AA Football: Braves picking up speed

The Flathead Braves are still young, as they head into the 2024 football season, but could still be fierce.  

A returning signal-caller like senior Brett Pesola helps, as does a top returning tackler like junior linebacker Nolan Campbell.  

“Brett had a really good offseason,” third-year Flathead coach Caleb Aland said. “He went to QB Country down in Mobile, Alabama this summer.” 

Aland also hired a quarterbacks coach, Matt McHugh, to take some responsibilities off his shoulders while he tries to improve on last season’s 2-7 campaign. Steady quarterback play obviously helps — Pesola threw for 881 yards and four touchdowns last fall, and was the team’s top rusher with 241 yards — but it really starts up front. 

“We’ve got a young offensive line,” Aland said. “A very young, but a very talented group. “Braden Capser was a dog for us last year, and his younger brother Hudson is a sophomore. He’ll be our left tackle.” 

Filling out the front five are sophomore guards Jakob Berry and Hunter VanGundy, sophomore center Kohen Rilley and junior tackle Brady Fried. 

Speedy senior Ben Bliven leads the receiver corps; running the ball will be junior Tim Zundel, senior Brayton Fitch and Campbell. Fitch played his sophomore year and then sat out last fall. 

“We’re excited that he decided to come back out,” Aland said. “He’ll be a huge help for us.” 

Defensively, Capser, Berry and Zander McLaughlin will man Flathead’s three-man front. Aland is pleased to have Cameron Wells and Bliven in the defensive backfield, along with Will Hollensteiner, who like Flathead was a top sprinter as a sophomore this past spring in track. 

A few familiar faces are missing, either because of grades or team rules. It won’t be the finished product that takes to Legends Stadium for Friday’s opener with Great Falls CMR – but most teams evolve over a season. 

Meanwhile, Hollensteiner and Bliven can turn on the jets. 

“Will Hollensteiner is someone I’m excited to see,” Aland said. “He bought into the weight room and put on some good weight, and speed.  

“We have plenty of track speed.” 

    Flathead wide receiver Ben Bliven (2) heads down the sideline on a run in the third quarter against Belgrade at Legends Stadium on Friday, Sept. 1. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
  

    Flathead running back Nolan Campbell (24) picks up yardage after a reception in the third quarter against Belgrade at Legends Stadium on Friday, Sept. 1. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)