Deep, talented Missoula Sentinel squad ready for trip to Flathead
Each of the past two games has left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Flathead Braves.
Problems in the red zone, primarily caused by untimely penalties, on offense and explosive plays allowed on defense have come back to haunt the team in one-possession road losses to Helena Capital and Billings West.
The Braves have an opportunity to reset tonight in their first true home game of the season as Missoula Sentinel travels to the Valley following a dominating win over Great Falls last week.
The Spartans enter with a 2-1 record — their lone loss came against Big Sky in a game that went down to the final seconds — and a plethora of playmakers at the offensive skill positions.
Kyle Houghtaling, who covers Sentinel for the Missoulian, joins us this week to preview the Spartans in Know The Foe, a weekly Q-and-A focused on Flathead’s opponent.
What has stood out to you about Sentinel so far this season?
Their numbers and their amount of play makers. Whether it’s on the outside with Griz commit Nick Germer at wide receiver or Elias DeWaters at running back, I don’t know if the Spartans have ever had such a bevy of guys who can create big plays. Seriously, this Friday, watch DeWaters. He has one of the quickest first steps I’ve seen at the high school level and is super shifty in the open field. The junior also returns kicks, and is a threat to bring one back (He had a 95-yarder against Glacier last season). Junior Rylan Ortt is also coming into his own at quarterback, and I’ve hardly even mentioned any of Sentinel’s 22 seniors.
What has surprised you most about Sentinel through three games?
Honestly? That they’re not 3-0. That’s not a knock on Big Sky — because I think they’re talented too. In part, I used Big Sky’s ability as a measuring stick for Sentinel. When the Spartans went up 14-0 early against the Eagles in Week 2, I though Sentinel looked unbeatable. They run that style of offense fans love to watch — a lot of quick passes to the middle of the field as well as to the side — and have a solid running attack to balance it out. Big Sky’s comeback win against Sentinel says more about the Eagles’ talents than it does about Sentinel’s ptifalls, in my opinion. The Spartans are tough.
What should Flathead fans expect from Sentinel in Week 4?
A high flying, uptempo offense and technically sound defense. Head coach Dane Oliver is a former Griz football player, now in his fifth season as head man at Sentinel. His players know what to expect and perform for him.
Who are some specific Sentinel players to look out for?
I mentioned them to some extent. On offense, DeWaters (No. 24) running the rock, Ortt (2) throwing it and Germer (22) catching. Caden Messer (No. 10) is a standout linebacker, senior captain and provides a good 1-2 punch with DeWaters running the ball.
Score prediction?
The team I currently cover versus my high school alma mater. This is a tough one, as I think you could make a case that both Flathead and Sentinel should be unbeaten. But I like Sentinel’s skill positions, and I predicted this was the year the Spartans were in the realm of 7-8 wins. They have to get them somewhere. 34-31 Spartans.
Kyle Houghtaling is a sports reporter for the Missoulian. You can find his work at missoulian.com/sports and follow him on Twitter at @khotel.