Cowboys vs. Whitefish
Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
A few – okay, considerably more than a “few” – drippings regarding the Cowboys in anticipation of their quarterfinal game against Whitefish this Saturday:

Of all of the great teams the Cowboys have ever had, this may be the most balanced team CCDHS has ever fielded. They average 171.5 yards per game through the air – easily the most in team history – and 192.5 on the ground. Those aren’t just random numbers that mean little. It’s common knowledge that CCDHS has had a long tradition of dominant rushing offenses and, over the last few seasons, has placed more of an emphasis on the pass than the team had seen before. But the 2014 season marks the first time the Cowboys have been equally dangerous on the ground or through the air.

First, a little history: From 1992 - the first season since the Gary Lucas-led offenses of the early 1980s that the Cowboys passed more than a handful of times per game - to 2013, Miles City averaged 318 ypg of total offense. Of that 220 ypg, or 69.2% of the total offensive output, has been via the rush, meaning that the Cowboys could generally expect to gain more than twice as many yards on the ground as through the air (98 ypg, 30.8%). Only once during that span (2012) did the Cowboys generate more offense via the pass than the rush.

The Cowboys’ shift toward balance started last season, when they rushed for 205 yards per game and passed for another 148 per contest. But this season – one that has seen the Cowboys post an 8-2 record and reach the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2011 – has witnessed a real evolution from the double-edged sword that cuts both ways to the 1000-bladed swordball that slashes the s**t out of everyone.

Prior to last season, when the Cowboys rushed for 205.4 ypg and passed for 148.1 ypg (a difference of 57.3 ypg), the closest CCDHS ever had to offensive equilibrium came in non-playoff seasons with mediocre records (1999 (4-4) – 48.3 ypg difference between rushing and passing, and 2012 (4-5) – 40.7 ypg difference between passing and rushing). The Cowboys rush for just 21 more yards per game than they average through the air, and it’s by design. It’s not as though Miles City can’t run, as was the case 2012, but that the Cowboys are equally adept at running and passing and have the wherewithal to utilize both facets of their offense symmetrically.

Yes, I know that made for some reading, so here’s a bit of more-relative perspective: there are six Class A teams that have averaged more passing yards than the Cowboys this season, but none of them have TWO players (Matt Blunt and Alec Haughian) who each have over 500 yards passing in 2014. Blunt and Haughian are the only teammates in the state who have each had over 150 yards passing in separate games or more than 100 in the same contest. They’re also the only teammates who both have double-digit totals in touchdown passes. Together, they’ve completed 105 of 183 passes (57.4%) for 1715 yards and 26 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. Not only are the Cowboys historically prolific, they’re also historically efficient.

In his first season as a starter, Blunt has topped 100 yards passing six times, one off Cowboys’ single-season record. He’s just the 10th CCHDS QB to top 1000 yards in a single season and his 16 touchdowns rank fourth all-time in a given year. He’s completed 65 of his 115 passes for 1098 yards. His 56.5% completion rate ranks fourth all-time among Cowboy quarterbacks for a single season and his passer rating of 103.2 is good for sixth.

Unlike some quarterback platoons that are utilized to cover shortcomings in their quarterbacks’ games, there is no drop off when Haughian takes the snaps. Haughian has completed 40 of his 67 passes for 617 yards, 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions this year. His 59.7% completion rate is the best in team history, as his 129.8 passer rating (and his 0.00 interception percentage). Only Butte Central’s Danny Peoples and Dillon’s J.D. Ferris have a better passer rating this season than Haughian.

Haughian is the team’s leading rusher (150-929-16) and its leading receiver (25-524-7). Only Billings Central’s Holden Ryan, Hamilton’s Alex Draper, Frenchtown’s Gus Butler, Libby’s Zach Crace, and Butte Central’s Kyle Harrington – all featured running backs – have gained more ground with their legs and only Hamilton’s Bridger Bauder, Butte Central’s Chad Peterson and Cole Harper, and Whitefish’s Jed Nagler have a higher yards per reception average.

Haughian finished the regular season with 1,776 yards of total offense and 28 combined touchdowns, totals that ranked sixth and tied for second, respectively. With another monster game in the playoffs against Havre (6-12-106-1-0 passing, 16-130-3 rushing, 1-35-1 receiving), he is presently averaging 204.7 yards of total offense per game and has scored more touchdowns this season (33) than any player in CCDHS history. He has, quite frankly, established himself as one of the very best players to have played Class A football for any team.

But the Cowboys aren’t just the Alec Haughian show.

Not only do the Cowboys have multiple gifted quarterbacks, they have myriad weapons at their disposal.

Miles City has four different players who have gone over the 100-yard threshold in receiving yards in a single game this year: Haughian (108 vs. Powell), Tyler Burk (111 vs. Glendive), Brett Keith (130 vs. Havre), and Wyatt Lesh (105 vs. Glendive). The only other Class A team with as many as three separate players with 100-yard receiving games is Havre. Three Cowboys have had 100-yard rushing games this year: Blunt (122 vs. Billings Central), (Haughian (five times), and Jared Bartlett (125 vs. Livingston). The only other team that can make the same claim is Sidney. And Miles City is the only team to have a player (Haughian) to have a player gain over 100 yards rushing and receiving (107/108 vs. Powell). In addition, Haughian is one of only five Class A players with over 100 yards passing and 100 rushing (106/130 vs. Havre). No other player has had separate games over the century mark in all three categories this year.

Haughian (25-524-7), Keith (23-418-9), Burk (18-294-4), and Lesh (18-266-4) give the Cowboys their first-ever foursome of 200-yard receivers. And with three players – Haughian (150-929-16), Burk (60-324-2), Bartlett (47-303-1) having rushed for over 300 yards – and two more solid rushing threats (Blunt and Evan Haughian) with the ability to gain yardage in chunks, there is no single player on which defenses can key in which to completely neutralize the Cowboys’ offense.

And no matter how talented a team’s cadre of backs and receivers may be, an offense can’t go anywhere without an outstanding offensive line. The contributions of senior left tackle Joey Kurkowski (6’5”, 245), junior left guard Cord Murray (5’11”, 250), senior center Morgan Bishop (6’2” 260), junior right guard Ryan Haughian (6’1”, 240), and junior right tackle Jaden Senger (6’5”, 210) cannot be understated. With an average height over 6’2” and a mean weight of 241 pounds, the Cowboys boast one of the largest starting lines in the state. Bishop and Murray are returning all-conference selections and it’s a fair bet that they will repeat that honor this season and be joined by at least a couple of their linemates.

I will be posting some info regarding Whitefish as the day progresses, as well as some memories I have regarding another game against the Bulldogs from a few years back, but I hope this tides people over for now.
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Posted by cubby (+2666) 8 years ago
They have some of their lead players out with injuries for this game, so wish them the best but not looking good.
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Posted by Bridgier (+9506) 8 years ago
Who's hurt?
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Posted by cubby (+2666) 8 years ago
Let me get some names for you. Haughin is out, Brett Kieth is out and someone is saying Lesh but not sure on the fourth

[This message has been edited by cubby (11/7/2014)]
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18349) 8 years ago
Haughian's out? Damn, that's tough.
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
Under the lights where we stand tall
Nobody touches us at all
Showdown, shootout, spread fear within, without
We're gonna take what's ours to have
Spread the word throughout the land
They say the bad guys wear black (blue & gold)
We're tagged and can't turn back

You see us comin'
And you all together run for cover
We're taking over this town

Here we come reach for your gun
And you better listen well my friend, you see
It's been slow down below,
Aimed at you we're the cowboys from hell
Deed is done again, we've won
Ain't talking no tall tales friend
'Cause high noon, your doom
Comin' for you we're the Cowboys from Hell

Pillage the village, trash the scene
But better not take it out on me
'Cause a ghost town is found
Where your city used to be
So out of the darkness and into the light
Sparks fly everywhere in sight
From my double barrel, 12 gauge,
Can't lock me in your cage

You see us comin'
And you all together run for cover
We're taking over this town

Here we come reach for your gun
And you better listen well my friend, you see
It's been slow down below,
Aimed at you we're the cowboys from hell
Deed is done again, we've won
Ain't talking no tall tales friend
'Cause high noon, your doom
Comin' for you we're the Cowboys from Hell


- Cowboys From Hell, Pantera

The "Cowboys from Hell" is the unofficial nickname of the 1994 Custer County Cowboys, the best football team CCDHS ever fielded. That team - of which I am extremely proud to have played on - set numerous school records, not the least of which was turning in the first 11-0 mark in team history. The 1994 Cowboys also set a new Class 'A' mark for points scored (419, since broken) and generally dominated every team they played that year.

The only team Miles City did not defeat by double-digits were the Whitefish Bulldogs, to whom the Cowboys traveled 625 miles to play in a semifinal contest on Nov. 5, 1994. That game ended up being the most dramatic game of the entire season for Miles City and was the closest the Cowboys came to having their dreams of winning their first state championship in nine seasons crushed. But a furious fourth quarter rally in the cold and mud led to overtime and an 18-12 come-from-behind victory win what ended up being more of a state championship game than the actual chipper a week later (the Cowboys' 43-7 demolition of the visiting Havre Blue Ponies).

Of all of the games I ever played in high school, the Whitefish game was the one that stood out to me the most for several reasons. The first is that it was the biggest gut check by any team with which I've ever been associated. Our team - which had championship aspirations since the first practice of our freshmen years - was uniquely talented and had a rare blend of size, speed, and experience by the time we were juniors and seniors. A undefeated season and championship trophy was our goal - anything short of that would have made for a wasted season.

Those of us who played in the state championship loss to Sidney the year before were especially sensitive to the thought of letting down our teammates and our hometown. The Cowboys had more of a history of falling short in big games than coming through when it most mattered and we refused to add to that legacy. When we found ourselves losing by two scores with just over six minutes to play, we had the opportunity to define how our team would be remembered.

The second reason I remember that game so well is because it allowed me to have the best moment of my athletic career. I always had good size and quickness, but I was my own worst enemy when it came to sports. My not-so-secret blend of ADD, Anxiety, and Depression often got in the way of what I needed to do to be the best player I could. The years since then have made life easier to adapt to my brain chemistry, but as an 18-year-old, I was a walking raw nerve and, in the eyes of a few of my coaches and teammates, pretty much a head case. But I digress. On that day, when it mattered most and I had the opportunity to help my team achieve its goals, I came through.

Thirdly - and most personally - the game was the only one I was ever able to play in front of my Mom, my Dad, and my Uncle Dale. Dad and Dale, the two members of my family who I wanted to most impress athletically, were both there to see my team at our best and see my best moment in the Cowboys uniform I loved so much. As this week marks the 20th anniversary of that game, it also marks four weeks since Dale died unexpectedly. When I think of Dale, one of the things that first comes to mind is the photo of him and Dad and me after the game. It was one of my proudest moments and I was able to share it with him.

...

On that day, the Cowboys and Bulldogs played on a very cold and very muddy field that had been cleared not only of the snow that fell the night before, but also a fair amount of its turf. The Cowboys were able to gain ground throughout most of the game, but more often than not, we would bog down on fourth down and have to give the ball back to Whitefish. The Bulldogs didn't fair much better, but they did capitalize on a long punt return that set up a shortened field for their first score and a high snap on a Miles City punt that gave Whitefish a 12-0 lead midway through the third quarter.

Miles City and Whitefish traded possessions as the game entered the fourth quarter with the Bulldogs up, 12-0. When the Cowboys got the ball back with 8:49 remaining, the comeback began in earnest. Miles City drove to the Whitefish 44-yard line and faced fourth-and-two. A conversion meant our season would continue for at least another seven minutes of game time. Failing to make the play would likely have ended the season short of our goal. Fortunately, Joe Baker ran for 23 yards off left tackle and helped save our season.

I happened to be the left tackle. Having been in a platoon at that position during that game with Eric Hartman, I rotated in during the timeout before the play. I faced a defensive lineman who outweighed me by a good 50 pounds, but I threw the block of my life, drove him toward the interior as Joe ran past me and kept driving until he was on his back and Joe was 20 yards downfield. I did my job when it mattered and had my moment. Bryan Larson hit Danny Friend for a 21-yard touchdown pass on the next play, and we were finally on the board.

Our defense was reinvigorated by the touchdown was able to drive Whitefish backwards on the Bulldogs' subsequent possession. After a punt, the Cowboys got the ball back their 35-yard line with a few minutes left on the clock. Larson hit Ryan Wagner for a 40-yard pass and a couple of penalties put us on their doorstep. On second-and-goal from the 7-yard line, Larson passed to Dustin Frize, who outfought the defender covering him for the ball and the game was tied with :32 left. As was the case with each touchdown scored that day, the PAT failed and we went to overtime.

Whitefish got the ball first in the extra frame and was driving the ball well until Hartman and Jeff Regan stood up the ballcarrier and forced a fumble that was recovered by Hartman. One play later, fullback Colin Wood ran up the middle on a trap play when the defense keyed on Baker. Touchdown Cowboys, season saved, gut checked, legacy protected, long ass bus ride home.

Twenty years later, the Cowboys (8-2) are again heading to Whitefish, this time for a quarterfinal matchup against the Northwest 'A' Conference champions, who posted a 7-2 record during the regular season. Miles City advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Havre, 48-47 in overtime at Denton Field, while Whitefish had a bye for having won its division.

The 2014 Custer County Cowboys are special for their own reasons and these aren't the same Bulldogs, either. The Cowboys are coming of of their own defining moment and it remains to be seen how they fare in their biggest game of the season to this point. I would love to see a 36-point win, but I'll settle for any margin that has Miles City on top. I hope the Cowboys play to the best of their abilities and leave everything they can on the field. If they do, I like their chances against anyone on the state and I'll spend future hours writing about their exploits.

I'll have more on the Bulldogs here today. For now, here's the short version in Haiku form:

Whitefish has talent
But opponents were weak sauce
'Dogs vulnerable

Cowboys deep, hungry
Require total team effort
Pain temporary
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
Brett Keith and Wyatt Lesh are not out. Final decision has not made on Alec.

Unless you're trying to trick Whitefish into thinking that the Cowboys are going into the game sans wideouts, there's no need to start instilling panic here.
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Posted by cubby (+2666) 8 years ago
Brian, I'm sorry for the mis informed info I'm getting. My boss's son plays for them and the boss told us yesterday that there was 3 and possiable 4 really good must have players that were not going to be able to play in the game. I will go back to my coner and be quite now.
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Posted by Bridgier (+9506) 8 years ago
I can offer a different perspective than Brian - that of making the 652 mile trek only to give the game away in the second half, and the 1992 season with it.

We weren't a great team by any means, and I doubt we set any records that still stand, but we were a pretty good team. A common thread between that squad 22 years ago and the one today is Johnny Tooke. I'm not sure if he's going to be allowed on the sidelines, but I hope he's at the game. One of the last memories I have of wearing the blue and gold is sitting in that locker room in whitefish, watching the tears run down Johnny's cheeks.

It sucks to lose, and it sucks even worse to be done. One more week.

Ungawa! Ungawa! Ungawa!
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
Cubby - I didn't mean to come across as sharply as I did. I apologize for offending you.
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Posted by cubby (+2666) 8 years ago
It's all good Brian. None taken. Really hope they pull it off, just didn't sound good for what I had heard. GO COWBOYS
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
Tomorrow's game will be the seventh meeting all-time between the Cowboys and the Whitefish Bulldogs, but the first since 1995. Here is the playoff history between the teams that rank first and fifth, respectively, in victories among Class A programs since the start of the 1980 season:

1984 (semifinals) - Miles City 21, @Whitefish 0 (Keith Wittenhagen rushed for 35-195-3)
1987 (quarterfinals) - Whitefish 16, @Miles City 7 (the Cowboys' only home loss in the series)
1992 (quarterfinals) - @Whitefish 20, Miles City 14 (the Cowboys led, 14-0, at halftime)
1993 (quarterfinals) - Miles City 45, @Whitefish 6 (no comeback this time for the Bulldogs)
1994 (semifinals) - Miles City 18, @Whitefish 12, OT (see post above)
1995 (semifinals) - @Miles City 31, Whitefish 20 (at the time of the game, the previously-undefeated Bulldogs had the best scoring defense in Class A since 1980 and had only allowed 27 points total all season).

Overall, the Cowboys lead the series 4-2.

Here is Whitefish's schedule so far this season:

Havre (A) - W, 27-14
Browning (A) - W, 48-0
Belgrade (H) - L, 29-28
Corvallis (A) - L, 34-20
Columbia Falls (A) - W, 20-15
Polson (A) - W, 28-0
Livingston (H) - W, 52-15
Frenchtown (A) - W, 35-9
Libby (H) - W, 45-0

Through nine games, the Bulldogs (7-2) have scored 302 points (33.6 ppg) and allowed 123 (13.7 ppg). They feature a well-balanced offense that averages 226 yards through the air and 174 on the ground for a total of 400 total yards per game. Among playoff qualifiers, they rank fourth in passing, ninth in rushing, and third overall. Defensively, they're allowing an average of 102 passing yards and 65 rushing yards per game. Their 167 yards per game allowed is the second-best among playoff teams.

Junior quarterback Luke May is one of the best players in the state and can beat teams with his arm and his legs. He's completed 117 of 180 passes for 1967 yards and 23 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He had the third most passing yards per game (246) and had the fourth-best rating (129.8) among all passers.

Like Havre's Dane Warp, May has been a starter since he was a freshman and is already one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Class A history. His career totals (366-598-5549-53-16) are all in the top 10 all-time and he has a full season remaining to add to them.

What's scary for opponents is that unlike Warp, he's nearly as much a threat to run the ball as he is to pass it. May has led the Bulldogs in rushing in each of the last two seasons and has rushed for 597 yards and five touchdowns on 120 carries so far this year. His 285 total yards per game rank first among Class A players this season.

May's primary targets this season have been junior Jed Nagler and senior Jack Streibich. Nagler has caught 44 passes for 914 yards and 10 scores and Streibich has added 35 receptions for 636 yards and 10 scores. They have been the most prolific duo in Class A this season and are the only pair of teammates with double-digit TD totals.

Junior Chris Park has been the leading ground-gainer among the Bulldogs' running backs, rushing for 510 yards and five scores on just 67 carries, good for a 7.61 average. He's also added 14 catches for 148 yards and another touchdown.

On paper, the Bulldogs look like a very formidable team, and given as they will be hosting a playoff game for just the second time since 2005, they will have a hometown edge. But Whitefish has won exactly one playoff game since 2002 and have a lengthy history of losing at home in the postseason, that advantage should be soaked in a brine for a bit before swallowing.

It should also be mentioned that the Bulldogs have the second-softest opponents' win-loss record among Class A playoff teams (34-44) this season and have played only two playoff teams that didn't have losing records. Whipping up on Browning, Polson, Livingston, Frenchtown, and Libby (combined record: 10-35) only goes so far, especially when facing a seasoned team that had to battle its way through the extremely tough Eastern 'A'.

But Whitefish did give Belgrade (with a healthy Brayden Konkol) a great fight before losing by a single point and Corvallis was no slouch this season, so they can't be dismissed as being weak, either.

The Cowboys are a bit banged up right now and are coming off as emotional a contest as the program has ever experienced. And even though they'll have driven a distance farther than the journey to Denver just to get to the game, I think they'll be fired up for this one from the moment they step off the bus. A win gives Miles City homefield advantage throughout the playoffs (provided the championship opponent isn't Billings Central, which had a better finish in the division) and few teams are as difficult to beat at home than the Cowboys.

My prediction for the game is that the Cowboys find a way to win, regardless of who is on the field. It'll be tough, but Miles City is deep enough and hungry enough to get it done. They've faced a tougher schedule and the experience of having to run the gauntlet to get to this point will pay off.

Predicted final score: Cowboys 28, Whitefish 20 (yes, it was my predicted score for last week, but it's got to work for me eventually, right?)

[This message has been edited by Brian A. Reed (11/7/2014)]
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18349) 8 years ago
Go Cowboys as well. Beat those latte drinking SOBs!
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Posted by MR (+401) 8 years ago
GO COWBOYS !!!!!
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Posted by boxdmc (+93) 8 years ago
The unsung hero of this Cowboy team is Evan Haughian in my opinion. I'm not trying to take anything away from the others I'm just saying Evan is big on support to make things happen. He's still having knee issues I think but he'll step up hard today if needed.

[This message has been edited by boxdmc (11/8/2014)]
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Posted by Jeri Dalbec (+3264) 8 years ago
Good luck, Cowboys. A great bunch of guys who all make it happen. They sure showed us last week?
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
Boxdmc - I agree with you. I've had a feeling all week that today will be Evan's day to shine. But regardless of who today's heroes end up being, I have a good feeling that the Cowboys will come out on top. It will take all of them in order for them to get where they want to be at the end of the day, though.

Good luck today, Cowboys! You know what you need to do. Now's the time to do it.
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Posted by mkph (+19) 8 years ago
Will this game be broadcast on the radio? If so what station?
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Posted by kent koester (+280) 8 years ago
Cowboy game will have a feed from Whitefish, it will be broadcast on 770 KATL plus they will have it on the internet and also on their app for your smart phone.
Brian as also you do a great job of doing the stats.
GOOD LUCK Cowboys!!!!

[This message has been edited by kent koester (11/8/2014)]
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Posted by Kyle Stanton (+311) 8 years ago
Go Cowboys! Cowboys up early 7 0
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Posted by David Schott (+18391) 8 years ago
Tied 7 - 7 with 4:28 left in the 1st quarter.
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Posted by David Schott (+18391) 8 years ago
Here's a link to KATL's "Listen Now" streaming page:

http://katlradio.com/listen-now.html
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Posted by David Schott (+18391) 8 years ago
Miles City 14, Whitefish 7 with 1:57 left in the 1st quarter.
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Posted by kent koester (+280) 8 years ago
Half time Cowboys lead 20 to 7
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Posted by David Schott (+18391) 8 years ago
Miles City 20, Whitefish 14 with 5:40 left in the 3rd quarter.
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Posted by David Schott (+18391) 8 years ago
Miles City 20, Whitefish 21 late in the 3rd quarter.
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
Whitefish now up, 21-20, with a few minutes left in the third quarter.
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Posted by Kyle Stanton (+311) 8 years ago
Come on Cowboys!
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Posted by David Schott (+18391) 8 years ago
Miles City 23, Whitefish 21 with 11:10 left in the 4th quarter.
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Posted by kent koester (+280) 8 years ago
First field goal all year for the cowboys 27 yarder Cowboys lead 23 21
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Posted by kent koester (+280) 8 years ago
Whitefish now leads 28-23 656 to play
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Posted by kent koester (+280) 8 years ago
Cowboys score lead by 1 with 250 left in the game
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18349) 8 years ago
Defense! Defense!
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Posted by Kyle Stanton (+311) 8 years ago
Let's go defense!!!!!
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Posted by kent koester (+280) 8 years ago
4th down 10 with 35 seconds left
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Posted by kent koester (+280) 8 years ago
incomplete Whitefish takes over on downs Miles City has 3 timeouts 28 seconds
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
Damn.
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Posted by kent koester (+280) 8 years ago
Whitefish Bulldogs win Great game outcome sucks as the Cowboys lose. Cowboys with a great season. Just come up a little short
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
Kent - I emailed you.
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
Congratulations to the Cowboys! While you didn't have the outcome today that you had hoped for, you gave it your all and represented Miles City very well. You had an outstanding year and will be remembered as having had one of the best seasons in Cowboy history. You were fun to watch and follow this year and there is a lot of excitement to look forward to in the years to come.

To the Class of 2015: You have nothing to be ashamed of. You played with as much heart as any senior class I remember. Be proud of your accomplishments and work as hard as you did this season in your future endeavors. If you do, you'll all go far.
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Posted by kent koester (+280) 8 years ago
Brian, I can't get me email please email me at [email protected]
Thanks
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
Sent.
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
A few preliminary notes from today's game:

1.) This is the first time the Cowboys have ever finished a season with an 8-3 record. There's nothing at all significant about that, but I found it worth noting.

2.) Matthew Blunt tied one of the longest-standing passing records in the CCDHS books today when he threw his 19th touchdown pass of the season. Chris Morford first set the mark in 1997. Morford played in 10 games that year, but Blunt split snaps at quarterback with Alec Haughian, so I'm inclined to view Blunt's mark as being the more impressive of the two.

I don't have the official stats from the game yet, but Blunt entered the contest needing 265 yards to tie Jordan Bryant's team record of 1,363 yards, set in 2008. I don't know if Blunt had nearly that many against Whitefish, but if he did, he would have also come very close to breaking another venerable CCHDS record: Bryan Larson's mark of 268 passing yards against Laurel in 1994.

3.) Alec Haughian's three touchdown receptions gave him 10 for the season, setting the CCDHS single-season receiving touchdown record and making him the first player in Class A history to pass (10), rush (16), and receive (10) double-digit TD totals in each category in a single season. His 36 total touchdowns this year are a CCDHS record and one of the top 10 single-season efforts in the history of Class A football. He finished his career with 62 total touchdowns, tying the school record set by Ben Herzog last season.

When I get the complete stats for this game, I'll post as many tidbits as I can.
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18349) 8 years ago
Personally, I'd rather see the Cowboys lose a squeaker to Whitefish in the semi-finals, rather than get crushed by Billings Central in the finals.
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Posted by Brian A. Reed (+6123) 8 years ago
Billings Central won't reach the chipper. Dillon will crush the Rams next week.
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18349) 8 years ago
We can only hope.
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Posted by boxdmc (+93) 8 years ago
Gunnar, when have we seen MC get crushed in the finals by BC? I've been following Cowboy football for quite a while and it seems that the Cowboys win when it matters with BC. 2008 and 2010. What state championships have the Cowboys lost to BC in?
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18349) 8 years ago
I was referring to this year. I was disheartened by the 42-0 score BC put up against Hamilton Saturday.
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Posted by Shu (+1798) 8 years ago
Obviously, the games need to actually be played before we know how they'll turn out, but Dillon does seem to be peaking at the right time.

They did lose close ones to both Billings Central and Butte Central and squeaked out a 1-point win over Laurel, but those were all earlier in the season. Since then, they've been blowing their opponents away. They trounced the Belgrade team the Cowboys couldn't beat last week. I don't have the facts in front of me, but I can't help but wonder if Dillon might have had a key player or 2 out with injuries that have made the difference?

Meanwhile, I am proud as always of the Cowboys! Obviously I'd have liked them to win it all, but sometimes it just doesn't work out. Good season, fellas.
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Posted by David Schott (+18391) 8 years ago
The Butte Central Maroons beat the Whitefish Bulldogs yesterday in Whitefish 37 - 13.

The Dillon Beavers beat the Billings Central Rams yesterday in Dillon 21 - 19.

The Class A state football championship between Dillon and Butte Central will be next Saturday in Butte.
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