 40 fronts against teams with similar attacks as ours," Fuller said. "They will blitz, but they will also get their linebackers into coverage. They do a good job of keeping everyone in front of them. Hopefully we can find some weaknesses, but it will be a challenge."

The Eagles forced seven turnovers, including six interceptions, against Belgrade. Jordan Abelseth had three of those picks. Fuller scouted the game and said Belgrade wasn't aggressive enough and Sidney's physical play set up the interceptions. He believes the lack of physical play shouldn't be a problem with his group.

The Loggers have played Sidney just once under Fuller. The result was a 35-34 overtime victory in the 2004 playoffs. Libby never faced Sidney in the 1990s, but lost to the Eagles twice in the late 80s.

Sporting a 7-2 record, the Eagles only losses were to Billings Central, 42-13, and Hardin, 33-31. Fuller said Hardin runs a similar spread attack as his Loggers and likes what he thinks he'll be able to do.

Class A Football Playoffs

Today

Sidney (7-2) at Libby (8-1), 1 p.m.

Hamilton (7-2) at Butte Central (8-1), 1 p.m.

Frenchtown (6-3) at Billings Central (9-0), 1 p.m.

Hardin (7-2) at Dillon (7-1), 5 p.m.