By Tiffany L. Rehbein
The Havre Blue Ponies football team is coming off a weekend of firsts and will face the Belgrade Panthers (1-2, 1-3) in Central A action Friday at Blue Pony Stadium.
They won their first game of the season last weekend when they downed Central A opponent Livingston 35-15 on the road.
Junior Ryan Fink intercepted the first Blue Pony pass of the year.
Havre (1-2, 1-3) scored the most points yet this season with 35.
Belgrade and Havre have a lot of similarities.
Both are playing under second-year coaches. Dan Olson for Havre and Pete Stanton of Belgrade.
Both have one win on the year.
Both lost their greatest strength, at quarterback, to graduation. Havre lost Matt Kegel while Belgrade lost Jim Hanson.
When the two met last year, Havre stole the contest 14-12.
Linemen Beau Clark and Rusty Bowers are big up front for the Panthers.
Havre posts Jesse Suek, who has played extremely well at defensive end for the Blue Ponies. Suek is quick and agile and can cause a fumble and throw down a tackle easily.
Kris Myers, at defensive end, had two sacks last week against Livingston.
Senior lineman leader Chris Klobofski, with an injured knee, could return for the Ponies.
Five-foot-11, 240-lb. Matt Sasaki fills the roster with strength on the line.
Seniors Tyler Bebee and Doug Kallenberger have proven strength and leadership in their positions both offensively and defensively for the Blue Ponies.
Junior Brent Finneman led the Ponies last weekend with nine rushes for 99 yards and two touchdowns.
Senior quarterback Ricky Brown went 8-of-13 for 177 yards and two touchdowns and also notched 68 yards on seven carries and one touchdown.
Ryan McIntosh, Danny Wirtzberger, Jacob Szudera and Joey Roman also ran the ball for the Ponies last weekend.
Nate Baltrusch, David Heberly and Landon Grant are all capable at the receiver and tight end positions.
Baltrusch had two receptions for 77 yards last weekend while the others combined for more than 20 yards receiving.
Kick off is slated for 7:30 p.m. at Blue Pony Stadium.
