By Rob Everingham
Even though they will not be in the playoffs for the first time since 1993, the Havre High seniors were sent off in great fashion, as the Blue Ponies smashed the Anaconda Copperheads 42-6 in Central A action Friday night.
Havre started the game with the ball and moved it 61 yards in six plays, capped off by a Brent Finneman 26-yard run. David Knight missed the extra-point, leaving the Blue Ponies with a 6-0 lead.
Anaconda turned the ball over on downs in its first possession, and it took Havre just five plays, as senior quarterback Ricky Brown hooked up with senior Nate Baltrusch on a 15-yard scoring strike. Brown then found David Heberly for the two-point conversion to put Havre on top, 14-0.
The Copperheads made just one first down before having to punt the ball away, but Havre could not do much better, as it also punted the ball.
The first quarter came to an end in the middle of Anacondas next drive with Havre still leading 14-0.
The Blue Ponies next drive found its way into the end zone as Ryan McIntosh scored on a 15-yard run. Knight drilled the extra point, lifting Havre, 21-0.
After another Copperheads punt, Havre had the ball back.
Three plays and 60 yards, all by the feet of Finneman, told the story. He rushed for 21 yards on the first play, nine on the second, and ran the ball in from 30 yards out for the score. Another Knight extra point put Havre up, 28-0.
Anacondas next drive ended in disaster as Jay Rucinsky intercepted a pass. Havre then took the ball from its own 37-yard line, and marched down the field. Brown found Heberly wide open on a three-yard pass for the score.
The Copperheads only score of the night came on their next drive, as Jason Messer broke free on a 55-yard run for the score.
On the Blue Ponies next drive, Brown threw an interception on the first play, but Anaconda could not capitalize, and the half ended with Havre leading 35-6.
After forcing Anaconda four-and-out, Havre scored its final touchdown quickly in the fourth quarter, as McIntosh again found the end zone, this time from just one yard out.
Neither team scored in the fourth quarter, as Havre marched time off the clock to end the game.
Havre head coach Dan Olson said it was a good test for his team, and a wonderful way to end the season. Olson referred to the victory as bittersweet, in the fact that the season has ended.
Olson said it was nice to see his team come out strong and take the upper hand quickly.
Olson said the offensive line played very well and the running backs had a great game.
Overall, it was a great performance, Olson said.
Olson said he cant say enough about this years team and all the hard work it has been in, but, he said, he is very optimistic for next season.
Next season starts on Monday, Olson said.
