Finally, the Blue Ponies return to Friday night

The Havre High football team's regular season is starting to wind down. With two more games left, the Blue Ponies are aiming for a postseason berth.

Havre's road to the postseason will not come easily, though, especially since the first obstacle in the way is the Billings Central Rams.

The Ponies have one objective: win. When it comes to tonight's away game against the Rams at Herb Klindt Field, Havre plans to upset Billings Central and earn a spot in the playoffs.

Havre High head coach Ryan Gatch and his team are ready to go down to Billings Central and play a football game after their two-week bye.

"All of our players are excited," said Gatch. "We're ecstatic to be playing a football game. They're excited to go out and play another game of football."

With a possibility of finding a playoff game in their midst, it is understandable that the Ponies are in good spirits and ready to compete. The game against the Rams is a big one for Havre and if the team can find its rhythm, HHS is certain to make some noise.

But the Blue Ponies have a tough history against the Rams. Last season, Billings Central shut out Havre 49-0 and in the 2017 season, the Rams thumped the Ponies 55-0. Havre hopes to find some traction this year against BCCHS.

Billings Central's defense is a key roadblock for the Ponies. The Rams have a stout and intense defensive scheme. The Rams defense has halted many teams' offensive drive this season. BCCHS' defense has put up three shutouts this season against Sidney, Glendive and Hardin. The Rams first game of the season had a good defensive showcase, as well, holding Lewistown to just seven-points.

Gatch knows the Billings Central defense is a force to be reckoned with.

"They're fast and physical," Gatch said. "Well coached, too. There defensive coach and d-coordinator have been there for a long time. Anytime you have staff continuity and cohesion like that, the kids know what to expect."

Gatch takes the Rams defense seriously, especially certain points.

"The linebackers are athletic," Gatch continued. "They get downhill and they'll come at you, challenge you to run the ball and dare you to make some mistakes."

Billings Central's defense is nothing to joke about. And going up against a defense that stops a team from effectively moving the ball can be taxing on an offense.

But the Rams have had their fair share of struggles on the defense, as well.

Against high-powered offenses, Billings Central's defense finds a few problems. In a home game against Laurel, the Rams were not able to contain the Locomotives' consistency on offense and allowed a 33-0 shutout. Last week, Miles City and its powerful offense was too much for Billings Central, leading to a Cowboy's victory 41-10.

Havre will have to maintain a consistent and effective offensive front when playing the Rams tonight. If the Blue Ponies can keep a few steps ahead of Billings Central, they will have many opportunities to stay in the game.

Gatch is looking for his team to catch up to speed in tonight's game, along with some other key factors that can lead his team to succeed.

"Keys for us will be winning the turnover game," said Gatch. "We got to take the ball away from them as much as possible. Anytime they give us an opportunity, we got to be swarming the football if it pops out on the ground or we rip the ball out."

The offense for the Ponies has expectations from Gatch, as well.

"When our quarterback throws it to our guys, we got to catch it," Gatch continued. "On offense we got to get something going. We've been stagnant the last couple of weeks."

Havre's offense will look to step up against the Rams and the team has a good variety of options to choose from in their offensive attack.

Senior running back Mason Dionne has been a major factor in the Ponies' success in the run-game. Dionne's physicality and prowess in his position will be a good weapon for big plays and goal-line offense. Junior Kellen Detrick will be another great help in Havre's rushing-offense and for possible passing options.

The main focus for the Blue Pony offense will fall on their passing game. Senior quarterback Reese Bulkley will look to use his many skills to connect with receivers, pick up yards using his legs and even catch a few passes if needed.

Bulkley is looking to make some noise against the Rams and has the right mindset going into tonight's game.

"Our goals are, of course, to win and compete," said Bulkley. "As well as just have a good time and have fun."

On the defensive side of the ball, Havre will have to be in top-shape to stop the Billings Central offense. The Rams have put up some big numbers this season against many teams and if the Ponies can contain the offensive push, then they will have an even better chance of coming home with a win.

Tonight's game will be a test for HHS. The team is fired up after having the last two weeks off, and the Ponies are ready to go down to Billings and wreak some havoc.

The Blue Ponies kick off against Billings Central tonight at 7 at Herb Klindt Field in Billings.

Havre Blue Ponies (3-3) at Billings Central Rams (4-2)

Tonight at 7 p.m.

in Billings

Radio: 610 KOJM AM