Crosstown VII football: Time for Wolfpack vs. Braves

Bragging rights aren’t the only thing on the line when Glacier and Flathead kick off at 7 p.m. tonight in the crosstown football game at Legends Stadium.

The Wolfpack (8-1) are looking to lock up the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, the best regular season record in school history and a fifth straight win over their crosstown rivals.

The Braves (3-6) are looking to ruin all of that.

“It’s a huge game,” Flathead coach Russell McCarvel said.

“It’s an exciting game for our kids. Our kids are very fired up to play this game no doubt about it.”

The teams’ seasons are headed in different directions heading into the last week. Flathead has lost four of its last five, its only win coming on Oct. 18 by one point over winless Hellgate.

Conversely, Glacier has won six in a row and hasn’t lost since playing undefeated Bozeman in Week 3.

“They are excellent on both sides of the ball,” McCarvel said.

“Statistically, they are one of the best teams on offense and defense and their specal teams are fantastic ... They’re well rounded.”

Glacier has four players on offense that are in the top five of their statistical category this season and three of the top 10 players in all purpose yardage. That’s to go with an offensive line that has dictated the style of the game all season.

“Defensively, we have to tackle well to contain their big play guys,” McCarvel said.

“We know there’s going to be some situations when we’ll have to make some one-on-one tackles out on the perimeter. We have to make sure we do that.”

The Braves defense has been opportunistic this season.

Junior safety Jess Beaman leads the state with two interception returns for touchdowns. He also leads the state in punt return yardage, picking up nearly 30 yards on average, already scoring once on a return this season.

Flathead quarterback Easton Johnson has been the catalyst of the Braves offense, leading the team in both passing and rushing.

“He’s a great athlete, a guy who is a multiple threat to both run and pass.” Glacier coach Grady Bennett said.

“It starts with him. We have to shut down their running game, and primarily, contain him. If we can do that, then we feel like it puts us in a better situation defensively, making them more one dimensional.”

Glacier has done a great job of stopping the run this season, leading the state in rushing defense, giving up only 77 yards a game.

“We need to make sure that we take care of the ball,” McCarvel said. “We’re going to have to create some big plays.”

If Glacier wins, it would guarantee a second seed in the playoffs and at least two home games in the postseason. With a very competitive top eight teams, that advantage could be important.

“We know it doesn’t matter who it is, it’s going to be a challenge,” Bennett said.

“Getting that No. 2 seed that’s big. Getting to 9-1, that’s big. That’s the best record in our school’s history. It’s the best record for a Kalispell team in a long time.”

Flathead will be the home team for tonight’s game, with Glacier making the road trip 53 yards to the east sideline.