The Chinook Sugarbeeters football team bounced back last Friday night with a dominating (66-0) win over Harlem. The stat sheet was stuffed with offensive lines, including a running clock three minutes into the second quarter. However, New Media Broadcasters asked head coach Mike Jones about a defensive aspect of the game, stopping the Wildcats inside the five-yard line not once, but twice before the halftime horn sounded, which led to the momentum of keeping the shutout on the field.
“(It was) big for them because we had by cycling in some kids and so we had some other kids there, especially on the defensive line,” Jones said. “For them to understand what Harlem was doing and to understand what wanted them to do in that situation and coming in at subs was huge for them.”
“I think it was huge for their confidence,” Jones continued. “It showed us some depth that we have.”
“Then, our young kids really stepped up that second half,” Jones said. “We put it on their shoulders and they preserved that shutout. It was big for our young kids’ confidence and our subs there.”
From one week to the next, Chinook has been practicing for its next challenge in Shelby. The Coyotes have been a sneaky team, beating both Rocky Boy and Harlem, while losing to Choteau in a common opponent matchup. Jones did not want to shine a light on Shelby, but rather discuss how his team has long prepared for each game in the same way.
“Our emphasis on drive after drive is to win each drive,” Jones said. “(We) really pay attention to our keys that we’re trying to teach (the players).”
“That will put them in a position to be successful, regardless of the opponent.” Jones continued. “We’re not looking at this necessarily as an (individual team, but) more this is what they do and these are the keys that they need to read and how are we going to accomplish that and win each drive.”
Chinook (2-2) will look to get above .500 for the first time this year as the Beeters play host to Shelby (2-1) on Friday night. Tony Vigliotti will have the call on KRYK-101.3FM and HiLineToday.com starting around 7pm.
