On a night where the temperature plummeted into the teens, the Havre High football team brought the heat, shutting out the Lockwood Lions by a score of (38-0) in the first round of Class A State Playoff action.
The Blue Ponies were dynamic on the defensive side of the ball, recording three sacks and recovering two fumbles.
“It was team defense,” Havre coach Jake Eldridge said after the game. “(Lockwood senior quarterback Tyce Casterline) is a dynamic football player. We knew their running backs were real quick and shifty guys than ran hard.”
“We played gap defense and sound and together as one unit,” Eldridge continued. “(The defense) played with a chip on their shoulder because they know they didn’t play as good the last time they played (Lockwood). They had a bit to prove and they did great.”
Junior running back Tate Nelson carried the ball for over 100 yards and four touchdowns before the first half even ended.
“The offensive line performed when they needed to,” Nelson said, giving credit to the bigs up front who blocked for him. “We really needed this win to move on in the playoffs.”
Havre (7-3) recorded its second straight shutout at home and the Blue Ponies are moving on to the second round of the 2023 MHSA Class ‘A’ Football State Playoffs, where the Beaverhead County Beavers are waiting in Dillon. They are the No. 1 seed out of the west and have an undefeated record of (8-0). That game is to be determined, but it will be next week.
“It’s a great matchup,” Nelson said. “Dillon is pretty good. It’ll be a tough game (and) a dog fight. I think we’ll pull out with (the win).”
“I’ve had a chance to watch (Dillon) a little bit,” Eldridge said. “It’s going to be a great challenge for us and we’re excited about it.”
“We’ve earned ourselves another opportunity,” Eldridge continued. “Why not go down there and shock the world a little bit?”
