Braves look to shake off loss in Missoula

Coming off a baseball score loss, the Flathead Football Braves intend to regroup, refortify and rebound.

“I’m ready to shake this and move on,” Flathead coach Caleb Aland said of last week’s 3-2 loss at Belgrade, ahead of Thursday night’s game at Missoula Big Sky. “That’s kind of been our message this week. It matters — everything matters.  Thankfully it wasn’t a conference game, but that’s not the brand of football we want to be about.” 

Turnovers were Flathead’s bane, in a game the Braves unofficially outgained Belgrade 302-93.  

“The defense played great,” Aland said. “Branzen Holzer showed out. Nolan Campbell had 10-plus tackles. We had good movement up front from the sophomores on the defensive line. Cameron Wells had a couple pass breakups. 

“The whole defense played pretty spectacular.” 

Big Sky is 2-0, playing the same two teams — Belgrade, then Great Falls CMR — that left Flathead with a 0-2 record. The Eagles didn’t set the world on fire in a 14-0 win at CMR, gaining 220 yards with three interceptions.  

Big Sky quarterback Avery Omlid has a big arm, and Mason Fulford is a top receiver with 15 catches. Half of Brady Williams’ four receptions have gone for TDs. Fulford and Williams stood out on film at cornerback as well, Aland said. 

Kellen Heidrick is averaging 4.7 yards a carry at tailback. 

Campbell is Flathead’s top rusher at 144 yards, followed closely by QB Brett Pesola, who has thrown for 308 yards but has six interceptions. His leading receivers are juniors Will Hollensteiner and Eli Coopman.  

The Braves also return four players from suspension, three of which were preseason starters.

Aland likes how Blake Williams plays at safety for Big Sky as well. 

“I have a lot of respect for (coach) Matt Johnson and the job he does over at Big Sky,” Aland said. “They play their butts off. They play a tough brand of football.  

“We definitely locked in at practice this week, and I’m excited to get the stain of last week off.”