The Havre Blue Ponies football team won (33-28) over the East Helena Vigilantes in their most recent action last Friday night. New Media Broadcasters had the opportunity to catch up with Blue Ponies head coach Jake Eldridge after the game and he broke down Havre’s big win.
“I couldn’t be (prouder) of a group of kids,” Eldridge said. “(They just overcame) so much adversity and they finished.”
‘We talked to our leadership group about trust (and) about belief,” Eldridge continued. “Boy, did it have to come true and they did it.”
Eldridge went on to talk about how the defense was an x-factor in the victory.
“It’s always about being fundamentally sound on defense and the guys did that,” Eldridge said. “Especially in the second half in the big moments when we needed them to.”
“It’s a heck of an offense over there and their quarterback is very dynamic and they’ve got some great backs and receivers to make sure that you’re disciplined with your reads and your keys and doing what you’re supposed to do,” Eldridge continued.
Running back Tate Nelson made a triumphant return from injury and had multiple rushing touchdowns for the Blue Ponies. Eldridge said Nelson’s play on the field was huge.
“Obviously, a huge night for him,” Eldridge said. “It’s huge for our offense when we have him back there.”
“The offense was blocking their tail off for him,” Eldridge continued. “(Nelson) was making people miss and breaking tackles.”
“We just put it on him and he carried the way,” Eldridge said.
Havre is back at Blue Pony Stadium this Friday night for a showdown with the Laurel Locomotives. Kickoff is set for 7pm and it will be broadcast on KOJM-610AM, 98.3FM, 92.5 Digital Channel 3, and HiLineToday.com
