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Ponies look to keep the ball rolling in Hardin

Week Three: Stop the Dawgs

The Havre High football team had a great game in week two against the Glendive Red Devils and now the Ponies will move into week three and play another familiar opponent in Hardin.

Havre will play the Bulldogs tonight at 7 in the Hardin Stadium. Last time the two teams met; the Blue Ponies shut out the Bulldogs 24-0 in their season-opener. But with a new year, things can be different.

Havre Head Coach Ryan Gatch knows this all too well.

"When you play down in the jungle in Hardin, man they love their sports down there," says Gatch. "Every time we go down there it's been a hard, knock-down, dragged-out fight. They're a big, physical and athletic football team."

Hardin has had a tough season so far. With an 0-2 record, the team is hungry for a win and looks to make one against Havre. The Bulldogs season opener was a less than admirable result, being shut out by Laurel 49-0. Hardin's week two game also ended in an unfortunate fashion; once again being shut out by Miles City 41-0.

Even with a losing record, one can never underestimate the underdog. Havre will have to keep steady in the game at all times.

The Ponies have put up impressive battles with both Sidney and Glendive. And Hardin will be another opportunity to secure a good record and a potential playoff spot later in the season.

Havre will be utilizing its best weapons in the game. Senior running back Mason Dionne aims to have another great running game after putting up some impressive stats against Glendive in week two. Senior quarterback Reese Bulkley, the Blue Pony offensive line and the defense will also look to repeat their stellar performances. After all, consistency is key on the field, no matter who you play.

The Blue Ponies put up 272 total yards of offense and an intense defense against Glendive in week two, plus a heated performance against Sidney in their season opener. Needless to say, Havre has a lot going for them this season. Another opportunity to win is right around the corner for the Ponies. It is down to them to execute and finish throughout the match against Hardin.

Havre also has to face another challenge against the Bulldogs - the crowd.

The crowds on the road are loud. Hardin fans have been known to make some noise and amplify it to the max. Communication will have to be precise and spot-on for the Ponies.

Home games always give the home team an extra boost thanks to the constant cheering of the fans. At Hardin, it makes the team a force to be reckoned with. Being a tough, physical team and adding a loud and proud fanbase on top of that can make a game something somewhat intimidating for the away team.

Gatch knows that the crowd at Hardin will be fired up for a home game.

"They got great fan support," says Gatch. "They're gonna be revved up to have a home game against the Blue Ponies and show that they're here to stay in the Eastern A."

In the end, Havre will have to face a team and a crowd that will look to be an obstacle for the boys to overcome. Gatch and his team have been practicing and preparing for this game since their win against Glendive. It will be make or break down in the jungle.

"We've got a lot of work to do this week," Gatch said.

The Blue Ponies and Bulldogs meet tonight at 7 in Hardin.

Havre (1-1) at Hardin (0-2)

Tonight at 7 p.m.

in Hardin

Radio: 610 KOJM AM

 

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