Flathead home to face Sentinel

After snapping a four-game losing streak, the Flathead Braves (3-5) welcome the Missoula Sentinel Spartans, who are currently on a three-game skid of their own, to Legends Stadium tonight.

Although the Spartans are 2-6, two of their losses are by a combined three points. Sentinel fell to Bozeman 33-32 and lost to Billings West 25-23.

“I think their record doesn’t show how good of a football team they are,” Flathead coach Kyle   Samson said.

“They’ve played a lot of close games. They’re a very talented football team and I know they’ll be well coached.

“They’ve a good quarterback who can throw it pretty well. They’ve got some good receivers and they’ve ran the ball really well, too. We’ve definitely got to contain their offense and get some pressure on their quarterback.”

 Sentinel quarterback Kade Paffhausen has thrown for 1,446 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. The Spartans average 191 yards through the air, but Paffhasuen’s 10 interceptions on the year bode well for an experience Flathead secondary.

“Our defensive staff does a great job. They get them ready to go,” Samson said.

“I think the last couple games Jess Beaman has played really well. Walker Malmin had a great game last week. (The defensive backs) have been getting better and better every week. They’ll have a big challenge with the Sentinel offensive.”

Boasting the state’s third leading rusher in junior running back Josh McCracken, the Flathead ground attack has become even more potent with the legs of senior quarterback Easton Johnson. Both McCracken and Johnson eclipsed 100-yards rushing in a 30-17 win over Hellgate a week ago, and with the hard-running junior Payton Boyce spelling McCracken, the Braves square off against Sentinel defense giving up 179 yards on the ground per game.

“Every game we’ve got to establish the run,” Samson said.

“I thought Easton ran very well. All three, I think, are tough kids who are difficult to stop. I think Easton has done a really nice job taking the runs when they’re there. It adds a little extra dynamic to the ground game.”

With the Braves the designated visiting team for next week’s crosstown matchup, the Flathead seniors will be honored before the game for their final home game in Flathead orange and black.

“I’m very thankful to them as my first senior class during first year here,” Samson said.

“I appreciate their hard work and dedication in this program.  I can’t thank them enough for the time and effort they’ve put in.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.