Two things spoiled the Havre Blue Ponies' homecoming game Friday night at Blue Pony Stadium - turnovers and an almost unstoppable Belgrade running attack. The Panthers reeled off 20 unanswered points in the second half to beat the Blue Ponies 32-7 in the Central A opener for both teams.
Havre trailed just 12-0 after the first quarter, and 12-7 late in the third after Thomas Gruber caught a short touchdown pass from Dane Warp. But four turnovers ultimately cost the Ponies a realistic chance at a win, as did Belgrade running back Zac Brady, who scored two rushing touchdowns in the second half and rushed for over 200 yards.
Zach Plum caught seven passes for 156 yards, while Gruber had seven catches and a TD to lead the HHS offense. Warp completed 17 passes in the losing effort.
A scary moment also took place in the fourth quarter as Havre High's Chet Shrauger had to be taken off the field in an ambulance after complaining of neck pain on a hard hit. Initial reports indicated Shrauger is expected to be fine, but he did lay on the field and was attended to by medical personell for about 15 minutes.
The loss drops Havre to 0-1 in the Central A and 1-4 overall. The Ponies are on the road next Friday night to take on Lewistown.
For complete coverage, see Monday's Havre Daily News.
