By Kim Staudinger
The Havre High Blue Ponies football team, coming off a huge win at Whitefish last weekend, looks to continue its success this weekend on the road at Sidney.
The Ponies, ranked No. 1 in the recent Associated Press power poll, have to contend with another long road trip to face a team that has always been tough for Havre to beat. It's 299 miles to Sidney.
"It is tough coming off the bus to say let's play," head coach Troy Purcell said.
The Ponies also have to deal with recent injuries to two players from the trip to Whitefish.
"Steve Harman got hurt on the the opening kick in Whitefish, but he hopes to be back this weekend," Purcell said. "Jared Gabriel came in and played well for Harman, but he may be out for the season with a knee injury."
Starting quarterback Danny Wirtzberger echos Purcell, saying, "He'll (Gabriel) be missed."
Wirtzberger admits Sidney will be tough, but says the Ponies had a good week of practice and will be strong as well.
"They have a tough program. They'll be good," he said. "But I plan for us to look good this weekend."
Fellow senior Kevin Harada looks for experience to work in the Ponies' favor, epecially since Sidney has such a young quarterback.
"They only return three starters, so hopefully the experience will be on our side," he said.
Harada says the Ponies "are ready to break tradition" this weekend at Sidney, mentioning that Havre has not won a football game against the Eagles in recent memory.
"The long trip will work to their advantage," he said. "But, when the kickoff comes, we'll be ready."
Kick off is set for 1 p.m.
