Glacier looks to build on first win in home opener
After losing 20 straight football games over the last two years, it would be easy for Glacier's seniors to get carried away by last week's season-opening victory at Butte.
No one would blame the long-suffering Wolfpack veterans for coasting through this week's practices, knowing that at least they weren't headed for another 0-10 season like they endured on Glacier's varsity last year and Flathead's sophomore squad in 2006.
But according to Glacier coach Grady Bennett, the Wolfpack showed no symptoms of complacency while preparing for today's 7 p.m. Class AA home opener against Bozeman.
"It was even better than last week, and that's kind of what I expected," Bennett said. "They really understand now what it takes to put in the time and win."
The Hawks are 0-1 after losing a 35-13 opener to defending state champion Helena Capital last week. Bozeman went 4-6 last year, blanking Glacier 49-0 in the second week of the season.
But things are different this year for the Wolfpack, who returned nearly every player from last year's inaugural team while adding some new talent. That maturation should affect opponents, too.
"Last year, teams could probably prepare for the team they played in two weeks, because our game was more like a scrimmage," Bennett said. "This year, teams are going to have to prepare for us, watch film and get ready to play a game."
Glacier was well prepared for Butte, racing to an early lead and hanging on for a 21-14 triumph.
Wolfpack running back Taylor Hart had 85 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, while quarterback Shay Smithwick-Hann was 13-for-20 for 149 yards, completing passes to nine different receivers and accounting for two scores. Outside linebacker Pat King led the defense with 18 tackles, including two for losses.
But the Hawks, led by former Eureka coach Troy Purcell, present a whole new set of challenges. Bozeman features one of the best defensive lines in the state, and blends myriad coverage schemes and pressure packages behind its 4-3 base front.
The Hawks tallied 300 yards and 13 first downs against Capital, operating mostly out of the spread. Quarterback Cody Davies completed 17 of 33 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns, while Brock Coyle rushed for 72 yards on 10 carries.
"They're just athletic," Bennett said. "They can gash you quick.
"You make a mistake on defense, and they can go the distance. You make a mistake on offense, and they can make the big sack or turnover."
The Wolfpack were able to weather adversity in Butte, driving for the go-ahead touchdown just before halftime after the Bulldogs tied the game at 7. It was a telling sequence for Glacier, which never led last year.
"They were calm, they were solid, they were confident," Bennett said. "They just kept playing.
"Now, you just pick those little things you need to get better at and go to work. That's when it's fun."