Key homecoming matchup for Glacier versus No. 1 Bozeman

Redemption, justification, vindication.

With No. 1 Bozeman rolling into town for homecoming the Glacier football team will be looking for all that and more, trying to prove it is the team that was looked at among the state’s elite this season.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for us,” Glacier coach Grady Bennett said. “We obviously haven’t gotten off to the start that we wanted to get off to, we lost a couple games that we were a couple plays away from maybe winning. Now it’s a chance to hopefully show what we think we were from the beginning. Get right back into the mix.”

Bozeman (4-0) is the last undefeated team in Class AA, bringing in the top-ranked defense in the state and one of the more dynamic offenses, led by running back Hunter Gappmeyer, who averages 128.5 yards per game.

For its part, the Wolfpack (2-2) has been just as stingy on defense, second to Bozeman in total defense this season, both teams allowing fewer than 230 yards per game.

“Our guys have been so good,” Bennett said. “If we keep playing like we are on defense we’re going to be in every game.

“Bozeman’s really good on offense, but I know our defense is going to be a good matchup for them. That should be a real good matchup, their good offense against our good defense.”

It’ll be on the Glacier offense to stand out against the Hawks’ outstanding defense, which has only allowed 12 points per game in the first four contests. The Wolfpack seemed to break out of its funk on offense over the last six quarters, playing at the high-flying, quick pace it’s used to.

“It’s fun to watch us work through those things and get back on track,” Bennett said.

“I think we had a lot of guys on this team, that because of the expectations, because of the pressure they were creating for themselves, I think we had a lot of guys playing for the wrong reasons. Focused on the wrong things ... (We told them to) just go have fun and enjoy it.”

 A win would put Glacier back in the mix for the top seeds in the playoffs.

“It’s one of those games where if we don’t (win), Bozeman is starting to separate from the league a little bit. If we do, we’re right back in the thick of it.”

The game starts at 7 p.m. at Legends Stadium.