Eureka up for tough football schedule challenge

Balance was mentioned more than once by Eureka football coach Ed Newell as he talked about the upcoming season on Thursday.

"We look at being very balanced on offense," Newell said.

"We're not going to be a one-dimentional team. We have weapons at every position. Our running backs are solid, we have great receivers."

Eureka will also have a "natural athlete" who can run and pass at quarterback. All-state and all-conference tight end/defensive back Ryan Holder, 6-foot, 185 pounds, will be taking the snaps this season instead of blocking and catching passes.

Two all-conference players return for their final season - Bryton Guckenberg, 6-2, 185, wide receiver/defensive back; and Caleb Curtiss, 6-2, 185, lineman.

Seniors Curtis McDuffie, 5-8, 175, running back/linebacker; and Bryce Bartmess, 6-0, 165, wide receiver/defensive back; and junior Chris Ibach, 5-9, 165, running back/linebacker, are expected to make huge contributions this fall.

"We've had a good (fall) camp," Newell said.

"Good leadership ... everyone is working hard. We have a good core of kids who have experience."

And there is more good news.

"We're ahead of where we've been in years past on both sides of the ball," Newell said. "I guess it's because we have good experienced kids."

Some other players to watch for include: seniors Hunter Price, 5-9, 130, wide receiver/defensive back; Zack Powell, 5-7, 185, running back/linebacker; Kyle West, 5-8, 200, lineman; Dillon Little, 6-0, 180, tight end/defensive line; and juniors Tanner Blankers, 5-9, 140, wide receiver/defensive back; Richard Roo, 5-10, 225, lineman; and Dusty Schlund, 5-9, 195, lineman.

"Good quality kids, good character kids, it will be a fun year," Newell said.

"We're ready to bang on somebody other than ourselves."

That will start tonight with a nonconference contest at Cut Bank.

The following week, Eureka travels to Loyola.

The Lions also finish strong - at Thompson Falls and home with defending state champ Bigfork - the last two weeks of the regular season.

"Toughest schedule we've had," Newell said.

"We have been opening with Deer Lodge the last 4-5 years. This is something new for us.

"Again, we want to test ourselves," Newell said.

"To see where we are at."