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FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
Talented Pony golf teams were the first to start By Havre Daily News Staff A lot of thought, planning and preparation has went into the start of the 2020 fall sports season at Havre High. After all, it had to given the coronavirus pandemic continues on. And the Havre High golf teams were the first to return to play. And once again, Havre will be led by longtime Blue Pony coach George Ferguson, who admits this season will be dynamically and dramatically different. "It's going to be a very interesting season," Ferguson said. "The sport of golf hasn't changed, and it's done really well during this pandemic. It's been deemed one of the safest sports you can play. But that's about the only thing that won't change. This season from practices, which have gone really well, to tournaments, and hopefully, the postseason, is going to be unlike any golf season in Havre High history. Ferguson has plenty of reasons to be excited. He has strong numbers once again, and both his boys and girls teams are led by a host of veteran and experienced golfers. "We've got almost 40 kids out again this season," he said. "That's a tremendous turnout for golf. We've also got a lot of returners back this season, a lot of experience on both teams, so I think we're going to see a ton of improvement team-wise throughout the fall." The Havre High boys should be especially strong. The Ponies return a pair of All-Conference seniors in Josh Warp and Caleb Chambliss, while Kale Reno and Tavish McLean were divisional qualifiers a year ago. Add to that experienced returners in Clint Owens, Caleb Spangler, Theron Peterson, Hunter Velk and up-and-comers like Lane Kinsella, Joram Randolph, Conner McKay, and more, and the Ponies have the makings of a very deep and talented squad. "The potential for our boys to have a really good season is there," Ferguson said. "We have really good seniors. Those guys have played a lot of golf, and I expect big things from all of them. We have depth, too. Our
qualifying rounds are already very competitive, and then we are adding a bunch of young kids that are going to make our boys team even more competitive." Ferguson said he has high hopes for his girls team, too. The Ponies return all four varsity players from last year, in seniors Carlee Kato, Jocelyn Staples and Sophie Kirkpatrick, as well as sophomore Sylvie McKeon-Hanson. Katherine Greenwood will round out the current varsity, while a new group of freshmen and sophomores has Ferguson extremely excited about the present and future of the program. "We have all our girls back from varsity last year," Ferguson said. "And I think you'll see them all improve dramatically as the season goes on. They gained so much experience last year, and it's going to play off this season. And I really am impressed with what Katherine (Greenwood) is bringing to the table, as well. So we have a great group of girls, and we have a really awesome group of newcomers who can certainly be the future of our program." Some of the safety measures for this golf season include masks being worn on the course, with exception of when players are playing a shot, no mixing of groups, meaning players play tournament rounds with their own teammates, and no pre-round or postround mingling between teams. As for Havre's schedule this season, it's fluid. The Ponies didn't attend the seasonopening Great Falls Invite, and Browning Invite at East Glacier has been canceled, as has the Jawbone Match play event in Harlowtown on Sept. 3. So, before Labor Day, Havre will compete in just three tournaments, including two tournaments in Havre and the Lewistown Invite. The second half of the Ponies' schedule includes the Glendive and Sidney Invitationals, the Billings Central and Laurel Invites, as well as the Eastern A in Billings and the Class A state tournament at the Butte Country Club. For now, though, Ferguson is just focused
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BLUE PONY GOLF SCHEDULE Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 11 Sept. 11 Sept. 17 Sept. 18 Sept. 24 Oct. 1-2
vs Lewistown at Havre at Glendive at Sidney Havre (Beaver Creek) at Billings Central (Eagle Rock) at Laurel Divisionals at Billings (Lake Hills) State at Butte (Country Club)
on the first tournament and not looking too far ahead, but, he's excited to be out there, too. "One thing we all know is, with this pandemic, things can change so fast, and things will change," he said. "But I do know this.
9:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. TBD
I love coaching these teams. We have great kids in our golf program at Havre High. And I want to help them have the best season they can possibly have. And I'm just excited to see them out on the course, doing what they love to do, and that's play golf for Havre High."
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Havre High boys and girls golf teams pose for team photos while wearing their masks earlier this summer at Prairie Farms Golf Course. The Ponies started their season back on Aug. 20 with the Havre Invitational.
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September 2020
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
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Beeters ready to spike their way to the top of the new 7C
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Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
For many, many years now, the Chinook Sugarbeeters have been the cream of the crop in District 6C volleyball. From unbeaten regular seasons, to a streak of five straight district titles, the Beeters have been as good as it gets in Hi-Line volleyball. And while graduation always seems to
hit Chinook hard, there’s no reason why the Beeters can’t be one of, if not the top team in the new 7C. Led by returning standout Delaney Kellam, as well as starters like Lily Surber and more, Chinook once again has the firepower to reach the top of the district It won’t be easy with the likes of Fort Benton, North Star and Chester-Joplin-Innverness being really good again, but, with a talented roster, and so much experience and prestige,
there’s no reason to think Chinook won’t be the team to beat again this season. The Beeters roster this includes, Allison Powell, Bree Swanson, Crystal Hofer,, Hailey Bell, Hallie Neibauer, Jade Cecrle, Jayden Miller and Virginia Hauer. The 2020 District 7C Tournament will be held Oct. 29-31 in Gidlford. The top three teams will advance to the Northern C the following week in Fort Benton with the State C tourney in Bozeman.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Chinook High School volleyball team poses for a team photo before the start of the 2020 season. The Sugarbeeters are part of the new District 7C this season, which added three teams to the old District 6C East. The Northern C is now two 9-team districts that includes the 6C and 7C. The District 7C tournament will be held in Gildford at the end of October and the Northern C in Fort Benton.
September 2020
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Bears ready to battle in Six-Man ball
Aarron Thompson
George Ferguson
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
The Box Elder High football team is getting ready for its 2020 season, which was hanging in the balance for some time due to COVID-19, but to get back on the field has gotten the Bears excited for some fall action. Box Elder has waited long enough to prove their strength on the gridiron. The Bears do return quarterback and leader Kadyn Duran to head coach Jake El-
dridge's team this fall. Gabe Saddler, Malique Rosette, Jayden Jilot and Theron Oats also have plenty of experience. Schedule-wise, the Bears will see games against the Power-Dutton-Brady Titans on Sept. 5, the Big Sandy Pioneers Sept. 11, the Valier Panthers Oct. 2 and the Sunburst Refiners Oct. 10, as well as other opponents across the Six-Man North. The Power-Dutton-Brady Titans await the Box Elder Bears Sept. 5, which will be quite the challenge for the Bears within their season.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Box Elder High School football team poses for a team photo before the start of new football year. The Bears play in the Six-Man North Division, which is always tough, especially as of late with Big Sandy dominating the division year-afteryear. Box Elder, wearing masks in the photo, is also an example of the new normal as sports return during the coronavirus pandemic.
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September 2020
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
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Box Elder ready to continue climbing the volleyball ladder
Havre Daily News sports
Havre Daily News sports editor
gferguson@havredailynews.com
gferguson@havredailynews.com
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
September 2020
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Chinook returns the talent to battle for a Northern C chipper Aarron Thompson
George Ferguson
The Box Elder Bears have finally broken through as a strong volleyball program in Class C. Now the Bears want to keep things that way. And in 2020, Box Elder has plenty of firepower to do just that. The Bears did lose some key players to graduation, but, with the talented Zayna Henderson and more back for a new season, Box Elder should very much be a contender during the conference season. The Bears will have to battle top teams like Fort Benton, Chinook and North Star, while Big Sandy and CJI are always tough, too. But, with such a deep and strong roster, Box Elder is going to be a force to be reckoned with this season, especially when the district tourney rolls around at the end of October. The Box Elder roster includes, Abria Small Boy, Annalise Johnson, Ariel Gopher, Brielle Sun Child, Daleyn Henderson, Kendra Gopher, Kortney Wolfchild, Magic Ragged Robe, Peyton Rosette, Tayleigh Sun Child and Telyna Bacon. The Bears will nattle the rest of the District 7C at the district tournament Oct. 2931 in Gildford. The Northern C is set for the following week to be held in Fort Benton and state C volleyball will be played once again in Bozeman. Once again, the Havre Daily News will be running all volleyball results in Tuesday's Hi-Line Volleyball Roundup.
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The Chinook High football team went through a tough 2019 season full of ups and downs last year, but with a strong drive to make things happen in 2020, especially after COVID-19 got in the way. The Sugarbeeters will be giving it their all in 2020. With plenty of talent and depth both offensively and defensively, Chinook has been working hard to improve for the upcoming
season, which looks to be another grueling test for the Beeters. There will be powerhouses and underdogs throughout this year, but Chinook looks to make sure they are not caught by surprise. Head coach Mike Jones is glad to see his team excited for the 2020 season. “We have a lot of returners,” Jones said. “We have good core group of seniors coming in this year. We have five of them that got a lot of varsity experience last year and we’re looking to build on some things. We have a lot of stuff coming. It’s my third year here.
I think they’re going to do a great job. We have some pretty athletic kids and I think we have a good chance to have a pretty good season.” Returning players for the Beeters include seniors Damon Hannum, Benton Elliot, Erik Pula, Reese Elliot and Ethan MacLeod, juniors Drake Berreth, Hunter Molyneaux, Wyatt Dunbar and Toby Niederegger and sophomores Lane Hasler, Levi Jensen, Lane Snider, Brenden Fetter, Tyler Schoen, Braxton Inman, Daniel MacLeod and Flint Annis. Newcomers for Chinook are freshmen
Jackson Nordboe, Riley Jorgensen, Isaiah Gillett and Quentin Edwards. Schedule-wise, Chinook will see opposition like the Park City Panthers, the Shelby Coyotes on Sept. 4, the Hays Lodge-Pole Thunderbirds Sept. 19, the Chester-JoplinInverness Hawks Sept. 25, the Simms Tigers Oct. 2 and the Choteau Bulldogs Oct. 9, along with other games, too. Chinook shoiuld certainly have an advantage in its division of the Northern C this season, which will send five teams to the playoffs.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Box Elder girls volleyball team poses for a socially-distanced team photo before the start of the new season. Box Elder is playing in the new District 7C this season. The photo is a prime example of what sports are like during the coronavirus pandemic. The volleyball season is underway.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Chinook High School football team poses for a team photo before the start of the 2020 season. The Sugarbeeters should be a top contender in the Northern C of 8-man football this fall.
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September 2020
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
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Young Big Sandy volleyball team hopes to rise
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FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
There have been plenty of seasons in which the Big Sandy volleyball team has been a dangerous club in the 6C East. But, there’s also been those tough years, too.
But, as a new season dawns, the Pioneers are hoping to once again be one of those tough teams in the new 7C, and they have the talent to do it. The Pioneers have a deep roster of players this season, led by standouts like Laynee Ophus, Lainey Terry and Madison Terry. And even though Big Sandy is a young team, their depth and athleticism will carry them far this fall. Big Sandy’s roster also includes, Alicia Bjornestad, Amiya Griffith, Angie Sant, Caydence Pleninger, Daisy LaBuda, Haley
Schwenke, Jaycee Worrall, Jozlyn Baumann, Kodi-Jo Phillips, Malaysia Baumann, Noelle Beirwagen, Tavie Wortman, Teagen Cochran and Tosha Allderdice. Of course, the goal is to place in the top three at the 7C Tournament in Gildford in October, and advance to the Northern C, which will be held Nov. 5-7 in Fort Benton. To do that though, Big Sandy will have to battle 7C powers Chinook and North Star, as well as a strong team from Chester-Joplin-Inverness, Fort Benton, Box Elder and more.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Big Sandy volleyball team poses for a team photo before the start of the new season. The Pioneers are part of the new District 7C this season, which added three teams to the old District 6C East. The Northern C is now two 9-team districts that includes the 6C and 7C. The District 7C tournament will be held in Gildford at the end of October and the Northern C in Fort Benton. Fans are reminded to find all our volleyball results in our weekly roundups.
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Wildcats looking to revive the football program in Harlem
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Harlem High School football team poses for a team photo before the start of the 2020 season.
Pioneers ready to roll in the revamped District 7C
September 2020
It was a tough season for the Harlem High football team in 2019, which saw plenty of losses come their way. But, a new season means a new chance to see the Wildcats give it their all, which is what they plan to do after COVID-19 had their season at bay momentarily. Under head coach Hunter Azure, Harlem is ready to prove they can bring its all against its opponents for the 2020 season. At the end of the day, Azure is just happy to see his team out on the field for another year. “I’m excited to get to play after a summer of uncertainty,” Azure said. “I bring in a different style and philosophy than the coaches from the past 30 years of Harlem football. We should be exciting to watch and it will be fun
for the kids, playing-wise.” Returning players for the Wildcats are Andrew Rasmussen, Zach Kinyon, Brent Cole, Amari Stanley and John Hughes, with one freshman newcomer joining the team for 2020. Schedule-wise, Harlem will play the Polar Indians Sept. 4, the Wolf Point Wolves Sept. 11 for homecoming, Roundup Sept. 18, the Glasgow Scotties to follow, the Malta Mustangs Oct. 2, the Fairfield Eagles Oct. 9, the Cut Bank Wolves Oct. 16 for senior night, the Conrad Cowboys Oct. 23 and lastly, the playoffs start Oct. 30. After a tough season last year, the Wildcats are ready to start off 2020 strong, with their first challenge against the Poplar Indians Sept. 4. The Wildcats will do battle in the alwaystough Northern B, which features favorites like Glasgow, Conrad and Fairfield.
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September 2020
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
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FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
September 2020
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Harlem volleyball team Pioneers are loaded yet again hopes to build on last fall
George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
Volleyball is back on the Hi-Line and for the many schools along it, it is great to be back on the court. The same goes for the Harlem High squad, who will look to give it their all for the 2020 season. After COVID-19 had the fall sports season questionable, the Wildcats were happy to see that they could step on the court this year. Under veteran head coach Kim Faulkin-
berry, Harlem is itching for another shot at glory for the 2020 season. With all the hard work the team has put in so far, Faulkinberry has a lot to look forward to. “The girls who have returned have been working extremely hard the past couple of weeks,” Faulkinberry said. “As a coaching staff, we like what we see. Our first match is set for Sept. 1 at Shelby, and we are looking to see what we are proficient in and what we need to focus on. For the couple of hours of practice, it is great to see the girls work hard, but it is even greater to see
them smiling and having some fun. We can only hope we are able to have a complete season. We all need some normalcy in our lives.” The returning players of the Ladycats include Alaynee Hawley, Brooke Reed, Brandy Calvert and Jessica King, with newcomers being Tia Kuntz, Taya Trottier, Chloe Messerly and Vanise Little. When it comes to the schedule, Harlem will start play Sept. 5. North Country Sept. 10, Rocky Boy Morning Stars Sept. 12, the Malta M-Ettes Sept. 17, the Glasgow Scot-
ties Sept. 19, the Conrad Cowgirls Sept. 22, Rocky Boy Sept. 25, the Wolf Point Wolves Oct. 3, Malta Oct. 8, the Poplar Indians Oct. 10, Glasgow Oct. 15, North Country Oct. 20, Poplar Oct. 23, Wolf Point Oct. 24 for senior night, Districts at Malts Oct. 29-31, Divisionals at Conrad Nov. 5-7 and the Class B State Tournament Nov. 12-14 in Bozeman. After making it to divisionals a year ago, the Wildcats will be a strong team in the 2B again this season, while battling tough rivals like Malta, Glasgow and Wolf Point.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Big Sandy football team poses for a photo before the start of the 2020 season. The Pioneers have been to the Six-Man semifinals two straight years and are heavy favorites to win the Six-Man North again this fall.
Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Harlem High School volleyball team poses for a photo before the start of the 2020 season. The Wildcats are hoping to build on last year's successes in the Northern C. The 2020 season is already underway.
After a powerful, undefeated regular season in 2019, the Big Sandy High football team has been ready to get back out on the field and make that push once again, but this time, the Pioneers would like to get past the Six-Man semifinals, as the Jordan Mustangs upset Big Sandy for the second year in a row last year. That fuel to the fire will surely help the Pioneers, who return both a strong veteran
core and a young, passionate squad to keep things mixed up on the turf. There will be a lot to look forward to this season and Big Sandy plans to make sure that the Class C spectrum feels their power once again. And head coach Larry Jappe is glad to have some strong talent back, as he told the Big Sandy Mountaineer. “I've got my core guys back," said Jappe to the Mountaineer. “We've got a few new, young kids. The East Division this year, they lost everybody. We changed up the backfield a bit where they can't just key on Strutz ev-
ery play. He may be in position, but I won't score 100 points on somebody. We'll run more spread offense. We get our young guys some playing time.” As for the returners for Big Sandy, players like all-state running back Kade Strutz and all-state passer Parker Proulx are key to the return of the Pioneers. Others like passattack Kody Strutz and defensive standouts Brady Pleninger and Dillon Geyer return to Big Sandy, too. Braydon Cline, Lance Rutledge, Cam Schwarzbach, Tannin Baumann, Lane Demontiney, Matthew Bendig return, as well. Newcomers include freshmen Sam
Cox, Christian Winderl, Wylee Snapp, Cooper Taylor and Jake Darlington. The Pioneers see some great opponents throughout the year, including the Valier Panthers, as well as the North Star Knights Sept. 5, the Box Elder Bears Sept. 11, the Heart Butte Warriors Sept. 19, the Sunburst Refiners Oct. 2 and the Power-Dutton-Brady Titans Oct. 9, and plenty of other opponents throughout the season. The Pioneers are aiming to win a fourth straight Six-Man North championship this fall.
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September 2020
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FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
Talented Ponies look to build on magical 2019 After a playoff run in 2019, which included reaching the quarterfinals, Havre High not only looks to do it again, but to take it even further
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BLUE PONY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Sept. 8 Sept. 11 Sept. 14 Sept. 18 Sept. 21 Sept. 25 Sept. 28 Oct. 2. Oct. 5 Oct. 9 Oct. 12 Oct. 16 Oct. 19 Oct. 23 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 14 Nov. 21
at Malta (JV) vs. Laurel at CMR (JV) at Glendive vs. Glasgow (JV) at Lewistown vs. Lewistown (JV) vs. Miles City vs. Great Falls (JV) vs. Hardin (Homecoming) vs. Malta (JV) at Sidney at Browning (JV) vs. Billings Central First Round Playoffs Second Round Playoffs Semi-Finals Championship
5:00 p.m 7:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
The gridiron has been waiting for the return of Montana football and when it comes to Class A, the Havre High squad is ready to make some noise once again this season. There was plenty of action back in 2019, as the Blue Ponies pushed their way to a semifinal appearance in the Class A playoffs. In fact, with many of the strong core returning to the field, as well as some young and hungry talent, Havre is primed to do great things in 2020. The Eastern A has never been an easy conference to play in, but the Ponies have been itching to get their shot at a great run after what looked to be lost due to COVID19, but now that will not be slowing Havre down anytime soon. The Ponies are excited to get to tackle the conference head-on. And as always, Havre head coach Ryan Gatch is just as excited to get back on the field and see his athletes give it their all. “As far as the season coming up, we’re excited about it,” Gatch said. “We’re excited to get back, to be able to have competitive sports, going to school and being in a community that stands together. Anytime we get a chance to come back, we’re very excited about showcasing Havre and representing our community in a positive fashion. We’re ready to go.” Returners for the Ponies include seniors Eli Cloninger, Brock Nystrom, Joey Byrd, Kellen Detrick, Bradyn Winchell, Ethan Carlson, Carson Lunak, Evan Butcher and Colby Lammers, juniors Randy Tommerup, Trenton Maloughney, Jared Rosgaard, Orion Thivierge, Carter Nystrom, Zach Monk, Justin Rosgaard, Derek Olson and Riley Long Knife and sophomores Evan Baker, Jayce Jensen, Stephen Preputin, Zale Thomas, Ryan Powell, Zeke Antonich, Gabe LaRoque, Chase Mariani, Jason Wold, Hunter Sawdey, Kale VanCampen, Brody Nanini and Crawford Terry. Freshman newcomers for Havre are Landon Caplette, Tristan Stygles, Ciaran Courtnage, Trayden Riley, Jacob Herring, Carson Harris, Jacob Kunz, Mason Wilt-
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Havre High football team poses for a socially distanced team photo at Blue Pony Stadium earlier this summer. The Blue Ponies are a week away from opening the Eastern A season, and they are hoping to further last year's run to the Class A playoffs.
ing, Brisbin Reiter, Clara Laird, Daniel Edmonds, Isiah Parker, Andrew LaRoque, Ryne Petrini, Rhett Wertheimer, Michael Emge, Jerry Kirkaldie, Ricky Moore, Asher Springer and Brayden Kimberling. Schedule-wise, the Blue Ponies are lined up for another tough season. Havre starts the year with its home- and season-opener against the Laurel Locomotives Sept. 11, fol-
lowed by a road-game versus the Glendive Red Devils Sept. 18. Then, Sept. 25 sees the Ponies play against the Lewistown Golden Eagles in Lewistown, Class A defending champs Miles City Cowboys at Blue Pony Stadium Oct. 2, back to Blue Pony Stadium for homecoming against the Hardin Bulldogs Oct. 9 and on the road against the Sidney Eagles Oct. 16. The regular season
ends with a home game against the Billings Central Rams Oct. 23, followed by the postseason, which spans from Oct. 31 to Nov. 21, depending on how deep the Ponies may run. And as the season draws closer, the Ponies are ready for their first challenge in the Laurel Locomotives for the home- and season-opener at 7 p.m. inside Blue Pony Stadium.
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FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
September 2020
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Stars looks to do their best on the field during tough times Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
After a season that was pained with injuries and tough battles, the Rocky Boy High football team has been looking forward to the 2020 year. COVID-19 may have come along and brought the Northern Stars a scare, but with clearance to play and some key pieces of talent back on the turf, Rocky Boy is ready to throw down this fall. Under head coach Wade Colliflower, the Northern Stars have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming season. As practices have gone on, Rocky Boy has seen some incredible development that will be crucial for the year. Great leadership, strong depth and overall passion for the game will look to lead the Northern Stars to victory. Colliflower has a mix of emotions about the 2020 season, but he is sticking to the positive and is ready to see Rocky Boy give its all. “I’m nervous about the whole COVID-19 deal,” Colliflower said. “We had our basketball season end abruptly, and I’m hoping our fall sports don’t end the same way. We will be doing senior night at the beginning of the season this year. It’s been hard preparing with the thought in the back of your mind that the season will be cut short. We’ve done our best to navigate through a pandemic and the guys are very excited about the season. We have 23 players total, so that’s made for some very competitive and fun practices.” Seniors Devin Johnson and Nacona Limberhand return to the field after suffering season-ending injuries in 2019, which will be huge for the Northern Stars. Defensive standouts in junior Joe Demontiney and sophomore Kellen Colliflower will be a major boost in shutting down opposing offenses. Overall, a good mix of experience from
the juniors and sophomores of the team is a big strength. As for the schedule, Rocky Boy will see plenty of tough competition throughout the season, including a battle with the Fort Benton Longhorns Sept. 11, a game against the
Cascade Badgers, a showdown versus the Belt Huskies Oct. 2 and another Hi-Line game against the Chester-Joplin-Inverness Hawks. Other opponents will include teams like the Harlem Wildcats, too. The Northern Stars will have a lot to look
forward to this season. With some key players back on the field and a Rocky Boy team eager to prove themselves, the Hi-Line and beyond will have to prepare for the Northern Stars in 2020. Rocky Boy looks to set that tone against Fort Benton Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Rocky Boy Stars moved up to the Northern C 8-Man ranks two years ago and have had a tough time on the field. Still, the Stars have plenty of talent and will battle hard this fall.
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September 2020
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
Rocky Boy aims high for 2020 volleyball season
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Thunderbirds hope to rise Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
The Hays-Lodge Pole High football and volleyball teams have been waiting to get back on the field and the court for the 2020 season, with high hopes of making some strong strides this year. With plenty of exciting things to come about within the District this season, the Thunderbirds are ready to prove they can compete with some of the strongest squads across the Hi-Line and beyond. Thunderbirds football will see games against teams like the Simms Tigers
on Sept. 4, the Chester-Joplin-Inverness Hawks Sept. 12, the Chinook Sugarbeeters Sept. 19, the Shelby Coyotes Sept. 26 and the Cascade Badgers Oct. 10, as well as other opponents in the season. HLP volleyball will have several games against District 9C opponents like the Fort Benton Longhorns, the North Star Knights, the Box Elder Bears, the Chester-Joplin-Inverness Hawks, the Chinook Sugarbeeters and the Big Sandy Pioneers. With that, HLP football has a game against the Simms Tigers Sept. 4, while Thunderbirds volleyball will be ready to go against their first opponent of the 2020 season.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Rocky Boy girls volleyball team poses for a photo earlier this summer while wearing masks as COVID-19 is now a part of high school sports for the foreseeable future.
Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
COVID-19 has been a stick in the mud for much of 2020 and the hope was that it would not hinder the upcoming fall sport season. But with a good-to-go and a chance to play, the Rocky Boy High volleyball team will look to seize every opportunity it gets for the upcoming season. Under head coach Ty Watson, Rocky Boy will aim to return a strong squad of upperclassmen, as well as some young and ready-to-work players, too. With how tough the District 1B conference is, the Morning Stars have to constantly be on their toes throughout the season. There will be plenty of challenges ahead within the year. Rocky Boy lost a lot of talent from last
year's team. but Kirsten Lamere is a leader and Talise Broncho and Ashlyn Sunchild are also standout returners. Schedule-wise, the Morning Stars will have several major conference games this season, including against teams like the Conrad Cowgirls, the Shelby Coyotes, the Choteau Bulldogs, the Cut Bank Wolves, the Fairfield Eagles and the Great Falls Central Catholic Mustangs, as well as some games versus the Harlem Ladycats. Simply put, it will be trial after trial for Rocky Boy as always when it comes to the District 1B conference. And with things setting into place for the season, the Morning Stars will look to open the year on a good note, starting with a showdown against the Cut Bank Wolves in Cut Bank Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Hays-Lodge Pole volleyball and football teams have already begun the 2020 fall sports season.
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FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
Kari Filius now leads Havre High harriers Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
After pushing through a tough season back
in 2019, the Havre High cross country teams are ready for another year of racing across the course. There will be plenty of things to look forward to this season, especially since COVID-19 looked to try and ruin it. Needless the say, the Blue Ponies are ready to grasp every opportunity. Under new head coach Kari Filius, Havre will be ready for another exciting year on the course. With practices showing plenty of progress, the Ponies will look to turn some heads in 2020, which is something that Filius is happy to see coming forth. “The kids are working hard,” Filius said. “We’ve been doing some speed work. Things look promising. We have good workers and new, young people that are getting in there and pushing each other. I think they’re going to be a really competitive team and will push each other to do better. I think it’ll go well.” The girls team sees quite a few notable returners back on the course, including seniors Tamara O’Leary and Hannah Haslem, Emma Gillen and Chloe Shennum, with some newcomers being junior Sadie Filius and senior Loy Waid. As for the Pony boys team, senior Dylan Young, Riley Pleninger Brody Henry, Kendall Pleninger, Josh Currie and Ethan Durward are ready for another year, while freshman newcomers Caleb Tolmack and Zach May are exciting to join the team for the first time. The schedule for Havre is lined up with several strong meets. The Ponies head to Cut Bank Sept. 4 for the Cut Bank Invitational, then back home at Prairie Farms Sept. 11 for the Havre Invitational. After that, it’s down to Lewistown Sept. 18, Great Falls Sept. 25 and Malta on Oct. 3. Havre has another home
meet at Beaver Creek Oct. 5, followed by the Helena 7-on-7 at Bill Roberts Golf Course in Helena Oct. 8 and Browning Oct. 10. Lastly, the Fall Classic Eastern A Divisionals are on Oct. 16 and the Class A State Meet Oct. 24. With that, the Blue Pony runners are prepped to hit the course for the 2020 season, starting with the Cut Bank Invitational Sept. 4 in Cut Bank.
September 2020
BLUE PONY CROSS-COUNTRY SCHEDULE Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 19 Sept. 25 Oct. 3 Oct. 5 Oct. 8 Oct. 10 Oct. 16 Oct. 24
at Cut Bank 4:20 pm (JV) Havre (Prairie Farms) at Lewistown at Glasgow TBD (JV) at Great Falls TBD (JV) at Malta 10:00 a.m. (JV) Havre (Beaver Creek) TBD (JV) at Helena 7 on 7 (Bill Roberts Golf Course) at Browning 1:00 p.m. (JV) at Fall Classic Eastern A at Lewistwown State at Kalispell
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Havre High boys and girls cross country teams take a socially distanced team photo at the Havre High practice fields earlier this summer. Under the direction of new head coach Kari Filius, the Blue Ponies will have a very different experience this summer due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Changes to cross country include fewer large meets to accommodate for smaller fields, masks will be worn and teams can't mingle with other teams before or after races. Also, only so many runners are allowed at the starting line per race. Still, running is running, and under Filius, both HHS teams are poised for a strong season, which started with the annual Cut Bank Time Trials. Havre hosts its Havre Invite in conjunction with the MSUNorthern team Sept. 11.
4:20 p.m. (Varsity) 10:00 a.m. (Varsity) 10:00 a.m. (Varsity) TBD (Varsity) 10:00 a.m. (Varsity) TBD (Varsity) TBD (JV & Varsity) 1:00 p.m. (Varsity) 1:00 p.m. TBD
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As usual, North Star spikers will be tough George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
The 2020 high school volleyball season is going to look a lot different, on the HiLine. And that includes all of the District 6C East. Or what was once the 6C East. With COVID-19 forcing the MHSA to alter many parts of high school volleyball,
what that really means is, the conference season is going to be even more emphasized. For the North Star Knights, that means a chance to keep on being one of the top teams in the 6C. Year-after-year, the Knights are really good in volleyball and 2020 should be no different. North Star, which is trying to return to the Northern C, brings back leaders like
Jade Wendland, Kenidee Wolery and Shayla Borlaug, all of who have extensive varsity experience. But, like in years past, the Knights also have depth. The roster also includes Autumn Henke, Coral Wicks, Jessica Troup, Kaytlyn Domire, Kira King, Laramie Peterson, Mackenzie Sargent, Quinn Truax and Rainee Watson, giving the Knights the depth they need to once again reach the top of the conference.
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Hawks aiming to fly high this fall
As always, though, the conference is a tough conference. The Knights will have to once again battle the likes of Chinook, as well as an up-and-coming Chester-JoplinInverness squad. Of course, with Fort Benton in the mix now, too, things are going to be really tough. And it all comes down to the 6C Tournament, which will be held in Gildford Oct. 29-31.
Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
The Chester-Joplin-Inverness High School football team has waited long enough for the 2020 football season to get the green light to go forward and now that it has, the Hawks are ready for another shot at making some noise among the Class C competition. Under head longtime coach Jim Vinson, Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The North Star high school volleyball team poses for a photo before the start of the 2020 season earlier this summer. The Knights will be a top contender in the new District 7C this fall.
there will be a lot to look forward to for the Hawks’ upcoming season. A year ago, the Hawks were strong contenders in the Northern C 8-Man, and they could be again this fall. CJI returns a bulk of its top players on both sides of the ball from last season, including Lane Fischer and Kyle Harmon. Blake Harmon and Bryce Ghekiere should also be standouts for CJI, which may be a
little light on numbers this season. As for the Hawks’ schedule, they will play Sheridan, the Cascade Badgers, the Hays-Lodge Pole Thunderbirds Sept. 12, the Simms Tigers Sept. 19, the Chinook Sugarbeeters Sept. 25, the Shelby Coyotes Oct. 2 and the Rocky Boy Stars Oct. 9. And Sheridan will be ready for CJI, as well as Cascade, but the Hawks look to soar high in the 2020 season.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Chester-Joplin-Inverness football team poses for a photo at a recent practice in Chester. The Hawks have always been a team to beat in the Northern C, but the league is also so deep and filled with great teams that making the Class C playoffs is always hard. With the season underway already though, CJI is trying to do just that, make the playoffs this fall.
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CJ I spikers ready to fight Fort Benton football ready to stampede their way to the top George Ferguson
Havre Daily News sports editor
gferguson@havredailynews.com
A year ago, the Fort Benton football team nearly won a Class C state championship. Well, at least the Longhorns got close for sure. So, after a one-loss season like that, it would be easy to think Fort Benton would take a step back this fall, especially after graduating four-year starting quarterback and superstar athlete Garrett Diekhans. But, if you think Fort Benton is taking a step back, you'd be mistaken. After a 2019-2020 year in which the Longhorns were dominant in both football and basketball, they are back for more. Fort Benton is considered one of the top teams in all of Class C 8-man football and also is a strong contender to repeat as Northern C champions. And the reason why is, depth and talent. Fort Benton's roster is littered with returnees and standout players, including two-way star Jace Thompson, who was an All-Stater at running back and linebacker a year ago. But Thompson isn't the only standout back. In fact, the Longhorns aren't just deep and talented, they're loaded with veteran leadership, including senior Hayden Diehkhans who was a star WR last fall. Brock Hanford is also a key contributor on
both lines, while Hayden Axtmen and Billy Ullery were also big time players on both sides of the ball for the Longhorns a season ago, and will be again this season. Fort Benton's depth is also big, with nearly 20 players on the 8-man roster. And still, as good as the Longhorns will be this season, nothing will come easy in the Northern C, which includes tough teams
like Belt, Great Falls Central and Choteau in one division, and Chinook, Shelby and CJI all strong on the other side, among other teams. Yes, the Longhorns know that the Northern C is easily the toughest division in 8-man football, and so they won't take any opponent lightly this season, on their way to another big year.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Fort Benton football team takes a photo on their home field earlier this fall. The Longhor ns reached the Class C 8-man semifinals a year ago, and are once again one of the top teams in not only the Northern C, but all of the Class C football.
Longhorns are really good on the court George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Chester-Joplin-Inverness volleyball team poses for a team photo before the start of the 2020 season earlier this summer. The Hawks have a really good team this fall but also play in the new 7C, which is loaded with some of the best squads in the Northern C.
George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
The Chester-Joplin-Inverness Hawks never seem to have it easy. Not playing volleyball in the 6C anyway. And now with Fort Benton moving into the revamped 7C, things got even more difficult.
And yet, the Hawks have the talent to make noise in the new district this season, there’s no doubt about that. CJI returns a host of starters, like Abby Fraser and Molly Nelson. But the Hawks also have perhaps the most talented player in all of the 6C in junior Tatum Hull, who is already an all-conference athlete in three
different sports. CJI may not have the depth of other teams in the district, but the Hawks have talent and experience on a roster which also includes, Aaliyah Standford, Averie Mattson, Courtney Alley, Emberly Sanders, Emma Wickum and Shawna Osburn. Talent, though, will only get the Hawks
so far. If they want to ascend to the top of the 7C this season, they’ll have to topple greats like Fort Benton, North Star and Chinook, in what is a new-look 7C which also includes Centerville and GeraldineHighwood. The postseason will begin with the new 7C tournament Oct. 29-31 in Gildford.
The Fort Benton girls are good. Whether it’s basketball or track and field, tennis or whatever, the Horns have been dominant lately. And volleyball is no exception. A year ago, Fort Benton made it all the way to the Class C state tournament, after winning a district championship. And while the Horns graduated some outstanding talent, they will once again be a major force in Class C volleyball this fall. Aspen Giese, Abby Clark and Maci Molanario are just a handful of the great players Fort Benton, who will have to battle Belt once again this season for a district cham-
pions, return. But the Longhorns also have loads of depth, with a roster that includes, Jenna Dunham, Emerson Giese, Hailee Wang, Kylie Danbrook, Samantha Vielleux, Cloe Kalanick, Liana Santos, Hadley Cook and Jasmine Wilson. The Longhorns will play at districts Oct. 29-31, while they’ll host the divisional tournament Nov. 5-7. Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Fort Benton girls volleyball team poses for a photo before the start of the 2 0 2 0 s e a s o n i n Fo r t B e n t o n . T h e Longhorns made it all the way to state last year and should be a strong contender in the new District 7C, as well as the Northern C this fall.
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BLUE PONY VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE Sept. 10 Sept. 15 Sept. 18 Sept. 19 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 12 Oct. 17 Oct. 20 Oct. 22 Oct. 24 Oct. 29 Oct. 31 Nov. 5-7 Nov. 12-14
at Malta 4:00 p.m. (C) 5:30 p.m. (JV) vs. Chinook 5:00 p.m. (C) 6:30 p.m. (JV) at Sidney 4:30 p.m. (JV) at Glendive 2:30 p.m. (JV) vs. Miles City 4:00 p.m. (C) 4:00 p.m. (JV) at Lewistown 4:00 p.m. (JV) at Miles City 2:30 p.m. (JV) vs. Glendive 1:00 p.m. (C) 1:00 p.m. (JV) at Chinook 5:00 p.m. (C) 6:30 p.m. (JV) vs. Lewistown 1:00 p.m. (C) 2:30 p.m. (JV) vs. Malta 4:00 p.m. (C) 5:30 p.m. (JV) vs. Browning 4:00 p.m. (C) 4:00 p.m. (JV) vs. Sidney 1:00 p.m. (C) 1:00 p.m. (JV) vs. Hardin 4:00 p.m. (C) 5:30 p.m. (JV) at Billings Central 1:00 p.m. (JV) Divisionals at Laurel State at Bozeman
7:00 p.m. (V) 7:00 p.m. (V) 4:00 p.m. (V) 5:30 p.m. (V) 5:30 p.m. (V) 5:00 p.m. (V) 2:30 p.m. (V)
Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com COVID-19 put the 2020 fall sports season at bay, but not for long, as many teams across the Hi-Line are ready to get back to it, including the Havre High volleyball team members, who has been waiting to step on the court once again and give it their all. After a push to make it to the Class A State Tournament as the No. 4 seed from the Eastern A back in 2019, there is a lot to look forward to once more. And under new head coach Steph Huse, the Blue Pony spikers will be working hard to make the most of this season. At the end of the day, Huse is really just excited to see what the team can do this year, especially after some great progress made so far. “We’re looking forward to it,” Huse said. “I’m looking forward to it with a lot of our seniors. We have seven seniors on our team this year. They have a lot of experience and have put a lot of time and dedication into our program. We’re excited to get going and have a season, even with everything going on. We’re happy to get the opportunity to have a season. I’m just getting familiar with the league, what the teams are like, what they’re bringing, what we’re
September 2020
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Knights ready to push for the Six-Man playoffs this fall Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
A new era of Blue Pony volleyball begins Steph Huse takes over talented Havre High volleyball program
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
Aarron Thompson
4:00 p.m. (V) 7:00 p.m. (V) 5:30 p.m. (V) 2:30 p.m. (V) 7:00 p.m. (V) 2:30 p.m. (V) TBD TBD
bringing and the like. I have a lot of homework to do regarding the teams in the conference so I can have them best prepared for the season.” The Blue Pony spikers see several returners, like seniors Kaylee Torgerson, Sydney Wilting, Samantha Lovenguth, Kennedy Hampton, Quinn McDonald, Ellie Collins and Talia Ralph, juniors Maddie Columbus and Alyssa Oliver and sophomores Molly Huse, Yelena Miller and Avery Carlson. Many of the newcomers are in the junior varsity and c-squad programs. As for the schedule, Havre has a lot in store this season. The Ponies face the Malta M-Ettes on the road Sept. 10, the Sidney Eagles on the road Sept. 18, the Glendive Lady Devils in Glendive Sept. 19, the Miles City Cowgirls in the Havre High Gymnasium Sept. 25 for the home-opener, the Lewistown Golden Eagles Oct. 1 in Lewistown, the Cowgirls in Miles City Oct. 3, the Lady Devils in the HHS Gymnasium Oct. 10, the Golden Eagles at home Oct. 17, the M-Ettes at home Oct. 20, the Browning Lady Indians at home Oct. 22, the Eagles at home Oct. 24, the Hardin Bulldogs at home Oct. 29 and then the Billings Central Rams Oct. 31 in Billings to wrap up the regular season. Divisionals in Laurel start the postseason Nov. 5-7 and the Class A State Tournament goes from Nov. 12-14 in Bozeman. The season is right around the corner for the Blue Pony spikers, who open their season on the road in Malta against the MEttes at 7 p.m. on Sept. 10.
www.havredailynews.com
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Havre High volleyball team masked up for their annual team photo earlier this summer in the HHS gymnasium. The Blue Ponies have a new head coach in Stephanie Huse, as well as plenty of changes to their season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
2019 was a strong year for the North Star High football team. After fighting through a tough range of rivals within the District 9C, the Knights made their way to the Class C State Tournament as the North’s No. 4 seed, putting up a great fight throughout the year overall. And now in 2020, North Star looks to repeat and elevate that success. Under new/ old head coach Steve Simonson. The young Knights will be hungry and motivated to make another playoff push this season. But, it will not be too easy, as usual. Simonson kept his thoughts on the season short, sweet and to the point. “We’re a very young team,” Simonson said. “I’m a new coach with a new system. As for tough games, I only know that Big Sandy is very tough.” The returning squad for the Knights includes seniors Jaden Sargent and Payne Ditmar, as well as sophomore Gavin Spicher. The newcomers for North Star are Rhett Wolery, Michael Berg and Gavin Clawson. The Knights will see games against plenty of powerful opponents like the Power-Dutton-Brady Titans, the Big Sandy Pioneers on Sept. 5, the Sunburst Refiners Sept. 12 and the Valier Panthers Sept. 26, along with other strong opponents from the Northern C and the District 9C. And the Power-Dutton-Brady Titans and the Big Sandy Pioneers will be the first challenges for the North Stars Knights in the 2020 season, but North Star is ready to impress once again after doing so in 2019.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The North Star football team poses for a team photo before their Six-Man season got underway last week. The Knights are led by former longtime head coach Steve Simonson.
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BLUE PONY VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE Sept. 10 Sept. 15 Sept. 18 Sept. 19 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 12 Oct. 17 Oct. 20 Oct. 22 Oct. 24 Oct. 29 Oct. 31 Nov. 5-7 Nov. 12-14
at Malta 4:00 p.m. (C) 5:30 p.m. (JV) vs. Chinook 5:00 p.m. (C) 6:30 p.m. (JV) at Sidney 4:30 p.m. (JV) at Glendive 2:30 p.m. (JV) vs. Miles City 4:00 p.m. (C) 4:00 p.m. (JV) at Lewistown 4:00 p.m. (JV) at Miles City 2:30 p.m. (JV) vs. Glendive 1:00 p.m. (C) 1:00 p.m. (JV) at Chinook 5:00 p.m. (C) 6:30 p.m. (JV) vs. Lewistown 1:00 p.m. (C) 2:30 p.m. (JV) vs. Malta 4:00 p.m. (C) 5:30 p.m. (JV) vs. Browning 4:00 p.m. (C) 4:00 p.m. (JV) vs. Sidney 1:00 p.m. (C) 1:00 p.m. (JV) vs. Hardin 4:00 p.m. (C) 5:30 p.m. (JV) at Billings Central 1:00 p.m. (JV) Divisionals at Laurel State at Bozeman
7:00 p.m. (V) 7:00 p.m. (V) 4:00 p.m. (V) 5:30 p.m. (V) 5:30 p.m. (V) 5:00 p.m. (V) 2:30 p.m. (V)
Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com COVID-19 put the 2020 fall sports season at bay, but not for long, as many teams across the Hi-Line are ready to get back to it, including the Havre High volleyball team members, who has been waiting to step on the court once again and give it their all. After a push to make it to the Class A State Tournament as the No. 4 seed from the Eastern A back in 2019, there is a lot to look forward to once more. And under new head coach Steph Huse, the Blue Pony spikers will be working hard to make the most of this season. At the end of the day, Huse is really just excited to see what the team can do this year, especially after some great progress made so far. “We’re looking forward to it,” Huse said. “I’m looking forward to it with a lot of our seniors. We have seven seniors on our team this year. They have a lot of experience and have put a lot of time and dedication into our program. We’re excited to get going and have a season, even with everything going on. We’re happy to get the opportunity to have a season. I’m just getting familiar with the league, what the teams are like, what they’re bringing, what we’re
September 2020
11
Knights ready to push for the Six-Man playoffs this fall Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
A new era of Blue Pony volleyball begins Steph Huse takes over talented Havre High volleyball program
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
Aarron Thompson
4:00 p.m. (V) 7:00 p.m. (V) 5:30 p.m. (V) 2:30 p.m. (V) 7:00 p.m. (V) 2:30 p.m. (V) TBD TBD
bringing and the like. I have a lot of homework to do regarding the teams in the conference so I can have them best prepared for the season.” The Blue Pony spikers see several returners, like seniors Kaylee Torgerson, Sydney Wilting, Samantha Lovenguth, Kennedy Hampton, Quinn McDonald, Ellie Collins and Talia Ralph, juniors Maddie Columbus and Alyssa Oliver and sophomores Molly Huse, Yelena Miller and Avery Carlson. Many of the newcomers are in the junior varsity and c-squad programs. As for the schedule, Havre has a lot in store this season. The Ponies face the Malta M-Ettes on the road Sept. 10, the Sidney Eagles on the road Sept. 18, the Glendive Lady Devils in Glendive Sept. 19, the Miles City Cowgirls in the Havre High Gymnasium Sept. 25 for the home-opener, the Lewistown Golden Eagles Oct. 1 in Lewistown, the Cowgirls in Miles City Oct. 3, the Lady Devils in the HHS Gymnasium Oct. 10, the Golden Eagles at home Oct. 17, the M-Ettes at home Oct. 20, the Browning Lady Indians at home Oct. 22, the Eagles at home Oct. 24, the Hardin Bulldogs at home Oct. 29 and then the Billings Central Rams Oct. 31 in Billings to wrap up the regular season. Divisionals in Laurel start the postseason Nov. 5-7 and the Class A State Tournament goes from Nov. 12-14 in Bozeman. The season is right around the corner for the Blue Pony spikers, who open their season on the road in Malta against the MEttes at 7 p.m. on Sept. 10.
www.havredailynews.com
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Havre High volleyball team masked up for their annual team photo earlier this summer in the HHS gymnasium. The Blue Ponies have a new head coach in Stephanie Huse, as well as plenty of changes to their season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
2019 was a strong year for the North Star High football team. After fighting through a tough range of rivals within the District 9C, the Knights made their way to the Class C State Tournament as the North’s No. 4 seed, putting up a great fight throughout the year overall. And now in 2020, North Star looks to repeat and elevate that success. Under new/ old head coach Steve Simonson. The young Knights will be hungry and motivated to make another playoff push this season. But, it will not be too easy, as usual. Simonson kept his thoughts on the season short, sweet and to the point. “We’re a very young team,” Simonson said. “I’m a new coach with a new system. As for tough games, I only know that Big Sandy is very tough.” The returning squad for the Knights includes seniors Jaden Sargent and Payne Ditmar, as well as sophomore Gavin Spicher. The newcomers for North Star are Rhett Wolery, Michael Berg and Gavin Clawson. The Knights will see games against plenty of powerful opponents like the Power-Dutton-Brady Titans, the Big Sandy Pioneers on Sept. 5, the Sunburst Refiners Sept. 12 and the Valier Panthers Sept. 26, along with other strong opponents from the Northern C and the District 9C. And the Power-Dutton-Brady Titans and the Big Sandy Pioneers will be the first challenges for the North Stars Knights in the 2020 season, but North Star is ready to impress once again after doing so in 2019.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The North Star football team poses for a team photo before their Six-Man season got underway last week. The Knights are led by former longtime head coach Steve Simonson.
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CJ I spikers ready to fight Fort Benton football ready to stampede their way to the top George Ferguson
Havre Daily News sports editor
gferguson@havredailynews.com
A year ago, the Fort Benton football team nearly won a Class C state championship. Well, at least the Longhorns got close for sure. So, after a one-loss season like that, it would be easy to think Fort Benton would take a step back this fall, especially after graduating four-year starting quarterback and superstar athlete Garrett Diekhans. But, if you think Fort Benton is taking a step back, you'd be mistaken. After a 2019-2020 year in which the Longhorns were dominant in both football and basketball, they are back for more. Fort Benton is considered one of the top teams in all of Class C 8-man football and also is a strong contender to repeat as Northern C champions. And the reason why is, depth and talent. Fort Benton's roster is littered with returnees and standout players, including two-way star Jace Thompson, who was an All-Stater at running back and linebacker a year ago. But Thompson isn't the only standout back. In fact, the Longhorns aren't just deep and talented, they're loaded with veteran leadership, including senior Hayden Diehkhans who was a star WR last fall. Brock Hanford is also a key contributor on
both lines, while Hayden Axtmen and Billy Ullery were also big time players on both sides of the ball for the Longhorns a season ago, and will be again this season. Fort Benton's depth is also big, with nearly 20 players on the 8-man roster. And still, as good as the Longhorns will be this season, nothing will come easy in the Northern C, which includes tough teams
like Belt, Great Falls Central and Choteau in one division, and Chinook, Shelby and CJI all strong on the other side, among other teams. Yes, the Longhorns know that the Northern C is easily the toughest division in 8-man football, and so they won't take any opponent lightly this season, on their way to another big year.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Fort Benton football team takes a photo on their home field earlier this fall. The Longhor ns reached the Class C 8-man semifinals a year ago, and are once again one of the top teams in not only the Northern C, but all of the Class C football.
Longhorns are really good on the court George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Chester-Joplin-Inverness volleyball team poses for a team photo before the start of the 2020 season earlier this summer. The Hawks have a really good team this fall but also play in the new 7C, which is loaded with some of the best squads in the Northern C.
George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
The Chester-Joplin-Inverness Hawks never seem to have it easy. Not playing volleyball in the 6C anyway. And now with Fort Benton moving into the revamped 7C, things got even more difficult.
And yet, the Hawks have the talent to make noise in the new district this season, there’s no doubt about that. CJI returns a host of starters, like Abby Fraser and Molly Nelson. But the Hawks also have perhaps the most talented player in all of the 6C in junior Tatum Hull, who is already an all-conference athlete in three
different sports. CJI may not have the depth of other teams in the district, but the Hawks have talent and experience on a roster which also includes, Aaliyah Standford, Averie Mattson, Courtney Alley, Emberly Sanders, Emma Wickum and Shawna Osburn. Talent, though, will only get the Hawks
so far. If they want to ascend to the top of the 7C this season, they’ll have to topple greats like Fort Benton, North Star and Chinook, in what is a new-look 7C which also includes Centerville and GeraldineHighwood. The postseason will begin with the new 7C tournament Oct. 29-31 in Gildford.
The Fort Benton girls are good. Whether it’s basketball or track and field, tennis or whatever, the Horns have been dominant lately. And volleyball is no exception. A year ago, Fort Benton made it all the way to the Class C state tournament, after winning a district championship. And while the Horns graduated some outstanding talent, they will once again be a major force in Class C volleyball this fall. Aspen Giese, Abby Clark and Maci Molanario are just a handful of the great players Fort Benton, who will have to battle Belt once again this season for a district cham-
pions, return. But the Longhorns also have loads of depth, with a roster that includes, Jenna Dunham, Emerson Giese, Hailee Wang, Kylie Danbrook, Samantha Vielleux, Cloe Kalanick, Liana Santos, Hadley Cook and Jasmine Wilson. The Longhorns will play at districts Oct. 29-31, while they’ll host the divisional tournament Nov. 5-7. Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Fort Benton girls volleyball team poses for a photo before the start of the 2 0 2 0 s e a s o n i n Fo r t B e n t o n . T h e Longhorns made it all the way to state last year and should be a strong contender in the new District 7C, as well as the Northern C this fall.
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As usual, North Star spikers will be tough George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
The 2020 high school volleyball season is going to look a lot different, on the HiLine. And that includes all of the District 6C East. Or what was once the 6C East. With COVID-19 forcing the MHSA to alter many parts of high school volleyball,
what that really means is, the conference season is going to be even more emphasized. For the North Star Knights, that means a chance to keep on being one of the top teams in the 6C. Year-after-year, the Knights are really good in volleyball and 2020 should be no different. North Star, which is trying to return to the Northern C, brings back leaders like
Jade Wendland, Kenidee Wolery and Shayla Borlaug, all of who have extensive varsity experience. But, like in years past, the Knights also have depth. The roster also includes Autumn Henke, Coral Wicks, Jessica Troup, Kaytlyn Domire, Kira King, Laramie Peterson, Mackenzie Sargent, Quinn Truax and Rainee Watson, giving the Knights the depth they need to once again reach the top of the conference.
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September 2020
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Hawks aiming to fly high this fall
As always, though, the conference is a tough conference. The Knights will have to once again battle the likes of Chinook, as well as an up-and-coming Chester-JoplinInverness squad. Of course, with Fort Benton in the mix now, too, things are going to be really tough. And it all comes down to the 6C Tournament, which will be held in Gildford Oct. 29-31.
Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
The Chester-Joplin-Inverness High School football team has waited long enough for the 2020 football season to get the green light to go forward and now that it has, the Hawks are ready for another shot at making some noise among the Class C competition. Under head longtime coach Jim Vinson, Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The North Star high school volleyball team poses for a photo before the start of the 2020 season earlier this summer. The Knights will be a top contender in the new District 7C this fall.
there will be a lot to look forward to for the Hawks’ upcoming season. A year ago, the Hawks were strong contenders in the Northern C 8-Man, and they could be again this fall. CJI returns a bulk of its top players on both sides of the ball from last season, including Lane Fischer and Kyle Harmon. Blake Harmon and Bryce Ghekiere should also be standouts for CJI, which may be a
little light on numbers this season. As for the Hawks’ schedule, they will play Sheridan, the Cascade Badgers, the Hays-Lodge Pole Thunderbirds Sept. 12, the Simms Tigers Sept. 19, the Chinook Sugarbeeters Sept. 25, the Shelby Coyotes Oct. 2 and the Rocky Boy Stars Oct. 9. And Sheridan will be ready for CJI, as well as Cascade, but the Hawks look to soar high in the 2020 season.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Chester-Joplin-Inverness football team poses for a photo at a recent practice in Chester. The Hawks have always been a team to beat in the Northern C, but the league is also so deep and filled with great teams that making the Class C playoffs is always hard. With the season underway already though, CJI is trying to do just that, make the playoffs this fall.
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Rocky Boy aims high for 2020 volleyball season
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Thunderbirds hope to rise Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
The Hays-Lodge Pole High football and volleyball teams have been waiting to get back on the field and the court for the 2020 season, with high hopes of making some strong strides this year. With plenty of exciting things to come about within the District this season, the Thunderbirds are ready to prove they can compete with some of the strongest squads across the Hi-Line and beyond. Thunderbirds football will see games against teams like the Simms Tigers
on Sept. 4, the Chester-Joplin-Inverness Hawks Sept. 12, the Chinook Sugarbeeters Sept. 19, the Shelby Coyotes Sept. 26 and the Cascade Badgers Oct. 10, as well as other opponents in the season. HLP volleyball will have several games against District 9C opponents like the Fort Benton Longhorns, the North Star Knights, the Box Elder Bears, the Chester-Joplin-Inverness Hawks, the Chinook Sugarbeeters and the Big Sandy Pioneers. With that, HLP football has a game against the Simms Tigers Sept. 4, while Thunderbirds volleyball will be ready to go against their first opponent of the 2020 season.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Rocky Boy girls volleyball team poses for a photo earlier this summer while wearing masks as COVID-19 is now a part of high school sports for the foreseeable future.
Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
COVID-19 has been a stick in the mud for much of 2020 and the hope was that it would not hinder the upcoming fall sport season. But with a good-to-go and a chance to play, the Rocky Boy High volleyball team will look to seize every opportunity it gets for the upcoming season. Under head coach Ty Watson, Rocky Boy will aim to return a strong squad of upperclassmen, as well as some young and ready-to-work players, too. With how tough the District 1B conference is, the Morning Stars have to constantly be on their toes throughout the season. There will be plenty of challenges ahead within the year. Rocky Boy lost a lot of talent from last
year's team. but Kirsten Lamere is a leader and Talise Broncho and Ashlyn Sunchild are also standout returners. Schedule-wise, the Morning Stars will have several major conference games this season, including against teams like the Conrad Cowgirls, the Shelby Coyotes, the Choteau Bulldogs, the Cut Bank Wolves, the Fairfield Eagles and the Great Falls Central Catholic Mustangs, as well as some games versus the Harlem Ladycats. Simply put, it will be trial after trial for Rocky Boy as always when it comes to the District 1B conference. And with things setting into place for the season, the Morning Stars will look to open the year on a good note, starting with a showdown against the Cut Bank Wolves in Cut Bank Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Hays-Lodge Pole volleyball and football teams have already begun the 2020 fall sports season.
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Kari Filius now leads Havre High harriers Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
After pushing through a tough season back
in 2019, the Havre High cross country teams are ready for another year of racing across the course. There will be plenty of things to look forward to this season, especially since COVID-19 looked to try and ruin it. Needless the say, the Blue Ponies are ready to grasp every opportunity. Under new head coach Kari Filius, Havre will be ready for another exciting year on the course. With practices showing plenty of progress, the Ponies will look to turn some heads in 2020, which is something that Filius is happy to see coming forth. “The kids are working hard,” Filius said. “We’ve been doing some speed work. Things look promising. We have good workers and new, young people that are getting in there and pushing each other. I think they’re going to be a really competitive team and will push each other to do better. I think it’ll go well.” The girls team sees quite a few notable returners back on the course, including seniors Tamara O’Leary and Hannah Haslem, Emma Gillen and Chloe Shennum, with some newcomers being junior Sadie Filius and senior Loy Waid. As for the Pony boys team, senior Dylan Young, Riley Pleninger Brody Henry, Kendall Pleninger, Josh Currie and Ethan Durward are ready for another year, while freshman newcomers Caleb Tolmack and Zach May are exciting to join the team for the first time. The schedule for Havre is lined up with several strong meets. The Ponies head to Cut Bank Sept. 4 for the Cut Bank Invitational, then back home at Prairie Farms Sept. 11 for the Havre Invitational. After that, it’s down to Lewistown Sept. 18, Great Falls Sept. 25 and Malta on Oct. 3. Havre has another home
meet at Beaver Creek Oct. 5, followed by the Helena 7-on-7 at Bill Roberts Golf Course in Helena Oct. 8 and Browning Oct. 10. Lastly, the Fall Classic Eastern A Divisionals are on Oct. 16 and the Class A State Meet Oct. 24. With that, the Blue Pony runners are prepped to hit the course for the 2020 season, starting with the Cut Bank Invitational Sept. 4 in Cut Bank.
September 2020
BLUE PONY CROSS-COUNTRY SCHEDULE Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 19 Sept. 25 Oct. 3 Oct. 5 Oct. 8 Oct. 10 Oct. 16 Oct. 24
at Cut Bank 4:20 pm (JV) Havre (Prairie Farms) at Lewistown at Glasgow TBD (JV) at Great Falls TBD (JV) at Malta 10:00 a.m. (JV) Havre (Beaver Creek) TBD (JV) at Helena 7 on 7 (Bill Roberts Golf Course) at Browning 1:00 p.m. (JV) at Fall Classic Eastern A at Lewistwown State at Kalispell
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Havre High boys and girls cross country teams take a socially distanced team photo at the Havre High practice fields earlier this summer. Under the direction of new head coach Kari Filius, the Blue Ponies will have a very different experience this summer due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Changes to cross country include fewer large meets to accommodate for smaller fields, masks will be worn and teams can't mingle with other teams before or after races. Also, only so many runners are allowed at the starting line per race. Still, running is running, and under Filius, both HHS teams are poised for a strong season, which started with the annual Cut Bank Time Trials. Havre hosts its Havre Invite in conjunction with the MSUNorthern team Sept. 11.
4:20 p.m. (Varsity) 10:00 a.m. (Varsity) 10:00 a.m. (Varsity) TBD (Varsity) 10:00 a.m. (Varsity) TBD (Varsity) TBD (JV & Varsity) 1:00 p.m. (Varsity) 1:00 p.m. TBD
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Talented Ponies look to build on magical 2019 After a playoff run in 2019, which included reaching the quarterfinals, Havre High not only looks to do it again, but to take it even further
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BLUE PONY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Sept. 8 Sept. 11 Sept. 14 Sept. 18 Sept. 21 Sept. 25 Sept. 28 Oct. 2. Oct. 5 Oct. 9 Oct. 12 Oct. 16 Oct. 19 Oct. 23 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 14 Nov. 21
at Malta (JV) vs. Laurel at CMR (JV) at Glendive vs. Glasgow (JV) at Lewistown vs. Lewistown (JV) vs. Miles City vs. Great Falls (JV) vs. Hardin (Homecoming) vs. Malta (JV) at Sidney at Browning (JV) vs. Billings Central First Round Playoffs Second Round Playoffs Semi-Finals Championship
5:00 p.m 7:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
The gridiron has been waiting for the return of Montana football and when it comes to Class A, the Havre High squad is ready to make some noise once again this season. There was plenty of action back in 2019, as the Blue Ponies pushed their way to a semifinal appearance in the Class A playoffs. In fact, with many of the strong core returning to the field, as well as some young and hungry talent, Havre is primed to do great things in 2020. The Eastern A has never been an easy conference to play in, but the Ponies have been itching to get their shot at a great run after what looked to be lost due to COVID19, but now that will not be slowing Havre down anytime soon. The Ponies are excited to get to tackle the conference head-on. And as always, Havre head coach Ryan Gatch is just as excited to get back on the field and see his athletes give it their all. “As far as the season coming up, we’re excited about it,” Gatch said. “We’re excited to get back, to be able to have competitive sports, going to school and being in a community that stands together. Anytime we get a chance to come back, we’re very excited about showcasing Havre and representing our community in a positive fashion. We’re ready to go.” Returners for the Ponies include seniors Eli Cloninger, Brock Nystrom, Joey Byrd, Kellen Detrick, Bradyn Winchell, Ethan Carlson, Carson Lunak, Evan Butcher and Colby Lammers, juniors Randy Tommerup, Trenton Maloughney, Jared Rosgaard, Orion Thivierge, Carter Nystrom, Zach Monk, Justin Rosgaard, Derek Olson and Riley Long Knife and sophomores Evan Baker, Jayce Jensen, Stephen Preputin, Zale Thomas, Ryan Powell, Zeke Antonich, Gabe LaRoque, Chase Mariani, Jason Wold, Hunter Sawdey, Kale VanCampen, Brody Nanini and Crawford Terry. Freshman newcomers for Havre are Landon Caplette, Tristan Stygles, Ciaran Courtnage, Trayden Riley, Jacob Herring, Carson Harris, Jacob Kunz, Mason Wilt-
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Havre High football team poses for a socially distanced team photo at Blue Pony Stadium earlier this summer. The Blue Ponies are a week away from opening the Eastern A season, and they are hoping to further last year's run to the Class A playoffs.
ing, Brisbin Reiter, Clara Laird, Daniel Edmonds, Isiah Parker, Andrew LaRoque, Ryne Petrini, Rhett Wertheimer, Michael Emge, Jerry Kirkaldie, Ricky Moore, Asher Springer and Brayden Kimberling. Schedule-wise, the Blue Ponies are lined up for another tough season. Havre starts the year with its home- and season-opener against the Laurel Locomotives Sept. 11, fol-
lowed by a road-game versus the Glendive Red Devils Sept. 18. Then, Sept. 25 sees the Ponies play against the Lewistown Golden Eagles in Lewistown, Class A defending champs Miles City Cowboys at Blue Pony Stadium Oct. 2, back to Blue Pony Stadium for homecoming against the Hardin Bulldogs Oct. 9 and on the road against the Sidney Eagles Oct. 16. The regular season
ends with a home game against the Billings Central Rams Oct. 23, followed by the postseason, which spans from Oct. 31 to Nov. 21, depending on how deep the Ponies may run. And as the season draws closer, the Ponies are ready for their first challenge in the Laurel Locomotives for the home- and season-opener at 7 p.m. inside Blue Pony Stadium.
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September 2020
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Stars looks to do their best on the field during tough times Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
After a season that was pained with injuries and tough battles, the Rocky Boy High football team has been looking forward to the 2020 year. COVID-19 may have come along and brought the Northern Stars a scare, but with clearance to play and some key pieces of talent back on the turf, Rocky Boy is ready to throw down this fall. Under head coach Wade Colliflower, the Northern Stars have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming season. As practices have gone on, Rocky Boy has seen some incredible development that will be crucial for the year. Great leadership, strong depth and overall passion for the game will look to lead the Northern Stars to victory. Colliflower has a mix of emotions about the 2020 season, but he is sticking to the positive and is ready to see Rocky Boy give its all. “I’m nervous about the whole COVID-19 deal,” Colliflower said. “We had our basketball season end abruptly, and I’m hoping our fall sports don’t end the same way. We will be doing senior night at the beginning of the season this year. It’s been hard preparing with the thought in the back of your mind that the season will be cut short. We’ve done our best to navigate through a pandemic and the guys are very excited about the season. We have 23 players total, so that’s made for some very competitive and fun practices.” Seniors Devin Johnson and Nacona Limberhand return to the field after suffering season-ending injuries in 2019, which will be huge for the Northern Stars. Defensive standouts in junior Joe Demontiney and sophomore Kellen Colliflower will be a major boost in shutting down opposing offenses. Overall, a good mix of experience from
the juniors and sophomores of the team is a big strength. As for the schedule, Rocky Boy will see plenty of tough competition throughout the season, including a battle with the Fort Benton Longhorns Sept. 11, a game against the
Cascade Badgers, a showdown versus the Belt Huskies Oct. 2 and another Hi-Line game against the Chester-Joplin-Inverness Hawks. Other opponents will include teams like the Harlem Wildcats, too. The Northern Stars will have a lot to look
forward to this season. With some key players back on the field and a Rocky Boy team eager to prove themselves, the Hi-Line and beyond will have to prepare for the Northern Stars in 2020. Rocky Boy looks to set that tone against Fort Benton Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Rocky Boy Stars moved up to the Northern C 8-Man ranks two years ago and have had a tough time on the field. Still, the Stars have plenty of talent and will battle hard this fall.
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September 2020
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Harlem volleyball team Pioneers are loaded yet again hopes to build on last fall
George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
Volleyball is back on the Hi-Line and for the many schools along it, it is great to be back on the court. The same goes for the Harlem High squad, who will look to give it their all for the 2020 season. After COVID-19 had the fall sports season questionable, the Wildcats were happy to see that they could step on the court this year. Under veteran head coach Kim Faulkin-
berry, Harlem is itching for another shot at glory for the 2020 season. With all the hard work the team has put in so far, Faulkinberry has a lot to look forward to. “The girls who have returned have been working extremely hard the past couple of weeks,” Faulkinberry said. “As a coaching staff, we like what we see. Our first match is set for Sept. 1 at Shelby, and we are looking to see what we are proficient in and what we need to focus on. For the couple of hours of practice, it is great to see the girls work hard, but it is even greater to see
them smiling and having some fun. We can only hope we are able to have a complete season. We all need some normalcy in our lives.” The returning players of the Ladycats include Alaynee Hawley, Brooke Reed, Brandy Calvert and Jessica King, with newcomers being Tia Kuntz, Taya Trottier, Chloe Messerly and Vanise Little. When it comes to the schedule, Harlem will start play Sept. 5. North Country Sept. 10, Rocky Boy Morning Stars Sept. 12, the Malta M-Ettes Sept. 17, the Glasgow Scot-
ties Sept. 19, the Conrad Cowgirls Sept. 22, Rocky Boy Sept. 25, the Wolf Point Wolves Oct. 3, Malta Oct. 8, the Poplar Indians Oct. 10, Glasgow Oct. 15, North Country Oct. 20, Poplar Oct. 23, Wolf Point Oct. 24 for senior night, Districts at Malts Oct. 29-31, Divisionals at Conrad Nov. 5-7 and the Class B State Tournament Nov. 12-14 in Bozeman. After making it to divisionals a year ago, the Wildcats will be a strong team in the 2B again this season, while battling tough rivals like Malta, Glasgow and Wolf Point.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Big Sandy football team poses for a photo before the start of the 2020 season. The Pioneers have been to the Six-Man semifinals two straight years and are heavy favorites to win the Six-Man North again this fall.
Aarron Thompson Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Harlem High School volleyball team poses for a photo before the start of the 2020 season. The Wildcats are hoping to build on last year's successes in the Northern C. The 2020 season is already underway.
After a powerful, undefeated regular season in 2019, the Big Sandy High football team has been ready to get back out on the field and make that push once again, but this time, the Pioneers would like to get past the Six-Man semifinals, as the Jordan Mustangs upset Big Sandy for the second year in a row last year. That fuel to the fire will surely help the Pioneers, who return both a strong veteran
core and a young, passionate squad to keep things mixed up on the turf. There will be a lot to look forward to this season and Big Sandy plans to make sure that the Class C spectrum feels their power once again. And head coach Larry Jappe is glad to have some strong talent back, as he told the Big Sandy Mountaineer. “I've got my core guys back," said Jappe to the Mountaineer. “We've got a few new, young kids. The East Division this year, they lost everybody. We changed up the backfield a bit where they can't just key on Strutz ev-
ery play. He may be in position, but I won't score 100 points on somebody. We'll run more spread offense. We get our young guys some playing time.” As for the returners for Big Sandy, players like all-state running back Kade Strutz and all-state passer Parker Proulx are key to the return of the Pioneers. Others like passattack Kody Strutz and defensive standouts Brady Pleninger and Dillon Geyer return to Big Sandy, too. Braydon Cline, Lance Rutledge, Cam Schwarzbach, Tannin Baumann, Lane Demontiney, Matthew Bendig return, as well. Newcomers include freshmen Sam
Cox, Christian Winderl, Wylee Snapp, Cooper Taylor and Jake Darlington. The Pioneers see some great opponents throughout the year, including the Valier Panthers, as well as the North Star Knights Sept. 5, the Box Elder Bears Sept. 11, the Heart Butte Warriors Sept. 19, the Sunburst Refiners Oct. 2 and the Power-Dutton-Brady Titans Oct. 9, and plenty of other opponents throughout the season. The Pioneers are aiming to win a fourth straight Six-Man North championship this fall.
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Young Big Sandy volleyball team hopes to rise
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FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
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George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
There have been plenty of seasons in which the Big Sandy volleyball team has been a dangerous club in the 6C East. But, there’s also been those tough years, too.
But, as a new season dawns, the Pioneers are hoping to once again be one of those tough teams in the new 7C, and they have the talent to do it. The Pioneers have a deep roster of players this season, led by standouts like Laynee Ophus, Lainey Terry and Madison Terry. And even though Big Sandy is a young team, their depth and athleticism will carry them far this fall. Big Sandy’s roster also includes, Alicia Bjornestad, Amiya Griffith, Angie Sant, Caydence Pleninger, Daisy LaBuda, Haley
Schwenke, Jaycee Worrall, Jozlyn Baumann, Kodi-Jo Phillips, Malaysia Baumann, Noelle Beirwagen, Tavie Wortman, Teagen Cochran and Tosha Allderdice. Of course, the goal is to place in the top three at the 7C Tournament in Gildford in October, and advance to the Northern C, which will be held Nov. 5-7 in Fort Benton. To do that though, Big Sandy will have to battle 7C powers Chinook and North Star, as well as a strong team from Chester-Joplin-Inverness, Fort Benton, Box Elder and more.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Big Sandy volleyball team poses for a team photo before the start of the new season. The Pioneers are part of the new District 7C this season, which added three teams to the old District 6C East. The Northern C is now two 9-team districts that includes the 6C and 7C. The District 7C tournament will be held in Gildford at the end of October and the Northern C in Fort Benton. Fans are reminded to find all our volleyball results in our weekly roundups.
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Wildcats looking to revive the football program in Harlem
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Harlem High School football team poses for a team photo before the start of the 2020 season.
Pioneers ready to roll in the revamped District 7C
September 2020
It was a tough season for the Harlem High football team in 2019, which saw plenty of losses come their way. But, a new season means a new chance to see the Wildcats give it their all, which is what they plan to do after COVID-19 had their season at bay momentarily. Under head coach Hunter Azure, Harlem is ready to prove they can bring its all against its opponents for the 2020 season. At the end of the day, Azure is just happy to see his team out on the field for another year. “I’m excited to get to play after a summer of uncertainty,” Azure said. “I bring in a different style and philosophy than the coaches from the past 30 years of Harlem football. We should be exciting to watch and it will be fun
for the kids, playing-wise.” Returning players for the Wildcats are Andrew Rasmussen, Zach Kinyon, Brent Cole, Amari Stanley and John Hughes, with one freshman newcomer joining the team for 2020. Schedule-wise, Harlem will play the Polar Indians Sept. 4, the Wolf Point Wolves Sept. 11 for homecoming, Roundup Sept. 18, the Glasgow Scotties to follow, the Malta Mustangs Oct. 2, the Fairfield Eagles Oct. 9, the Cut Bank Wolves Oct. 16 for senior night, the Conrad Cowboys Oct. 23 and lastly, the playoffs start Oct. 30. After a tough season last year, the Wildcats are ready to start off 2020 strong, with their first challenge against the Poplar Indians Sept. 4. The Wildcats will do battle in the alwaystough Northern B, which features favorites like Glasgow, Conrad and Fairfield.
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Box Elder ready to continue climbing the volleyball ladder
Havre Daily News sports
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FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
September 2020
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Chinook returns the talent to battle for a Northern C chipper Aarron Thompson
George Ferguson
The Box Elder Bears have finally broken through as a strong volleyball program in Class C. Now the Bears want to keep things that way. And in 2020, Box Elder has plenty of firepower to do just that. The Bears did lose some key players to graduation, but, with the talented Zayna Henderson and more back for a new season, Box Elder should very much be a contender during the conference season. The Bears will have to battle top teams like Fort Benton, Chinook and North Star, while Big Sandy and CJI are always tough, too. But, with such a deep and strong roster, Box Elder is going to be a force to be reckoned with this season, especially when the district tourney rolls around at the end of October. The Box Elder roster includes, Abria Small Boy, Annalise Johnson, Ariel Gopher, Brielle Sun Child, Daleyn Henderson, Kendra Gopher, Kortney Wolfchild, Magic Ragged Robe, Peyton Rosette, Tayleigh Sun Child and Telyna Bacon. The Bears will nattle the rest of the District 7C at the district tournament Oct. 2931 in Gildford. The Northern C is set for the following week to be held in Fort Benton and state C volleyball will be played once again in Bozeman. Once again, the Havre Daily News will be running all volleyball results in Tuesday's Hi-Line Volleyball Roundup.
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The Chinook High football team went through a tough 2019 season full of ups and downs last year, but with a strong drive to make things happen in 2020, especially after COVID-19 got in the way. The Sugarbeeters will be giving it their all in 2020. With plenty of talent and depth both offensively and defensively, Chinook has been working hard to improve for the upcoming
season, which looks to be another grueling test for the Beeters. There will be powerhouses and underdogs throughout this year, but Chinook looks to make sure they are not caught by surprise. Head coach Mike Jones is glad to see his team excited for the 2020 season. “We have a lot of returners,” Jones said. “We have good core group of seniors coming in this year. We have five of them that got a lot of varsity experience last year and we’re looking to build on some things. We have a lot of stuff coming. It’s my third year here.
I think they’re going to do a great job. We have some pretty athletic kids and I think we have a good chance to have a pretty good season.” Returning players for the Beeters include seniors Damon Hannum, Benton Elliot, Erik Pula, Reese Elliot and Ethan MacLeod, juniors Drake Berreth, Hunter Molyneaux, Wyatt Dunbar and Toby Niederegger and sophomores Lane Hasler, Levi Jensen, Lane Snider, Brenden Fetter, Tyler Schoen, Braxton Inman, Daniel MacLeod and Flint Annis. Newcomers for Chinook are freshmen
Jackson Nordboe, Riley Jorgensen, Isaiah Gillett and Quentin Edwards. Schedule-wise, Chinook will see opposition like the Park City Panthers, the Shelby Coyotes on Sept. 4, the Hays Lodge-Pole Thunderbirds Sept. 19, the Chester-JoplinInverness Hawks Sept. 25, the Simms Tigers Oct. 2 and the Choteau Bulldogs Oct. 9, along with other games, too. Chinook shoiuld certainly have an advantage in its division of the Northern C this season, which will send five teams to the playoffs.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Box Elder girls volleyball team poses for a socially-distanced team photo before the start of the new season. Box Elder is playing in the new District 7C this season. The photo is a prime example of what sports are like during the coronavirus pandemic. The volleyball season is underway.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Chinook High School football team poses for a team photo before the start of the 2020 season. The Sugarbeeters should be a top contender in the Northern C of 8-man football this fall.
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Beeters ready to spike their way to the top of the new 7C
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Havre Daily News sports gferguson@havredailynews.com
Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
For many, many years now, the Chinook Sugarbeeters have been the cream of the crop in District 6C volleyball. From unbeaten regular seasons, to a streak of five straight district titles, the Beeters have been as good as it gets in Hi-Line volleyball. And while graduation always seems to
hit Chinook hard, there’s no reason why the Beeters can’t be one of, if not the top team in the new 7C. Led by returning standout Delaney Kellam, as well as starters like Lily Surber and more, Chinook once again has the firepower to reach the top of the district It won’t be easy with the likes of Fort Benton, North Star and Chester-Joplin-Innverness being really good again, but, with a talented roster, and so much experience and prestige,
there’s no reason to think Chinook won’t be the team to beat again this season. The Beeters roster this includes, Allison Powell, Bree Swanson, Crystal Hofer,, Hailey Bell, Hallie Neibauer, Jade Cecrle, Jayden Miller and Virginia Hauer. The 2020 District 7C Tournament will be held Oct. 29-31 in Gidlford. The top three teams will advance to the Northern C the following week in Fort Benton with the State C tourney in Bozeman.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Chinook High School volleyball team poses for a team photo before the start of the 2020 season. The Sugarbeeters are part of the new District 7C this season, which added three teams to the old District 6C East. The Northern C is now two 9-team districts that includes the 6C and 7C. The District 7C tournament will be held in Gildford at the end of October and the Northern C in Fort Benton.
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Bears ready to battle in Six-Man ball
Aarron Thompson
George Ferguson
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
The Box Elder High football team is getting ready for its 2020 season, which was hanging in the balance for some time due to COVID-19, but to get back on the field has gotten the Bears excited for some fall action. Box Elder has waited long enough to prove their strength on the gridiron. The Bears do return quarterback and leader Kadyn Duran to head coach Jake El-
dridge's team this fall. Gabe Saddler, Malique Rosette, Jayden Jilot and Theron Oats also have plenty of experience. Schedule-wise, the Bears will see games against the Power-Dutton-Brady Titans on Sept. 5, the Big Sandy Pioneers Sept. 11, the Valier Panthers Oct. 2 and the Sunburst Refiners Oct. 10, as well as other opponents across the Six-Man North. The Power-Dutton-Brady Titans await the Box Elder Bears Sept. 5, which will be quite the challenge for the Bears within their season.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The 2020 Box Elder High School football team poses for a team photo before the start of new football year. The Bears play in the Six-Man North Division, which is always tough, especially as of late with Big Sandy dominating the division year-afteryear. Box Elder, wearing masks in the photo, is also an example of the new normal as sports return during the coronavirus pandemic.
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September 2020
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
Talented Pony golf teams were the first to start By Havre Daily News Staff A lot of thought, planning and preparation has went into the start of the 2020 fall sports season at Havre High. After all, it had to given the coronavirus pandemic continues on. And the Havre High golf teams were the first to return to play. And once again, Havre will be led by longtime Blue Pony coach George Ferguson, who admits this season will be dynamically and dramatically different. "It's going to be a very interesting season," Ferguson said. "The sport of golf hasn't changed, and it's done really well during this pandemic. It's been deemed one of the safest sports you can play. But that's about the only thing that won't change. This season from practices, which have gone really well, to tournaments, and hopefully, the postseason, is going to be unlike any golf season in Havre High history. Ferguson has plenty of reasons to be excited. He has strong numbers once again, and both his boys and girls teams are led by a host of veteran and experienced golfers. "We've got almost 40 kids out again this season," he said. "That's a tremendous turnout for golf. We've also got a lot of returners back this season, a lot of experience on both teams, so I think we're going to see a ton of improvement team-wise throughout the fall." The Havre High boys should be especially strong. The Ponies return a pair of All-Conference seniors in Josh Warp and Caleb Chambliss, while Kale Reno and Tavish McLean were divisional qualifiers a year ago. Add to that experienced returners in Clint Owens, Caleb Spangler, Theron Peterson, Hunter Velk and up-and-comers like Lane Kinsella, Joram Randolph, Conner McKay, and more, and the Ponies have the makings of a very deep and talented squad. "The potential for our boys to have a really good season is there," Ferguson said. "We have really good seniors. Those guys have played a lot of golf, and I expect big things from all of them. We have depth, too. Our
qualifying rounds are already very competitive, and then we are adding a bunch of young kids that are going to make our boys team even more competitive." Ferguson said he has high hopes for his girls team, too. The Ponies return all four varsity players from last year, in seniors Carlee Kato, Jocelyn Staples and Sophie Kirkpatrick, as well as sophomore Sylvie McKeon-Hanson. Katherine Greenwood will round out the current varsity, while a new group of freshmen and sophomores has Ferguson extremely excited about the present and future of the program. "We have all our girls back from varsity last year," Ferguson said. "And I think you'll see them all improve dramatically as the season goes on. They gained so much experience last year, and it's going to play off this season. And I really am impressed with what Katherine (Greenwood) is bringing to the table, as well. So we have a great group of girls, and we have a really awesome group of newcomers who can certainly be the future of our program." Some of the safety measures for this golf season include masks being worn on the course, with exception of when players are playing a shot, no mixing of groups, meaning players play tournament rounds with their own teammates, and no pre-round or postround mingling between teams. As for Havre's schedule this season, it's fluid. The Ponies didn't attend the seasonopening Great Falls Invite, and Browning Invite at East Glacier has been canceled, as has the Jawbone Match play event in Harlowtown on Sept. 3. So, before Labor Day, Havre will compete in just three tournaments, including two tournaments in Havre and the Lewistown Invite. The second half of the Ponies' schedule includes the Glendive and Sidney Invitationals, the Billings Central and Laurel Invites, as well as the Eastern A in Billings and the Class A state tournament at the Butte Country Club. For now, though, Ferguson is just focused
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BLUE PONY GOLF SCHEDULE Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 11 Sept. 11 Sept. 17 Sept. 18 Sept. 24 Oct. 1-2
vs Lewistown at Havre at Glendive at Sidney Havre (Beaver Creek) at Billings Central (Eagle Rock) at Laurel Divisionals at Billings (Lake Hills) State at Butte (Country Club)
on the first tournament and not looking too far ahead, but, he's excited to be out there, too. "One thing we all know is, with this pandemic, things can change so fast, and things will change," he said. "But I do know this.
9:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. TBD
I love coaching these teams. We have great kids in our golf program at Havre High. And I want to help them have the best season they can possibly have. And I'm just excited to see them out on the course, doing what they love to do, and that's play golf for Havre High."
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Havre High boys and girls golf teams pose for team photos while wearing their masks earlier this summer at Prairie Farms Golf Course. The Ponies started their season back on Aug. 20 with the Havre Invitational.