Flathead vs. Glacier - Crosstown Football V

Braves

Tonight's opponent: Glacier (4-1)

Game time: 7 p.m. at Legends Stadium

Last year: Glacier beat Flathead in a game that evened up the crosstown series at 2-2.

Last week: Flathead (3-2) outlasted Missoula Sentinel 28-21 behind a team total of 350 yards rushing.

Key game: For the first time ever, the Glacier-Flathead football matchup is a big game. With both teams above .500, the game could have playoff implications.

"It means a lot to both teams in the standings," Flathead coach Russell McCarvel said. "The winner of this game has a legitimate shot at a home playoff game, (though) there will have to be some other things that come into place."

Preparation: Coming off a homecoming win, McCarvel said the Braves have been crisp in practice while anticipating the annual meeting with the Wolfpack.

"There'a little bit more of a buzz, but we also had a great buzz last week for homecoming," McCarvel said. "It's kind of been two weeks in a row where we've had a lot of buzz at practice. Kids are definitely excited. It's a big game in the AA standings and it's certainly a big game community-wise and personally for these guys."

Keys to game: McCarvel said he considers Glacier to be a "big play team." That means the Braves will have to be relentless and meticulous on defense. He said the Wolfpack presents a balanced offensive attack.

"It's not like you can just back up and say ‘well, we're not going to give up the big play,'" he said.

"Everybody is responsible for big plays. The secondary has to make plays, the d-line has to get a pass rush and we have to stop the run."

Quarterbacks: Taylor Hulslander runs Glacier's high-scoring offense, and he has the respect of McCarvel.

"He throws for a high percentage," he said. "He's really had a great year."

Hulslander completed 67 of 95 passes for a total of 876 yards through his first four games. He was ranked second in AA passing yards per game, third in total offense and second in passing efficiency.

His counterpart, Flathead's Matt Tokarz, has had a breakout year under center for the Braves.

He led AA in total offense before rushing for 101 yards and passing for 97 against Missoula Sentinel.

"He slings it out there pretty well and obviously he's still had over 100 yards rushing (last week), so he's still running the ball well," McCarvel said. "Some of that has to do with the offensive line and some of it is that when the other running backs are running well he's a nice option off their run game."

Flathead's running game: The Braves have a team total of 1,100 yards through five games.

That total was enhanced by last week's 350 yard performance on the ground, which featured Tokarz, John Collins, Austin Root and Michael Managhan.

Collins ran for 149 yards. Root scored his first two varsity touchdowns. Managhan filled in at fullback and carried the ball for 62 yards.

"I think it was distributed pretty well," McCarvel said. "We kind of went with the hot hand, but all three running backs did a lot of great things for us.

"They all have things they do to contribute and we'll count on all three of them to continue to do what they've done."

Receivers: McCarvel expects Glacier receiver Anthony Gugliuzza to play into the Wolfpack game plan as usual.

"He makes a lot of big plays," McCarvel said.

For the Braves, all- state receiver George Sherwood will be in the lineup for the second game since returning from an injury sustained against Great Falls.

He played sparingly against Sentinel. McCarvel said he expects him to be in for more plays this week, but is not sure to what extent he will play.

In his absence, senior Matt McLean has shined. He had another impressive outing against Sentinel, hauling in four catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns.

"He's really stepped up nicely and been a good leader for the wide receiver corps as well as getting it done on the field," McCarvel said. "He's improved his route running and his catching immensely and he works hard every day. He's not afraid to go up against our best defensive backs and compete."

Wolfpack

Tonight's opponent: Flathead (3-2).

Last week: Glacier defeated Bozeman 24-14.

Key game: "I wish this was Game 9 or Game 10," said Glacier coach Grady Bennett.

"This game is big for the first time."

Bennett said he told the Wolfpack to "enjoy this crosstown experience. It is special. I've been (in Kalispell) my whole life. We never got to experience this. It's awesome. It's a different level of intensity. The community gets behind it. That's what it's all about. Those are the experiences you want kids to have," he said.

"It's different. It's special.

"It's going to be such a great atmosphere. Kalispell has always been such a wonderful town in supporting athletics," Bennett said.

"Two good football teams. It'll be a fun night of football. You just go play your heart out, then shake the guy's hand and enjoy the competition," he said.

When the schools first split, Bennett said his hope (and that of Flathead coach Russell McCarvel) was to one day have the Kalispell schools be in the same position the two Helena schools are currently enjoying - No. 1 and No. 2 in the state.

"They're both undefeated and they are going to play their game as the last game," Bennett said.

Coaches: "We're good friends," Bennett said of himself and McCarvel.

"We coached together, work our camps together. We both want to win this game, but we each other to do well, too," he said.

Concerns for Glacier: "No. 1, it's offense. They're good," Bennett said.

"Their offensive line is big. They move the line of scrimmage well. They have three good running backs, their receivers are very good."

Flathead senior receiver George Sherwood is one of the best in the Northwest.

He's played in just three games so far this year, but he's caught 12 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns.

"But they've got other guys, too," Bennett said.

And their quarterback?

Matt Tokarz is leading Class AA in total offense. Through five games, he's rushed for 483 yards and thrown for 800. His average is 256.6 per game.

"He is very good.

"They're solid in all three phases. Coach McCarvel has done a good job. They've made huge improvements in all areas. Their kickers are among the best," Bennett said.

Rushing has been a Brave strong point this season - Flathead has 1,100 yards on the ground so far and had 350 yards last week.

Flathead on defense: "Their defense is solid. They do a nice job. They do a nice of breaking up their blitzes and they bring a lot of pressure," Bennett said.

Glacier defense: "We have to stop the run first of all. We did a great job against Bozeman," he said.

"But if a team can run, you are in trouble. So we need to try to take that away. But if you do stop the run, (the Braves) can also throw it. It's going to be a challenge," he said.

Glacier's defense was amazing last week.

"Our defense played so well. Our defensive line was outstanding," Bennett said.

The Wolfpack held Bozeman to 22 yards on 21 carries a week ago.

"That was the story down there. They are going to have to be the story again," he said.

The Wolfpack is currently fifth in Class AA in scoring defense. It has given up an average of 20.6 points per game.

Wolfpack offense: Sputtered a bit at time last week.

"We had penalties. We didn't finish. We had two touchdowns called back," Bennett said.

"The game could have been over early.

"But the kids work hard to improve," he said.

But even with last week's problems, Glacier is the No. 1 scoring offense in Class AA.

The Wolfpack has scored 28 touchdowns and two field goals - 197 points. That's an average of 39.4 points per game. No. 1-ranked Helena High is second with a 36.6 per game average.

Glacier's health: The Wolfpack is nursing a few little things. "But that's football. I'm very happy with our health for this time of year," Bennett said.

Class AA: "Every game in AA is just tough. You have to prepare hard and play well if you are going to get a win," he said.