Northern football got off to a great start against Montana Tech last week, forcing a turnover that led to a score almost immediately to tie the game at 7. The Lights also started the third quarter with the ball and marched all the way down the field for a touchdown.
Unfortunately, those would be the only two chances the Lights had to get into the end zone as Tech routed them, (54-14). New Media Broadcasters got head coach Jerome Souers’ thoughts as he broke down what he saw in Butte.
“We were disappointed with the outcome and the score,” Souers said. “Defensively, it was probably the poorest game we played all year.”
“I’m proud of the way our guys continue to work to improve,” Souers continued. “They understand they have to continue to stay at their skill development and the team chemistry, learning to trust each other.”
“(Sophomore quarterback) Ashton (Platt) came in (and) ran the triple (option) a couple of times really well and showed what is possible with this offense,” Souers said. “I’m pleased that we are continuing our trajectory of improvement, but we’re running out of opportunities to get a win.”
There may be a microcosm in this season as Rocky Mountain College comes to Tilleman Field for the final game of 2024. Northern has the chance to fend off the Battlin’ Bears and pick up a Frontier Conference win for the first time in over three years after the visitors knocked off the Lights down in Billings earlier this season, (27-12). Coach Souers used a movie quote to fire up everyone who supports Northern Athletics in regard to what he hopes to see on the field on Saturday.
“I don’t think there will be anybody fooling anybody. I mean, maybe here and there, but not like some games can be,” Souers said. “I think these teams know each other really well.”
“It’s always been a battle. They’re a very competitive program,” Souers continued. “Coach (Chris) Stutz(riem) does a great job, but personally, in my humble opinion, I’m hoping it’s ‘Rocky 2’ where the underdog comes back and wins.”
“That’s what I’d like to see play out. It should be a good game,” Souers said. “Our guys (are) excited about playing again and seeing how much better they can demonstrate.”
Rocky Mountain (2-7, 1-6 in the Frontier) faces MSU-Northern in Havre on Saturday afternoon for Senior Day. Noah Friedman has you covered on KPQX-92.5FM and HiLineToday.com starting around 12pm.
