2015 Montana High School Playoffs

[mlbowl]

ITS SIDNEY with an I, no Y, or should i start saying whytefish?

Lyghten up, Francys!

 

[Griz90]

Class A Analysis
Dillon is clearly the class of Class A football. Dillon comes into the playoff with an 8-0 record, which includes 6 wins over teams that made the playoffs...that's half of the field they have already defeated. Pretty impressive. The only other undefeated club is the Miles City Cowboys. Four of the Cowboys' wins have come over playoff teams. Playing in the Eastern Division doesn't hurt either....Miles City has been severely tested and is playoff ready. Let's not overlook the Whitefish Bulldogs though. With a 10-1 record Whitefish has played more games than any other team in the playoffs this year including 4 wins over playoff qualifiers. And their only loss was a tight 22-21 game versus Dillon. Whitefish is the only team to hold Dillon under 32 points the entire season. Billings Central has a chance to surprise. The Rams have a 6-2 record with 4 wins over playoff teams. Havre has a 7-3 record with 2 wins over playoff teams but I don't see the Blue Ponies getting into the Championship game. They are the most likely team to be upset in the Quarterfinals. Hamilton is also 7-3 with 2 wins over playoff qualifiers but I don't see them making any waves in this year's playoffs. Sidney and Butte enter the playoff with identical 6-2 records. I consider both to be the favorites to win their first-round game but Butte faces Miles City in the next round on the road and the Eagles would travel to Whitefish...both uphill battles. The remaining teams - Laurel at 5-3, C-Falls at 4-3, Polson and Belgrade at a paltry 3 wins and 5 losses each - are lucky to be in the playoffs considering every one of their losses was to a playoff qualifier. Dillon and Miles City should be in the championship game but Whitefish has a chance to fight its way in. WORST GAME ROUND 1Polson (3-5) at C-Fall (4-3) BEST GAME ROUND 1 Billings (6-2) vs Laurel (5-3) CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREDICTION Dillon in a nail-biter over Miles City

I stand by my original prediction. Miles City defeats Whitefish at home but loses in a squeaker at Dillon for the title.

 

[Griz Time]

No doubt Dillon is a traditional power but no one pointed out a solid fact. Whitefish only lost to Dillon by a point early in the season.
I watched them play Sydney yesterday. After a very tough defensive effort by both in the first half, a couple of mistakes by Sydney started the run in the second. You could see Sydney was getting a little winded (I wouldn't say just flat out tired).
Luke May is good, can chuck it with accuracy and make people miss.
Neglar (Griz commit is huge).
Something I haven't seen on my Dog teams in quite awhile, size! Interior lineman have size, WR's have size. Parker is a solid rb with good speed.
That all said, the way the bracket works this year, we have to travel to Miles City. If IF, we can get through them, I like our chances. WF in yrs past always struggled against the Eastern schools with their traditional size.
We beat Havre and Sydney sound, if we can add MC to it, WOW!
16 seniors on this team.....now or never!

Good luck Dmont. I suspect Whitefish wins a close one in Miles City. However won't be shocked if I'm wrong and the Cowboys take 'em out. Miles City has a very solid team and is playing efficient football. In September they snuck by with a 1 pt win over Sidney. Otherwise Miles City has pretty well crushed everyone on their way to a 10-0 record thus far. Even yesterday by about halftime it was clear Butte Central was getting rolled.

With this weekend's game, Whitefish's 500 + mile drive over to Miles City may be a factor. Yet the real wildcard is the MC kids have been on a mission this year since their coach died. They are definitely out to "Win one for the Gipper" as well as themselves. Connors Stadium in Miles City has a great field and is a nice place to play. The place will be packed with overflow fans lining the field. This should be a great game!

In the other semi-final, I expect Dillon beats Havre easily. No disrespect intended to the Blue Ponies as I haven't seen them play. Yet based off their schedule their 8-2 record may be deceiving. Only two of their eight wins were against teams with winning records (beat a 7-4 Sidney by five points, and this weekend's 34 point win over a 5-4 Columbia Falls). It's noteworthy Havre's only two losses this season are to the other semi-final teams. Yet those weren't even close with Whitefish winning by 34 and Miles City beating them by 26.

Consequently I suspect Dillon will beat them by a comfortable margin. Especially if Havre needs Dane Warps passing attack to score in bunches. The field in Dillon yesterday was a muddy mess with kids slipping all over the place. Both teams had a few nice pass plays but the field wasn't conducive to making any quick cuts. The only player who seems to have traction was the Dillon QB. The kid had a great game and ripped off several nice runs. If the field is similar next weekend running it up the middle may be the only way to move the ball with consistency.

Thanks 82, same to you. I assume you're a MC supporter?
Havre seems to have caught fire lately, still a tough draw for them. I haven't heard officially but I'd guess WF drives and stays the night somewhere close by.
I was pretty impressed with the Sydney crowd making the trek all the way over.
Whitefish is honestly really good, just how good is something I've questioned all year.
The Dillon game literally came down to WF going for the win on a 2pt conversion and missed it.
I think overall, the Western A was down this year (thus my questioning on how good) as WF had almost every team in the mercy rule before the end of the first half.
Conversely, they made it to the semi's last year and got crushed by BC at home.
While I do question the overall Western A, with the size of WF this year, I think they could play and beat some AA teams this year. Probably the same is true of MC and Dillon as well.
Best to MC this weekend. Know a few ppl that used to live in MC. Salt of the earth ppl.
One interesting but fun fact for WF, their kicker, is a girl. I totally support it. Think its pretty cool...

ITS SIDNEY with an I, no Y, or should i start saying whytefish?

Onion, tomato, carrot, same thing. SIDNEY, Sydney, Carrol Burnett, whatever.

Naa...I'd start with Wytefish....your way gets you WheatFish....unless that's what you wanted. Feel free to also use WTF, we do.

 

[Griz Time]

Class A Analysis
Dillon is clearly the class of Class A football. Dillon comes into the playoff with an 8-0 record, which includes 6 wins over teams that made the playoffs...that's half of the field they have already defeated. Pretty impressive. The only other undefeated club is the Miles City Cowboys. Four of the Cowboys' wins have come over playoff teams. Playing in the Eastern Division doesn't hurt either....Miles City has been severely tested and is playoff ready. Let's not overlook the Whitefish Bulldogs though. With a 10-1 record Whitefish has played more games than any other team in the playoffs this year including 4 wins over playoff qualifiers. And their only loss was a tight 22-21 game versus Dillon. Whitefish is the only team to hold Dillon under 32 points the entire season. Billings Central has a chance to surprise. The Rams have a 6-2 record with 4 wins over playoff teams. Havre has a 7-3 record with 2 wins over playoff teams but I don't see the Blue Ponies getting into the Championship game. They are the most likely team to be upset in the Quarterfinals. Hamilton is also 7-3 with 2 wins over playoff qualifiers but I don't see them making any waves in this year's playoffs. Sidney and Butte enter the playoff with identical 6-2 records. I consider both to be the favorites to win their first-round game but Butte faces Miles City in the next round on the road and the Eagles would travel to Whitefish...both uphill battles. The remaining teams - Laurel at 5-3, C-Falls at 4-3, Polson and Belgrade at a paltry 3 wins and 5 losses each - are lucky to be in the playoffs considering every one of their losses was to a playoff qualifier. Dillon and Miles City should be in the championship game but Whitefish has a chance to fight its way in. WORST GAME ROUND 1Polson (3-5) at C-Fall (4-3) BEST GAME ROUND 1 Billings (6-2) vs Laurel (5-3) CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREDICTION Dillon in a nail-biter over Miles City

I stand by my original prediction. Miles City defeats Whitefish at home but loses in a squeaker at Dillon for the title.

Great analysis, BTW....

 

[rgrizfan]

Class A Analysis
Dillon is clearly the class of Class A football. Dillon comes into the playoff with an 8-0 record, which includes 6 wins over teams that made the playoffs...that's half of the field they have already defeated. Pretty impressive. The only other undefeated club is the Miles City Cowboys. Four of the Cowboys' wins have come over playoff teams. Playing in the Eastern Division doesn't hurt either....Miles City has been severely tested and is playoff ready. Let's not overlook the Whitefish Bulldogs though. With a 10-1 record Whitefish has played more games than any other team in the playoffs this year including 4 wins over playoff qualifiers. And their only loss was a tight 22-21 game versus Dillon. Whitefish is the only team to hold Dillon under 32 points the entire season. Billings Central has a chance to surprise. The Rams have a 6-2 record with 4 wins over playoff teams. Havre has a 7-3 record with 2 wins over playoff teams but I don't see the Blue Ponies getting into the Championship game. They are the most likely team to be upset in the Quarterfinals. Hamilton is also 7-3 with 2 wins over playoff qualifiers but I don't see them making any waves in this year's playoffs. Sidney and Butte enter the playoff with identical 6-2 records. I consider both to be the favorites to win their first-round game but Butte faces Miles City in the next round on the road and the Eagles would travel to Whitefish...both uphill battles. The remaining teams - Laurel at 5-3, C-Falls at 4-3, Polson and Belgrade at a paltry 3 wins and 5 losses each - are lucky to be in the playoffs considering every one of their losses was to a playoff qualifier. Dillon and Miles City should be in the championship game but Whitefish has a chance to fight its way in. WORST GAME ROUND 1Polson (3-5) at C-Fall (4-3) BEST GAME ROUND 1 Billings (6-2) vs Laurel (5-3) CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREDICTION Dillon in a nail-biter over Miles City

I stand by my original prediction. Miles City defeats Whitefish at home but loses in a squeaker at Dillon for the title.

I will once again add...Havre is playing some pretty solid football as of late.

 

[hm.grwn.grizfan]

Class A Analysis
Dillon is clearly the class of Class A football. Dillon comes into the playoff with an 8-0 record, which includes 6 wins over teams that made the playoffs...that's half of the field they have already defeated. Pretty impressive. The only other undefeated club is the Miles City Cowboys. Four of the Cowboys' wins have come over playoff teams. Playing in the Eastern Division doesn't hurt either....Miles City has been severely tested and is playoff ready. Let's not overlook the Whitefish Bulldogs though. With a 10-1 record Whitefish has played more games than any other team in the playoffs this year including 4 wins over playoff qualifiers. And their only loss was a tight 22-21 game versus Dillon. Whitefish is the only team to hold Dillon under 32 points the entire season. Billings Central has a chance to surprise. The Rams have a 6-2 record with 4 wins over playoff teams. Havre has a 7-3 record with 2 wins over playoff teams but I don't see the Blue Ponies getting into the Championship game. They are the most likely team to be upset in the Quarterfinals. Hamilton is also 7-3 with 2 wins over playoff qualifiers but I don't see them making any waves in this year's playoffs. Sidney and Butte enter the playoff with identical 6-2 records. I consider both to be the favorites to win their first-round game but Butte faces Miles City in the next round on the road and the Eagles would travel to Whitefish...both uphill battles. The remaining teams - Laurel at 5-3, C-Falls at 4-3, Polson and Belgrade at a paltry 3 wins and 5 losses each - are lucky to be in the playoffs considering every one of their losses was to a playoff qualifier. Dillon and Miles City should be in the championship game but Whitefish has a chance to fight its way in. WORST GAME ROUND 1Polson (3-5) at C-Fall (4-3) BEST GAME ROUND 1 Billings (6-2) vs Laurel (5-3) CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREDICTION Dillon in a nail-biter over Miles City

I stand by my original prediction. Miles City defeats Whitefish at home but loses in a squeaker at Dillon for the title.

I will once again add...Havre is playing some pretty solid football as of late.

Go Blue Ponies!! Mark Samson has the program back on track. They've been so so since Troy Purcell left after the graduation of Marc Mariani and a slew of other great players, but samsons got the program moving back to the top once again!

 

[rimrockgriz]

Billings Senior is loaded with talent....Sam Sparks is another with speed.

Yes. Sam Sparks has had a terrific year also. Listed as 6' and 180#, he can perform ALL of the tasks needed in a one back set. I'm most impressed with the fluidity of his hips. Senior has had some great backs of late to compare also... :egriz: (Saraceni and Newell)

 

[Grizzlies1982]

Billings Senior is loaded with talent....Sam Sparks is another with speed.

Yes. Sam Sparks has had a terrific year also. Listed as 6' and 180#, he can perform ALL of the tasks needed in a one back set. I'm most impressed with the fluidity of his hips. Senior has had some great backs of late to compare also... :egriz: (Saraceni and Newell)

You're right about Senior High producing some great running backs. Both Saraceni & Newell have thrived in college. Hopefully Sam Sparks gets a shot at it too.

FWIW, also hope Senior wins their semi-final this Friday and has a chance at revenge against Bozeman in the championship. Good luck Broncs.

 

[grizband]

I hope the Griz look at Sparks, along with a few other Broncs. As a former player, it's fun to see this teams success, especially because I played with their head coach.

 

[Paytonlives]

Billings Senior is loaded with talent....Sam Sparks is another with speed.

Yes. Sam Sparks has had a terrific year also. Listed as 6' and 180#, he can perform ALL of the tasks needed in a one back set. I'm most impressed with the fluidity of his hips. Senior has had some great backs of late to compare also... :egriz: (Saraceni and Newell)

You're right about Senior High producing some great running backs. Both Saraceni & Newell have thrived in college. Hopefully Sam Sparks gets a shot at it too.

FWIW, also hope Senior wins their semi-final this Friday and has a chance at revenge against Bozeman in the championship. Good luck Broncs.

I think Senior has an easy time with Capital
The Glacier/ Bozeman game has the makings of a great one... seems like the last 3 years they have played each other a lot!

 

[grizpack]

Class A Analysis
Dillon is clearly the class of Class A football. Dillon comes into the playoff with an 8-0 record, which includes 6 wins over teams that made the playoffs...that's half of the field they have already defeated. Pretty impressive. The only other undefeated club is the Miles City Cowboys. Four of the Cowboys' wins have come over playoff teams. Playing in the Eastern Division doesn't hurt either....Miles City has been severely tested and is playoff ready. Let's not overlook the Whitefish Bulldogs though. With a 10-1 record Whitefish has played more games than any other team in the playoffs this year including 4 wins over playoff qualifiers. And their only loss was a tight 22-21 game versus Dillon. Whitefish is the only team to hold Dillon under 32 points the entire season. Billings Central has a chance to surprise. The Rams have a 6-2 record with 4 wins over playoff teams. Havre has a 7-3 record with 2 wins over playoff teams but I don't see the Blue Ponies getting into the Championship game. They are the most likely team to be upset in the Quarterfinals. Hamilton is also 7-3 with 2 wins over playoff qualifiers but I don't see them making any waves in this year's playoffs. Sidney and Butte enter the playoff with identical 6-2 records. I consider both to be the favorites to win their first-round game but Butte faces Miles City in the next round on the road and the Eagles would travel to Whitefish...both uphill battles. The remaining teams - Laurel at 5-3, C-Falls at 4-3, Polson and Belgrade at a paltry 3 wins and 5 losses each - are lucky to be in the playoffs considering every one of their losses was to a playoff qualifier. Dillon and Miles City should be in the championship game but Whitefish has a chance to fight its way in. WORST GAME ROUND 1Polson (3-5) at C-Fall (4-3) BEST GAME ROUND 1 Billings (6-2) vs Laurel (5-3) CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREDICTION Dillon in a nail-biter over Miles City

I stand by my original prediction. Miles City defeats Whitefish at home but loses in a squeaker at Dillon for the title.

I will once again add...Havre is playing some pretty solid football as of late.

Go Blue Ponies!! Mark Samson has the program back on track. They've been so so since Troy Purcell left after the graduation of Marc Mariani and a slew of other great players, but samsons got the program moving back to the top once again!

Too bad Northern got rid of Samson. They could use him. They are absolutely terrible this year.

 

[Paytonlives]

Glacier holds Bozeman to a 3 and out, drive 78 yards, miss the EP and lead Bozeman early in 1st

6-0

 

[Paytonlives]

Glacier leads 13-7 at Half
Senior leads Capital 6-0 at Half

 

[SaskGriz]

When I was in high school (Power), we once played a 6 man/8 man combo game with Winnett. Power played 6 man on offense and when Winnett had the ball, it was 8 man. Total blast of a game.

Looking at all those tiny 6 man towns brings the memories back.

It's kind of sad that all these schools have to co-op or consolidate to field a team anymore. I mean, just the game below, it takes 6 towns to put squads together for a 6-man game.

Hobson-Moore-Judith Gap at Denton- Geyser-Stanford

Agreed. Unfortunately it is a sign of the times in our great state. There are fewer and fewer "families" running smaller farms and ranches. They are being bought out by large corps, wealthy out of state interests, and Montanans growing their operations. I'm thinking, VERY sad. :-|

I am with you, keep letting big agro set the rules and only the big kids can play. Everybody else sells out or works like a serf in the old country. It's a damn shame and not just in the great state of Montana. I know it's not a football comment but small town football be it Montana or Saskatchewan can be so great if you have the kids.

 

[Paytonlives]

Bozeman leads 14-13 with 10 minutes left

 

[Paytonlives]

Wolfpack kick a short FG Now lead 16-14
Senior Leads 21-0 over Capital

 

[Paytonlives]

Bozeman scores and leads 22-16

 

[Paytonlives]

25 yard pass, glacier down to bozeman 33
18 yard pass ball at 15

 

[Paytonlives]

INT Bozeman with 30 seconds left... they go to state

 

[grizpack]

Congrats to Bozeman and Senior. I'll take Senior by 9 in the chipper.

And not High School Football, but 2 Montana teams play for the Frontier Conference Championship tomorrow in Butte. Western @ Tech. Should be a good one. Go Dawgs!