FOOTBALL: Flathead back on track, beats Butte 14-7
BUTTE — Ryan Skramovsky returned from a serious back injury to score the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter and Flathead rode a resurgent defense to a 14-7 win over Butte at Naranche Stadium Friday night.
The Braves (3-4) pulled down a pair of interceptions and held a high-powered Bulldogs passing attack to just 154 yards in earning an on-field win for the first time since Sept. 9 at Great Falls High. Flathead earned a victory via forfeit last week against Missoula Hellgate.
“I thought it was a huge win for our program,” Flathead coach Kyle Samson said. “On the road, on their homecoming; a great team win.”
Flathead spent most of the game with the ball, operating behind a quickly improving offensive line and controlling possession. The Braves started the same five up front as they did two weeks ago against Bozeman, marking the first time this year Flathead has started the same line in back-to-back games.
“I think it’s a big deal,” Samson said of the continuity up front. “Having those guys up front that are consistent, that’s a big deal. I’m very proud of that o-line.”
Skramovsky carried the ball 11 times behind that offensive line in his first action since August. The senior was injured on the second offensive play of the season and missed the last six weeks. He capped a long Flathead drive early in the fourth quarter when he ran three yards to paydirt to put the Braves ahead for good.
“I’m so proud of the way he didn’t give up and had a goal of trying to get back,” Samson said of Skramovsky. “Just so awesome to see him get in the end zone, and our players were so excited to see him get in the end zone.”
Flathead struck first when Bridger Johnson connected with tight end Austin Demars for a 17-yard touchdown on a fourth down play late in the first quarter. Butte responded with a Ty Peterson touchdown pass to Kiley Caprara from 15 yards out in the second quarter, but that was all the scoring before Skramovsky’s decisive run.
The Braves dominated time of possession against the hurry-up Butte (2-5) offense and gave the Bulldogs few chances to score. Flathead’s defense held Peterson to 20 of 39 passing, limited Bo Mortensen to 98 yards on 22 rushes and has made major improvements after allowing at least 41 points in each of the season’s first four games.
“I think it’s a lot of young kids getting experience,” Samson said of his defense’s improvement. “Our seniors are doing a great job being leaders and now the young kids have some confidence. They’re flying around, they’re having fun out there and they’re doing their job.”
Senior safety Cade White clinched the win with an interception on Butte’s final drive, and Samson also pointed to junior cornerback Trae Vasquez and senior linebacker Jonas Nyman as standouts defensively.
On the offensive side, Johnson had one of his best games of the season, going 12 for 16 for 228 yards. He hooked up with fellow senior James Flannigan on several deep passes, helping Flannigan finish with six catches for 151 yards.
“I thought (Johnson) played really well and was really poised,” Samson said. “He hit three or four deep balls and he had a big screen pass on a big third down and long.”
Seth Adolph, who missed Flathead’s loss Sept. 23 against Bozeman with an injury, returned to run for 72 yards on 17 carries. Skramovsky added four catches for 51 yards.
Flathead is back on the road next week, traveling to take on Helena Capital (3-4) Friday at 7 p.m. in another game with huge playoff implications. The Braves and Bruins are part of a three-way tie for the eighth and final Class AA playoff spot with just three weeks remaining in the regular season.
For now, though, Flathead’s just enjoying life back in the win column.
“I’m really proud of our guys and really proud of my staff,” Samson said. “We’re starting to get some things turned around and figured out. We’re excited to go get to .500.”
Flathead 7 0 0 7 — 14
Butte 0 7 0 0 — 7
First quarter
FLT — Austin Demars 17 pass from Bridger Johnson (Cody Cusker kick), 1:24
Second quarter
BUT — Kiley Caprara 15 pass from Ty Peterson (Nathaniel Ferguson kick)
Third quarter
No scoring
Fourth quarter
FLT — Ryan Skramovsky 3 run (Cusker kick)
Individual Statistics
Rushing — Flathead: Seth Adolph 17-72, Ryan Skramovsky 11-26. Butte: Bo Mortensen 22-98.
Passing — Flathead: Bridger Johnson 12-16-0-228. Butte: Ty Peterson 20-39-2-154.
Receiving — Flathead: James Flannigan 6-151, Skramovsky 4-51. Butte: Kiley Caprara 9-82, Will O’Connor 5-45.