Class AA boys basketball preview
Glacier’s First Season, Flathead’s Best?
Wiley Fusaro fires a ball from the three-point line during the first day of basketball practice at Glacier High School. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
Coach Fred Febach has had some good teams in his five years at the helm of Flathead’s boys basketball team. But he thinks this year’s team could be the best.
The Braves lost only three seniors to graduation and two underclassmen to Glacier High School from last year’s 14-10 state tournament team. So this year Braves’ fans should know what to expect: a tournament-savvy, experienced senior class; a rare combination of speed and size; and, of course, Brock Osweiler’s junior year.
Related: Northwest A Boys Basketball Preview
Flathead High School football and basketball
Faces: Michael Gallagher
Michael Gallagher is a senior football and basketball player at Flathead High School. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
When Michael Gallagher looks back at his career as a Flathead Brave, three football games in particular will come to mind.
In 2006, Gallagher and his team faced off against Butte twice on the road. In each meeting under the lights the Braves walked away the victor.
Braves looking for fourth state title in five years
Wrestling the Record Book
Wrestling head coach Jeff Thompson pumps up his team before practice at Flathead High School. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
After the Flathead Braves’ record-shattering season last year, the best wrestling team in Montana history expects to be even better this year.
With 15 returning state placers out of last year’s remarkable 18, and four returning state champions, it’s hard to argue against the 2007-2008 Braves. But as Flathead enters the season as the obvious Class AA favorite and ranked No. 32 in the nation, coach Jeff Thompson is still cautious.
Class A and AA Volleyball
Sports Buffet: Whitefish and Flathead Fall Short at State
 |
Whitefish's girls volleyball team made it to the state championship game yet again with a victory over Libby on Friday, but lost to Lewistown 3-1 in the title match on Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs were going for their fourth straight Class A championship and sixth in the last seven years. Whitefish didn't make it easy for Lewistown, barely losing the final two games 26-24 and 25-23. The Bulldogs' win over Libby in the semifinals was their first victory over the Loggers out of six meetings this year.
The Flathead Bravettes finished third at the Class AA state volleyball tournament after losing to Billings West 3-0 early Saturday afternoon. West went to play two-time defending champion Billings Senior in the state final on Saturday evening. Flathead opened up the tournament by losing to West in the first round, only to rebound and win three straight matches against Missoula Sentinel, Helena Capital and Billings Skyview. Then West ended Flathead's season by defeating the Bravettes for the second time in three days.
Also on Saturday, Montana quarterback Cole Bergquist led the the Grizzlies to a 27-14 victory over Idaho State. Montana standout running back and Kalispell native Lex Hilliard sat out of the game with a hand injury. In Portland, Ore., Montana State had a huge fourth quarter en route to a 50-36 win over Portland State.
Class AA football state tournament roundup
Braves Headed to State to Face Billings Senior
Flathead High School's Bryce Stacy, 32, charges up field during the Braves' game against Glacier High School at Legends Field. - File Photo by Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
Losing 43-10 is never good, but it could be worse.
Despite being crushed by Helena Capital in the regular season’s final game, the Flathead Braves finished the game right where they started: as the seventh seed in this weekend’s Class AA football state tournament. Capital (9-1) wrapped up the No. 1 seed.
Sports by the Numbers
Gallagher Dominates in Receiving Yards
26 – Touchdowns thrown this season by Brock Osweiler, a school record at end of regular season
2,686 – Passing yards by Osweiler, tops in the state
75 – Receptions by Michael Gallagher, first in the state and second-most in school history
1,149 – Receiving yards by Gallagher, first in the state by more than 300 yards and a school record
4 – Goals scored by Meghan O’Connell in 6-5 loss to Billings West in state tournament to end Bravettes’ season
Sports by the numbers is updated every Tuesday
