Game Day 10-7-2016

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Notebook: Northern excited to play EOU under the lights n From Page 11

Lights weekend, and, Northern head coach Aaron Christensen said back in the summer that playing a night game at home would be an exciting thing for both his players and Northern fans. Of course, the Lights are also hoping for a win too. After knocking off Carroll back on Sept. 17, the Lights were battered by UM-Western the following week. MSU-N’s bye week came at a good time, and now the Lights’ defense must rally to stop the top offensive team in the Frontier Conference, and, the MSU-N defense should get help with an excitable and boisterous crowd, one that will be amped up for the night game. Numbers Game It’s not quite the halfway point in the 2016 season, at least not for most teams. But it’s still interesting to see who’s doing what

thus far. On the offensive side of the ball, it’s no surprise to see SOU leading the league in total offense and passing. The Raiders are averaging over 500 yards per game, and nearly 350 passing. EOU is second in passing at 295 yards per game. Scoring is definitely down in the Frontier this season, with Montana Tech averaging 36 points per game. At this point a year ago, three teams were averaging 39 or more points per contest. This season, only two teams average over 30 points, with SOU averaging 32 per contest. Western averages 29 ppg, followed by EOU at 27, RMC at 23, College of Idaho at 21, Carroll at 19 and Northern at 16. Rushing-wise, not a single team in the Frontier is averaging 200 yards this season, despite so many great running backs in the league. Western is first at 184 yards per

game, while SOU averages 180. And three teams, Rocky, Carroll and Northern, don’t even average 100 yards per outing. That’s again, a compliment to the great defenses in the Frontier. Three teams, Western, Tech and C of I, don’t even allow 20 ppg, while Tech’s defense is allowing just 315 yards per game. When it comes to total defense, Northern is holding solid, allowing just 361 yards, and in all, only EOU and SOU allow more than 400 yards per contest. Tech also has the best rush defense, while Northern is right there too, allowing just 118 yards per game, while Rocky is best against the pass at 200 yards allowed per outing.

Frontier Honors

SOU’s Jason Shelley was named Frontier Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Shelley is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound fresh-

man wide receiver from Fairfield, Calif. In No.9 Southern Oregon’s 31-27 conference win over College of Idaho, Shelley caught five passes for 113 yards and one touchdown. Also nominated; Darius-James Peterson of College of Idaho. SOU’s Keegan Lawrence is a 5-foot-11, 195 lbs, junior defensive back from Sherwood, Ore, who was named Frontier Defensive Player of the Week.In No. 9 Southern Oregon’s 31-27 win over College of Idaho, Lawrence recorded 10 solo tackles, one assisted tackle d one pass break-up. Also nominated: Forrest Rivers of College of Idaho. SOU’s Louis DesPrez, a junior punter from Pleasanton, Calif, was named Special Team’s Player of the Week. In No. 9 Southern Oregon’s 31-27 win over College of Idaho, DesPrez punted seven times for 282 yards (40 yard average). His longest was a 56-yarder.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson MSU-Northern Alec Wagner, right, hits Carroll College running back Major Ali during a Frontier Conference game last month at Blue Pony Stadium. The Lights have one of the top rushing defenses in the conference heading into Saturday night's home game with nationally-ranked Eastern Oregon.

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Bigtime Blocking, Big Heart

MSU-Northern senior offensive lineman Pete Morales loves to play, loves to lead and loves to show Lights' pride George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

There’s some common themes among the Montana State University-Northern football team’s senior class. Tough times, coaching changes, not very many wins. Ups and downs, yet a lot of talent. But, the biggest themes amongst the Lights’ seniors is, one, they are leading a resurgence in Northern football, and two, they have all showed tremendous character by sticking it out and seeing through a very

tough situation. And, one man who truly exemplifies those traits is senior offensive lineman Pete Morales. A gentle giant from La Habra, California, Morales is a team captain, a leader, and most of all, a player that is respected up and down the MSU-Northern roster. “He’s a guy, you can tell how much he cares,” Northern head coach Aaron Christensen said. “And that puts him in a position to be a natural leader. The other guys, especially the young guys see that, and they look up to him and respect him. He’s just a guy that really leads by example, on and off the field.” A leadership role is something Morales has grown into. And while it was a bit awkward for him at first, it’s something he said he embraces now, in his final season with the Lights. “Being a leader is a new role for me,” Morales said. “I was used to being the guy that was kind of quiet and just trying to prove myself to the older guys on this team. So, becoming more of a leader on this team

was weird at first, but it’s something I’ve definitely grown into and take pride in now. I enjoy helping the younger guys grow. I enjoy helping show the young guys on this team and in this program what it means to be a college athlete, and especially what it means to be a Light.” Helping his teammates grow is something Morales does well. But, he certainly has done a lot of growing himself. Both on and off the field. From a football standpoint, the 6-3, 295pound monster has quietly turned into one of the best offensive lineman in the Frontier Conference, as well as the anchor of a muchimproved Northern front five.

n

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior offensive lineman Pete Morales has had a great career for the Lights. But his impact on the program is much bigger than the blocks he lays out on the football field every Saturday.

MSU-Northern Lights vs Eastern Oregon University Location: Havre, Mont. Nickname: Lights Colors: Maroon and Yellow 2016 record: 1-3 (1-3)

2015 record: 0-11 (0-10) Head coach: Aaron Christensen Stadium: Blue Pony Stadium Streak: After beat Carroll on Sept. 17, the Lights are looking to put a Blue Pony Stadium streak together.

Saturday, October 7, 2016 Blue Pony Stadium ~ 6 p.m. Eastern Oregon Location: LaGrande, Ore. Nickname: Mounties Colors: Blue and Gold 2016 record: 2-2 (2-2)

2015 record: 4-6 (4-7) Head coach: Tim Camp Stadium: Community Stadium Streak: The Mounties have beaten the Lights in five straight Frontier Conference meetings

October 7, 2016

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Big, big Frontier games coming George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com The annual bye week in the Frontier Conference is over. Now, the race for the conference title is really on. In all honesty, it’s been on for since day one, but with all of the parity in the Frontier this season, it’s obvious that the conference title is most likely going to come down to the last two weeks of the season, and, more than one team till likely have a say in who wins it. Montana Tech and Southern Oregon, the two teams picked to compete for the title this season, started off the year with losses. SOU actually lost two in a row, but, now, neither team has stumbled since, and, the Nov. 12 showdown between the Orediggers and Raiders could still be the de facto

See Morales Page 6

Montana State University-Northern

11

championship game. However, plenty of other teams could have a say in whether or not that game in Ashland, Oregon will be that impactful. One of those is Rocky Mountain College, which sits tied atop the Frontier standings at 3-, and plays SOU in the NAIA Game of the Week this Saturday in Billings. A Rocky win over the Raiders would give the Battlin’ Bears a big boost towards winning the league title, as the Bears also have Montana Tech at home later this month. UM-Western and Eastern Oregon aren’t out of the hunt either. Both sit at 2-2 in league play and are just one game out of first place. And both teams still have games against Tech and SOU up-

coming. Western plays at Tech this Saturday, while EOU pays a visit to SOU next Saturday. So, with five teams in the conference sitting at .500 or better, and five teams ranked nationally, there’s no doubt, we’re a long way for knowing how things are going to shake out. Lights Eastern Oregon can’t afford to look ahead to its second meeting with arch rival SOU. That’s because the Mounties have a road trip to Havre coming up Saturday night. The Montana State UniversityNorthern Lights, coming off their second bye of the season, are home to host the Mounties in a rare night

Today in the Frontier Conference No. 16 Eastern Oregon Mounties (2-2, 2-2)

At Montana State University-Northern Lights (1-3, 1-3) No. 9 Southern Oregon (3-1, 3-2) at No. 25 Rocky Mountain College (3-1, 3-2) in Billings, Mont.

No. 22 UM-Western (2-2, 3-2) at No. 10 Montana Tech (3-1, 3-1) in Butte, Mont.

Carroll College (1-3, 1-3) at College of Idaho (1-3, 2-3) in Caldwell, Idaho

2016 Frontier Conference Coaches Preseason Poll 1. Southern Oregon 2. Montana Tech 3. Carroll College 4. Eastern Oregon 5. College of Idaho 6. UM-Western 7. Rocky Mountain College 8.MSU-Northern

game at Blue Pony Stadium. The Lights have played under the lights in Havre many times before, but most of those games were moved to Friday night because of Havre High playoff games. The last time the Lights played a scheduled evening or night start was six years ago when they opened the season at home against Carroll College.

Havre Daily News Week Six Frontier Power Rankings 1. Montana Tech 2. Southern Oregon 3. Rocky Mountain 4. Eastern Oregon 5. UM-Western 6. College of Idaho 7. MSU-Northern 8. Carroll College

That game was a 6 p.m., and was scheduled because of the August heat that was gripping Montana that summer. However, Saturday night’s game was planned to be played under the lights from the get-go. It’s part of the annual Legends for

n

See Notebook Page 12

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MSU-Northern Rewind

A big day in MSU-N's history Lights win over Carroll College last month a catalyst for the program

From the Fringe...

in

George Ferguson Sports Editor

The win the Montana State University-Northern Lights earned against Carroll College, now 10 years ago, will always be remembered. And deservedly so. But, from Saturday forward, it won’t be remembered as the last time the Lights beat the Fighting Saints. No, the 2016 Lights put that phrase to rest. In fact, the way the Lights played against nationally-ranked Carroll Saturday, they buried it. They buried it for good. And that’s something these current Lights needed. They needed to win, they needed it for the football program at Northern, they needed it for the fans who support them, and most importantly, the players needed it for themselves. Yes, there was no doubt the Lights believed they were going to win a game this season. In fact, these Lights have played so well, and are so far removed from the team that went 0-11 a year ago, they were brimming with confidence before the season started, and even after two losses to start the 2016 campaign. However, while confident they were a team that was capable of winning games, and while knowing that first win of the Aaron Christensen era would come, they might not have known, at least when the schedule was released last summer, that muchneeded, and much-wanted win would come at home, against Carroll. Oh the irony of it all. A month shy of 10 years from the last time the Lights beat the Saints, they did it again. And, make no mistake, while winning a game, any game, was important to the Lights, beating Carroll made it extra special. “We really wanted to get that win, especially against Carroll,” an emotional MSU-N senior Tyler Craig said. “It’s a damn good feeling. There’s just something about Carroll that everybody wants to beat them.” And beat the Saints the Lights did. But this time around, Northern wasn’t playing for history. Northern wasn’t trying to dethrone Carroll from its Frontier Conference perch, or snap a 31-game Carroll winning streak, or

Frontier Conference Standings

Montana Tech Rocky Mountain Southern Oregon UM-Western Eastern Oregon College of Idaho MSU-Northern Carroll College

Conf. WL 3-1 3-1 3-1 2-2 2-2 1-3 1-3 1-3

Overall WL 3-1 3-2 3-2 3-2 2-2 2-3 1-3 1-3

Saturday MSU-Northern vs Eastern Oregon UM-Western at Montana Tech Southern Oregon at Rocky Mountain Carroll College at College of Idaho Saturday, Oct. 15 MSU-Northern at Rocky Mountain Carroll College at Montana Tech College of Idaho at UM-Western Eastern Oregon at Southern Oregon

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson The Lights celebrate a late touchdown against Carroll College last month at Blue Pony Stadium. Northern's win over Carroll was a historic day in the program's history. even give itself a chance at a firstever conference title. No, this win against Carroll was different. This time around, the Lights were playing for something equally as important, they were playing to prove they’re a good football team. They were playing to prove they can win football games on Saturdays, just like every college football team America does each and every fall. This time, the Lights were playing to earn respect, and to just taste victory. And, bo,y did they ever do all of that Saturday, and more. The Lights proved to themselves, to their fans, to their coaches who push and work to get the very best out of them each day, that they can win, that they will win, and that they are indeed a good football team. Those are things I believed, and knew already. And they are things the Lights knew too. Deep down, they already knew it all, they knew that they were good. They just had to go out and do it. In football, in athletics, you have to prove on the field of battle, and this Lights’ team just hadn’t quite done that yet … that is until Saturday, and until they met Carroll College for the first time this season. And all the proof that’s needed was on the Blue Pony Stadium scoreboard for all to see Saturday. The proving is over. These Lights can win. These Lights can beat the Carroll College’s of the world. They know it now and so do we.

Yes, 2006 will never go away. In fact, Northern student-athletes and coaches are reminded of it every day because a picture of that glorious October day hangs in the lobby of the MSU-N athletic department. That day will never be forgotten and rightfully so. But, at the same time, the page has been turned. For now, there are no more losing streaks against the mighty Saints. For now at least, there’s no more anguish about losing at Northern, of any kind. Of the many amazing memories the 2016 Lights made on Saturday, and it was an amazing Saturday, the fact that the Lights vanquished some ghosts is one of them. The Lights exercised a bunch of demons Saturday, and they did it in dominant and exciting fashion. Make no mistake about it, Northern was the better team Saturday from start to finish. And that win, that one day, is something no one can ever take away from them. So congratulations to the 2016 Lights. Congrats to head coach Aaron Christensen on your first win. Here’s hoping there are many more. But, no matter what the future holds, you guys have earned your own day, your own place in MSU-N history. You did that Saturday, and you did it against Carroll. It doesn’t get much better than that.

NAIA Coaches Poll

13. Missouri Valley 5-1 191 14. Dickinson State (N.D.)4-1 157 14. Kansas Wesleyan 4-1 157 16. Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)3-2 126 16. Eastern Oregon 2-2 126 18. Dakota State (S.D.) 5-1 108 19. Bethel (Tenn.) 5-0 100 20. Benedictine (Kan.) 4-2 93 21. Midland (Neb.) 5-1 78 22. Montana Western 3-2 73 23. Concordia (Mich.) 4-1 50 24. Peru State (Neb.) 4-2 29 25. Rocky Mountain 3-2 24

Rec. Pts Prv.

1. Marian (Ind.) (15) 5-0 2. Baker (Kan.) 6-0 3. Doane (Neb.) 5-0 4. Reinhardt (Ga.) 5-0 5. Saint Francis (Ind.) 4-1 6. Morningside (Iowa) 3-1 7. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 6-0 8. Grand View (Iowa) 5-1 9. Southern Oregon 3-2 10. Montana Tech 3-1 11. Georgetown (Ky.) 4-1 12. Tabor (Kan.) 3-1

340 327 305 290 289 288 262 249 236 229 206 192

1 3 4 5 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 15 14 16 17 20 23 t18 t18 24 NR 22 NR

Others receiving votes: : Concordia (Neb.) 23; Southeastern (Fla.) 22; Faulkner (Ala.) 12; Friends (Kan.) 3; Siena Heights (Mich.) 3; Sterling (Kan.) 3.

Frontier Conference Individual Leaders Week Six

Passing: Zack Bartlow, EOU, 296 ypg Receiving: Connor Fohn, CC, 107 ypg Receptions: Matt Retzlaff, SOU, 9 cpg Rushing: Nolan Saraceni, MT, 92 ypg Tackles: Michael Arenas, EOU, 45 Sacks: A. Basterrechea, CC 4.5 sacks INT's: Jay Owens, UM-W, 3 ints

Lights Coaching Staff

Jim Potter The 2015 Montana State University-Northern coaching staff. Back row, left to right: Cody O'Neil, offensive line; Ric Wells, defensive backs, Anvil Sinsibaugh, wide receivers and Darold DeBolt, defensive line. Front row, left to right, Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning; Malcolm Manuel, running backs; Aaron Christensen, head coach and offensive coordinator; Arthur Smith, linebackers; and Jorge Magana, linebackers.

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MSU-Northern Offensive Starters

Eastern Oregon University Defensive Starters

MSU-N 2016 Offensive Numbers

EOU 2016 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 16 ppg, last in Frontier Total offense: 247 ypg, last in Frontier

Mario Gobbatto #22, 5-8, 185 Receiver

Kalliy Ceesay #22, 6-2, 212 Cornerback

Rush offense: 83 ypg, last in Frontier

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MSU-Northern Defensive Starters

EOU 2016 Offensive Numbers

MSU-N 2016 Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 30 ppg, 5th in Frontier

Scoring: 33 ppg, last in Frontier

Total defense: 413 ypg, 7th in Frontier

Total defense: 369 ypg, 4th in Frontier

Rush defense: 192 ypg, last in Frontier

Pass defense: 252 ypg, 7th in Frontier

Scoring: 28 ppg, 4th in Frontier

Aaron Christensen enters his second season as the Head Football Coach of Montana State UniversityNorthern. He brings with him a decade of coaching experience at the NAIA level. From 2012 to 2014, Coach Christensen served as the Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for Missouri Valley College (MVC).

Dylan Schmidt #74, 6-4, 275 Offensive line

Jess Krahn #11, 6-3, 220 Quarterback

Casey Cleveland #76, 6-1, 265 Center

Tyler Craig #91, 6-2, 245 Defensive end

Kyle Lanoue #92, 6-1, 270

Eli Teuteu #45, 5-10, 200 Linebacker

Defensive line

Zach Lacey #93, 6-1, 286 Nose tackle

Pete Morales #77, 6-3, 295 Offensive line

Dalton Morgan #40, 6-2, 250 Defensive line

Logan Sprouse #31, 5-11, 170 Safety

Michael Arenas #51, 5-11, 210 Linebacker

Jared Jensen #37, 5-7, 220 Linebacker

Lane Urick #92, 6-1, 285 Defensive tackle

Passing: 297 ypg, 2nd in Frontier

Elijah Cox #51, 6-5, 320 Offensive line

Colten Alefteras #65, 5-11, 265 Offensive line

Alec Wagner

Garrett Jericoff #1, 5-9, 165 Safety

Patrick Barnett #90, 6-2, 265 Defensive tackle

Mike Cocke #17, 6-0, 200 Receiver

Zach Bartlow #4, 6-0, 195 Quarterback

Alfred Gross #5, 5-10, 195 Running back

Mitch Staeffler #63. 6-2, 290 Offensive line

David N'Guessa #8, 6-0, 190 Linebacker

Atia Mata' afa #68, 6-3, 300 Offensive line

Tucker Stanley #7, 6-0, 200 Linebacker

Tommy Langley #27, 5-11, 190 Kicker

Tim Camp EOU Head Coach

Andrew Brembry #72, 6-0, 285 Offensive line

#52, 5-11, 210 Linebacker

Jordan Brusio #47, 5-11, 240 Defensive end

Calvin Connors

#9, 5-9, 175 Receiver

Tim Camp became the EOU head football coach in February 2008. During his time at the helm, Camp has compiled an overall record of 47-40, which is the second most wins in program history. Prior to becoming the head coach at EOU, Camp served as an assistant coach for the Mountaineers for two seasons. In addition to being the offensive line coach, Camp was also the recruiting and camp coordinator.

Gabe Giacci #90, 6-2, 240 Tight end

Kagen Khameneh #15, 6-3, 225 Tight end Dillon Barnes #89, 6-0, 160 Punter

GaretFowler #12, 5-10, 205 Linebacker

Justin Hughes #34, 5-10, 180 Safety

Bowe McKay #5, 6-3, 225 Fullback

Total offense: 438 ypg, 2nd in Frontier

Mick Wilson #79, 6-5, 270 Offensive line

Jesus Retano #28, 6-1, 177 Safety

Zach McKinley #24, 5-11, 210 Running Back

Joshua Richards #21, 5-10, 180 Receiver

Sherman Arthur #6, 6-1, 170 Cornerback

Clint Willis #75, 6-6, 280 Offensive line

Aaron Christensen MSU-N Head Coach

Eastern Oregon University Offensive Starters

Corey Lee #3, 5-10, 175 Corner John Payne #1, 5-8, 170 Cornerback

Brendan Kelly #85, 6-1, 195 Receiver

Alonso Mendoza

#20, 5-10, 180 Kicker

Nathan Harden

#17, 6-0, 170 Punter

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MSU-Northern Numerical Roster

Eastern Oregon University Numerical Roster # Name 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 48 50 51 52 53 54 56 57 58 59 60 62 63 65 67 68 70 72 74 75 76 77 79 80 81 82 84 85 86 87 88

John Payne Deacon Starr Zach Bartlow Alfred Gross Kai Quinn Tucker Stanley TJ Esekielu Calvin Connors Anthony Lyngar Colin Deyarmin Jorden Payne Trampis Waite Donovan Fejerang Skylar Williams Chad McCoy Nathan Harden Ben Knight Nicolas Slater Alonso Mendoza Josh Richards Kalliy Ceesay Saige Wilkerson A.J. Prom Eric Prom Derrick Fontenot Anfernee Sloan Jesus Retano Isaiah Richie William Ephraim Haziel Ledezma Anfernee Cortez Justin Hughes Jacob Shults Jared Jensen Trystin Deal Kody Bartlett Dalton Morgan Sterling Farrah Alex Putman Bryce Gabbard Victor Dias Eli Teuteu Colton Vinning Marcus Hansen Michal Arenas Taylor Vaandering Kade Walgamott Takota Epperson Austin Castro Isaiah Cranford Luis Cardenas Wyatt Orozco Kyle Hall AJ Costellanos Mitch Staeffler Colten Alefteras Hayden Stubbs Atiai Mataafa Joe Boyle Andre Brembry Andrew Howe Spencer Stephens Travis Jones Hayden Burris Mick Wilson TJ Hancock Hayden Broadus Greg Tripp Adam Sisson Brenden Kelly Kai Turner Riley Neville Ryan Haun

Yr.

SR SR SR SR FR SR SR JR SR SR JR JR FR JR SO SO FR SR JR JR JR FR SR FR FR SO SR FR FR FR FR JR FR SR FR JR SR JR FR FR FR FR FR JR JR FR FR FR JR FR FR SO JR FR SR SO FR SO SO JR SO SO JR JR SO FR FR JR JR JR JR JR FR

Pos. Ht.

DB WR QB RB QB LB WR WR DL LB DB QB WR WR QB P/K QB RB DB/K WR DB QB RB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB LB LB LB DB DL LB LB LB RB LB RB LB LB DL LB DL LB OL OL OL DL RB OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL DL OL OL WR TE WR WR WR WR WR WR

5-9 6-1 6-1 5-9 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-1 5-10 5-6 6-0 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-3 5-11 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-3 5-9 5-6 5-8 5-11 6-1 5-9 5-9 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-7 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-9 6-3 5-10 6-4 5-11 6-1 6-1 5-6 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-3 6-4 5-11 6-6 6-5 5-11 6-2 6-4 5-10 6-5 5-10 5-7 6-2 5-8 6-2 6-4

Wt. 170 178 196 200 207 201 217 177 251 222 159 210 198 172 186 175 175 204 176 179 215 175 190 160 192 180 184 151 157 172 188 181 202 202 213 199 228 213 201 200 203 213 200 212 207 245 200 232 220 205 303 274 301 165 280 261 256 280 303 282 289 230 252 325 270 166 212 184 181 194 192 194 180

Hometown

Camas, Wash. Meridian, Idaho Waitsburg, Wash. Stockton, Calif. Pendleton, Ore. Napavine, Wash. Federal Way, Wash. Winnemucca, Nev. Meridian, Idaho Spokane Valley, Wash. Camas, Wash. Ontario, Ore. Spanaway, Wash. Fernley, Nev. Pendleton, Ore. Graham, Wash. Colville, Wash. Gilroy, Calif. Kennewick, Wash. Tacoma, Wash. Seattle, Wash. Emmett, Idaho Portland, Ore. Portland, Ore. Boise, Idaho Fernley, Nev. Culver, Ore. Pasco, Wash. Camas, Wash. Jerome, Idaho Benton, City, Wash. Logandale, Nev. Clarkston, Wash. Lovelock, Nev. Moapa Valley, Nev. Finley, Wash. Benton City, Wash. Kennewick, Wash. Wilbur, Wash. Middleton, Idaho Middleton, Idaho Spanaway, Wash. Colville, Wash. Vancouver, Wash. Winnemucca, Nev. Beaverton, Ore. Parma, Idaho Wilbur, Wash. Nyssa, Ore. La Grande, Ore. Winnemucca, Nev. Los Banos, Calif. Kennewick, Wash. Wilder, Idaho Rainier, Ore, Prosser, Wash. Farmington, Utah Meridian, Idaho Graham, Wash. Los Angeles, Calif. Prosser, Wash. Twin Falls, Idaho Stanwood, Wash. Kennewick, Wash Council, Idaho Pendleton, Ore. Dallas, Ore. Oakland, Calif. Meridian, Idaho Kennewick, Wash. Meridian, Idaho Yerington, Nev. Meridian, Idaho

# Name 89 90 92 93 94 95 96 97 98

Le'Ron Yarbough Gabe Giacci Kyle Lanoe Zach Lacey Austin Brown Reece Baldwin Nick De Alba Tyler Utecht Aly Magus

Yr.

SR JR SR SO SR FR SO FR SR

Pos. Ht.

WR TE DL DL DL DL DL DL DL

5-7 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-2 5-9 6-2 6-3 6-5

Wt. 162 231 277 286 236 226 235 228 246

Hometown

Del Pose Heights, Calif. Bend, Ore. Bremerton, Wash. Woodland, Wash. Meridian, Idaho Lewiston, Idaho Boise, Idaho Rathdrum, Idaho Shoreline, Wash.

www.havredailynews.com

No.

Name

Pos. Ht.

Wt.

Yr. Hometown

No.

Name

Pos. Ht.

Wt.

Yr. Hometown

1

Garrett

Jericoff

DB

5'9

195

SR

54

Josh

DL

6'2

230

RFR Sammamish, WA

2

Jett

Robertston

RB

6'0

200

SO Glendale, AZ

55

Mitchell Harmon

DL

6'1

245

JR

3

Corey

Lee

DB

5'10

175

JR

56

Trenton

Woodward OL

6'5

240

RFR Three Forks, MT

5

Bowe

McKay

TE

6'3

225

SO Chehalis, WA

58

Adolfo

Robles

OL

6'2

270

SR

Bakersfield, CA

6

Sherman Arthur

DB

6'1

170

SO Watts, CA

59

Isaac

Joseph

DL

6'3

270

FR

Chandler, AZ

7

Jesse

LB

6'0

210

SR

8

"David" N'Guessa

LB

6'0

190

RFR Kent, WA

65

Dale

Cummings

OL

6'4

300

RFR Cremona, AB, CAN

9

Sam

WR

6'1

190

SO Sammamish, WA

68

Ryan

Handley

OL

6'3

230

RFR Clinton, MT

10

Donovan Garner

WR

5'8

175

JR

Miami, FL

68

Jay

Hembree

OL

6'1

260

FR

11

Jess

Krahn

QB

6'3

220

JR

Hokinson, WA

69

Brennan Lewis

OL

6'2

310

SO Fallon, NV

12

Garet

Fowler

LB

5'10

205

JR

Belgrade, MT

70

Robert

Johnson

OL

6'1

250

SO Stevensville, MT

13

Dylan

Rychtarik

WR

5'8

70

RFR Tacoma, WA

71

Linnwood Kirkland

DL

6'0

260

SR

Jacksonville, FL

14

Caleb

McLaren

QB

6'0

190

JR

Delta Junction, AK

72

Diamond Pedro

OL

6'3

310

SR

Tacoma, WA

15

Kagen

Khameneh

TE

6'3

225

JR

Missoula, MT

74

Dylan

Schmidt

OL

6'4

275

RFR Nine Mile Falls, MT

16

Holden

Maki

QB

5'9

170

SO Belt, MT

75

Clint

Willis

OL

6'6

280

SO Gardiner, MT

17

Mike

Cocke

WR

6'2

200

RFR Tacoma, WA

76

Casey

Cleveland

OL

6'1

265

RFR Great Falls, MT

19

Ethan

Snow

WR

6'1

200

FR

Hermiston, OR

77

Pete

Morales

OL

6'3

295

SR

20

Bryce

Bumgardner WR

6'1

175

FR

Saint Helens, OR

78

Jaxon

Simonson

OL

6'3

280

RFR Rudyard, MT

21

Jose

Martinez

DB

5'10

175

JR

Solidad, CA

80

Beau

Wilhelm

WR

6'0

200

JR

White Lake, MI

22

Mario

Gobbato

WR

5'8

185

SR

Blaine, WA

85

Kitrell

Willingham TE

6'2

205

FR

Parkland, WA

23

Dujuawn Jones

DB

6'1

190

JR

Monrovia, CA

87

Jordan

Pugh

TE

6'5

220

RFR Tacoma, WA

24

Zach

McKinley

RB

5'10

205

SR

Great Falls, MT

88

Seth

Roemmele

WR

6'0

190

SO Claresholm, AB,

25

Steven

Knight

DB

5'9

175

FR

Rancho Mirage, CA

89

Dillon

Barnes

P

6'0

160

SR

Alta Loma, CA

27

Tommy

Langley

K

5'11

190

JR

Tracy, CA

90

Patrick

Barnett

DL

6'2

265

SR

Billings, MT

29

Kaden

Barrus

DB

5'9

170

SO Gooding, ID

91

Tyler

Craig

DL

6'2

230

SR

Great Falls, MT

30

Jonathan Gragg

LB

6'2

210

RFR Missoula, MT

92

Lane

Urick

DL

6'1

285

SR

Great Falls, MT

31

Logan

DB

5'11

170

SR

95

Elijah

Dennison

DL

6'2

245

RFR Enumclaw, WA

32

Morgan McCrary

DB

5'10

190

RFR Las Vegas, NV

33

Brooks

Dunn

LB

5'10

190

JR

34

Garret

Severson

LB

5'11

170

SO Bonney Lake, WA

35

Dakota

Schelling

LB

6'0

185

JR

Fallon, NV

36

Colton

Boyle

QB

6'0

200

FR

Sammamish, WA

38

Dequincy Bergen

DB

5'10

180

FR

Houston, TX

38

Levi

Bixby

DB

5'9

175

RFR Ashland, MT

40

Sam

Schuler

LB

5'11

195

FR

41

Tovati "TJ" Gasetoto Jr. LB

6'0

215

RFR Tacoma, WA

42

Myltin

Bighorn

DB

6'1

180

RFR Poplar, MT

43

Bob

Schenk

TE

6'2

212

FR

44

Wyatt

McKinlay

FB

5'10

205

SO Geraldine, MT

45

Michael McKeen

LB

5'10

215

SO Oakley, CA

46

Jake

Norby

LB

6'2

190

FR

Chinook, MT

47

Jordan

Brusio

DL

6'1

230

SR

Billings, MT

49

Jaime

Toscano

K

5'8

210

SR

Baldwin Park, CA

50

Kyle

Martinez

LB

6'0

240

JR

Turlock, CA

51

Elijah

Cox

OL

6'5

320

SO Glendale, AZ

52

Alec

Wagner

LB

5'11

210

SO Laurel, MT

53

Austin

Rychner

DL

5'10

230

SR

Morales Mix

Sprouse

Hilmar, CA Moorpark, CA

La Habra, CA

Atascadero, CA Chandler, AZ

Enumclaw, WA

Missoula, MT

Ekalaka, MT

Wright

Rancho Cucamonga

Camarillo, CA

La Habra, CA

2016 Montana State University-Northern Football Staff Aaron Christensen, head coach and offensive coordinator; Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator, strength & conditioning; Cody O'Neil, offensive line, recruiting coordinator; Jorge Magana, linebackers; Arthur Smith, linebackers; Malcolm Manuel, running backs; Anvil Sinsibaugh, wide receivers; Darold DeBolt, defensive line; Ric Wells, defensive backs. Athletic Director: Christian Oberquell; Certified Athletic Trainer: Nichole Borst; Sports Information: Kristie Pulin.

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October 7, 2016

www.havredailynews.com

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October 7, 2016

www.havredailynews.com

Morales: Northern means the world to MSU-N senior lineman

Morales: Pete Morales sets an example, on and off the field

n From Page 2

n From Page 6

“Pete is a very good football player,” Christensen said. “He’s a very good offensive linemen, and you see that in the fact that he played tackle for us last year, then slid over to guard this season, and he hasn’t missed a beat. In fact, that move has made us even better. So yes, he’s the leader of our offensive line, and one of the leaders on our team, but, I think he gets overlooked as a football player sometimes. And he shouldn’t be overlooked because he’s a very

good player.” Playing tackle for the Lights last season, Morales wasn’t overlooked by the league’s coaches in the end. Despite the Lights going winless a year ago, Morales earned Frontier All-Conference Second-Team honors, and while he takes pride in the team aspect of the offensive line, he was certainly proud of the achievement, because, after all, offensive lineman don’t get the kind of recognition that other positions do often enough.

“It was gratifying to be named All-Conference,” Morales said. “I wasn’t sure I would get it because of our record, but it felt really good to be recognized. I also looked at it as something I could build off of. When you get an award like that, everybody starts to know who you are so it kind of puts a target on your back. So I have had to work harder to make sure I play even better this season. So it was a motivator for sure, but it’s also something I was very proud of.” The individual award was nice, but, when it comes to playing on the offensive line, Morales still considers himself one piece of a five-man team, and, at the end of the day, the biggest reward is his offense getting done what needs to get done. And, at Northern, a lot of times, that means making sure star running back Zach McKinley is churning up more yards in his brilliant career, something Morales has helped him do in each of the past three seasons. “I still think I’m just one small part of it,” Morales said of playing on the offensive line. “We have a very good line this year and we’re much more consistent. And that’s a credit to guys like Clint Willis and Dylan Schmidt and Jay Hembree and a bunch of other guys who have really stepped up this year. And for us, the big thing isn’t awards, it’s Zach McKinley rushing for another 1,000yard season, or not letting our quarterback get sacked. Those are things that matter most to me, and to us as a unit.” Something else that matters to Morales is simply being a Light, playing with his brother Jesse, simply being a student at Northern, and being a part of the community. Havre may be a long way from sunny California, but it’s become home for Morales. “Coming up here was a culture shock at first,” Morales said. “I come from an area with a million people in my county alone. So it was different. But this community, the school, and the town, the way they support the athletes and teams here, it’s impossible not to love this place. All the people, the support system that’s here, it made it real easy for me to

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior offensive lineman Pete Morales was a Frontier All-Conference performer a season ago. This year, Morales is playing an even bigger role with the Lights, including being a veteran leader on not only a much-improved offensive line, but also for an otherwise young Northern team. Morales, who hails from La Habra, California, also gets a chance to play college football with his younger brother Jesse, who is a linebacker with the Lights. Morales and the Lights host Eastern Oregon on Saturday.

be here, to go to school here and play football here. “Getting to be up here playing football with my brother (Northern linebacker Jesse Morales) has also been a blessing,” he continued. “We played together in high school and now in college. So I couldn’t have asked for anything better.” And the Lights couldn’t have gotten a better player, a better person and a better leader than Pete Morales. Despite his intimidating presence, his tough demeanor on the field, Morales is a happy guy who makes everyone around him feel good. His smile lights up the practice field on dark and dreary Havre fall days, and he, along with his senior teammates continue to be the beacon of light

leading Northern football into a new, and more successful era. “Pete’s a guy, he’s very easy to like,” Christensen said. “He’s a happy guy, and you can tell how much he enjoys playing football. He gets along with everybody, and that attitude he brings every day, that really rubs off on the other guys. “I’ve been blessed to get to do this, playing football in college,” Morales said. “It’s something I don’t take for granted. I love every minute of every day being a college athlete. “There were some difficult times, with coach Samson leaving, us being in limbo and things like that,” he continued. “But it’s a testament to all of our seniors that we’re here, that we come to work hard every

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Opposing defenses might fear 6-3, 290pound senior offensive lineman Pete Morales, but on his own team, he's one of the most well-liked, and well-respected players. Morales is also a great football player according to head coach Aaron Christensen, and he's proving that this season by switching from tackle to guard to help a young, but improving Northern offensive line. Morales, who says he loves playing at Northern, is excited for a rare night game the Lights are playing when they host the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers Saturday night inside Blue Pony Stadium.

day, and we play hard every game. And that’s also a testament to the program we’re building now. I really believe, with the young guys in this program, and the coaching staff we have now, that this program is going in the right direction, and I’m proud to be a part of that. I’m proud to help build this program into what I think it’s going to be in the future.” Pete Morales is a big man, with a big heart. And, he should be proud because years from now, he will be known as one of the major building blocks in the foundation for what Northern football will have become. And, when all is said and done, there will have been no better guy than Morales to have been one of those building blocks.