Prep football playoffs: Eureka gets another shot at Shelby
It terms of getting emotionally ready to play a football game today, Eureka will have no trouble doing that.
The Lions face Shelby in quarterfinal Class B playoff action at 1 p.m. today in Eureka.
Those two team also squared off back on Sept. 9 during the regular season in Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula with Shelby pulling out a 28-18 victory.
That, as it turned out, is the only blemish on Eureka’s record this season.
“This one is an easy one for our kids to get motivated for,” Eureka coach Trevor Utter said.
“They are very excited to get another shot at Shelby.”
Shelby quarterback Aaron White ran 7 yards for a touchdown and passed for two more — 68 yards to Andrew Johnson and 26 yards to David Kelleher — in the first meeting.
Eureka led 6-0 at the half on a first-quarter touchdown run by Cannan Smith.
“We felt like we played poorly the first time, felt like we could have beat them,” Utter said.
“We did not move the ball very well and we had a few injuries, kids that were out. We’re a more sound team at this point (of the season).”
Eureka (8-1) opened the postseason at home last weekend by pounding Malta 54-13.
Shelby (7-2) advanced with a 40-37 road win over Huntley Project.
“Their offense is high-powered, very good,” Utter said of Shelby.
“They are the best we have faced by far. We have a better plan defensively (this time).”
Eureka, offensively, is just as talented and gifted.
Smith has rushed for 830 yards on 112 attempts. He’s averaging 7.4 yards per run and has scored 14 touchdowns.
Quarterback Garrett Graves has 412 yards rushing on 71 carries and eight touchdowns,
Matt Anderson has 305 yards on 58 attempts and has scored 10 touchdowns.
Passing, Graves is 56 of 112 for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s only been intercepted twice.
James Dunn leads the Eureka receiving corps with 17 catches for 297 yards and a touchdown.
Austyn Sherwood has 14 receptions for 220 yards and four touchdowns while Bryant Little has caught 11 passes for 225 yards and two scores.
“We will have to play well and score some points,” Utter said.
“It will not be one of those 14-7 games. They can put up points and I think we can, too. We have some pretty talented players ourselves.”
The Eureka/Shelby winner will host a semifinal game next weekend. They will play the winner of today’s Whitehall (9-1) at Ronan (6-4) matchup.
Class A
After a bye week, Polson (7-1) is back on the field for a quarterfinal contest at home today with Billings Central (7-2) at 1 p.m.
Columbia Falls (8-1), on the other hand, heads east to take on Sidney (8-1), also at 1 p.m.
Columbia Falls kicked off the postseason last weekend with an impressive 55-14 romp over visiting Corvallis.
Standout quarterback Dakota Bridwell had eight touchdown passes in that one, five going to speedy wide receiver Braxton Reiten.
Bridwell has completed 180 of 288 passes for 2,973 yards and 40 touchdowns this fall.
Reiten has 52 receptions for 999 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s averaging a healthy 19.21 yards per catch.
So, Sidney will have its hands full defensively keeping the explosive Columbia Falls attack in check.
Sidney, winners of six straight, is 5-0 at home. The Eagles have scored 274 points while allowing 69.
Columbia Falls has tallied 442 points while allowing 133.
Polson used the extra time off to have a light week of practice before getting back to business this week.
The Pirates have a talented backfield, led by senior quarterback Tanner Wilson. He finished the regular season completing 89 of 157 passes for 1,480 yards and 18 touchdowns.
He also rushed for 791 yards and 14 scores.
Polson junior Colton Cote led Northwestern A in rushing with 864 yards on 142 carries. He scored six touchdowns.
Polson’s Matt Rensvold was the No. 2 receiver in the league with 964 yards. He had 54 receptions and caught 12 touchdown passes.
“They are bigger than us, which we have seen quite a few times this year,” veteran Polson coach Scott Wilson said of Central.
“I think matchup-wise, both are real similar. We both have big play capability and both can also drive the ball.
“Turnovers will be a big part of this game and who can win special teams,” he predicted.
Polson is undefeated at home this season and is in the playoffs for the 14th time in the last 15 seasons.
Today’s Prep Football Playoff Schedule
Class A
Noon — Laurel at Dillon
All Games 1 p.m.
Hamilton at Belgrade
Columbia Falls at Sidney
Billings Central at Polson
Class B
All Games 1 p.m.
Shelby at Eureka
Whitehall/Harrison at Ronan
Fairfield at Manhattan
Coltrip at Loyola
Class C 8 Man
All Games 1 p.m.
Circle at Belt
Fairview at Charlo
Cascade at Ennis
Victor at Wibaux
Class C 6 Man
All Games 1 p.m.
Bainville at Hot Springs
Richey/Lambert at Valier
Geraldine/Highwood at Westby/Grenora, N.D.
Sunburst at Bridger