Hawks corral the Dogies in opening week football action

The Broadus Hawk High School football team kicked off their first game of the season at home last Friday, playing perennial rival Forsyth. Last year, Forsyth dropped down to 8-man, and were a tough team to beat, going on to play in the state championship game, where they lost to Drummond-Philipsburg.

Forsyth lost a number of their starting players last year, including nine seniors, and started this year with a new coach – Jerry Harris, father of famed Montana football star Tuff Harris.

For Broadus, Head Coach Ross Randall returns for 2018, along with Line Coach Lee Randall. Jerry Coulter also came on as an Assistant Coach. A number of starters returned for 2018, which puts Broadus on track for a good season.

That good season would not take place without first beating Forsyth, and the Hawks didn't disappoint.

Broadus drove down the field early, scoring in the first quarter with a 12-yard run by Tate Harmon for a touchdown.

In the second quarter, Larry Hunt scored from 12 yards to put the Hawks up by two touchdowns, followed by an interception and touchdown return by Freshman Corbin Irish to increase the Hawks lead, 22-0 going into half time.

Broadus continued to increase their lead with another touchdown and two-point conversion in the 4th quarter, sealing the game, 30-0.

Despite the seeming one-sided victory according to the scoreboard, Broadus was not without its faults. A number of missed snaps occurred during the game – Coach Ross Randall changed the ball after half time, which seems to have helped. Still, the Hawks are working with their center-QB exchanges for next week. Additionally, a number of penalties plagued the Hawks, including several false starts.

Randall said that these issues were fixable, and was overall proud of his team's performance. "Our defense played really well. Larry Hunt's defense was outstanding, as was Clay LaPlant's, and Thomas Drane. Corbin's Pick-6 was great. Clay punted really well, and got us out of a couple jams. It was a good win, and a good first game."

This weekend the Hawks host another home game, against Culbertson. Last year, the Hawks beat them in a close game, and Randall says Culbertson remains a tough team this year, with two good running backs.

Larry Hunt, who sustained injuries during the Forsyth game and had to sit out much of the game, is recovered and ready to play this week, according to Randall. The Hawks will have 15 players suited up this weekend against Culbertson.