Thursday, August 18, 2011

Bearing the Griz: Preseason pressure

The Montana Grizzlies are exactly where they want to be.

Or don’t you think so?

Let me be probably the first media person ever (because lets be honest, all media
people think they’re right, every time) to admit to you that pre-season polls aren’t exactly the most accurate things in the world.

Not that the media people covering the Big Sky necessarily had to work very hard when picking a winner of the conference. How many times in the past 15 years have you thought “you know what? I don’t think the Griz have it this year” when thinking about the upcoming season?

Even in what was considered a down season, a 7-4 record that caused them to miss the playoffs, the Montana Grizzlies were still in the thick of things last year. However, Eastern Washington and Montana State stole the thunder.

And that’s just fine. The latest Sports Network preseason poll has EWU ranked
No. 1 in the country. While Eagle fans like myself are tap dancing on our lifesize mannequins of Taiwan Jones, we know what this means: every team in the nation will be gunning for the Eagles.

They’re not going to get an easy game the entire year. And they open up with the
University of Washington, who should have no problem getting pumped to play the defending FCS national champion and No. 1 team ranked in the country. I am now shuddering at the FBS shellacking the Huskies might put on the Eags.

Ask the teams in the FBS that were ranked No. 1 last season how things turned out and they probably would have been more inclined to stay under the radar until the national championship game… which is impossible without a playoff system. The FCS does have a playoff system, but EWU getting the No. 1 spot in the preseason is like painting a big red bull’s eye on their back.

(Good thing it will blend well with the red turf).

Meanwhile, the Montana State Bobcats were ranked at a lofty No. 6. While not quite up to the Eagles level, they now have some pressure heaped on them since they were ranked above the Grizzlies, who come in at No. 12.

Other than the 1984 national championship team, when has the words “clutch” and “always come up in a big spot” come to describe the Bobcats? Lets face it, all the pressure in the state will be on Montana State when they play Montana this year.

The Grizzlies are respected but they won’t be under the pressure that Eastern Washington and Montana State are under. That’s the same unfair preseason pressure that tends to break down good squads.

Eastern Washington couldn’t get on the front page of their local daily newspaper
while the FBS Washington State Cougars controlled the market and got more attention despite being more hapless than a dog without a sense of smell.

Now? The buzz is building around the program.

How will they handle that?

Montana’s been there before, and while they may be in the weird spot as preseason underdogs, something tells me that the Big Sky championship goes through Missoula this year.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Polson Volleyball Schedule 2011

(Home games are bolded)

SAT - SEPT. 3 - WHITEFISH - 1:00 P.M. (W - 3-2)
FRI/SAT - SEPT. 9/10 - TIP - OFF TRNY - ANACONDA - TBA
THUR - SEPT. 15 - @COLUMBIA FALLS - 4:15 P.M. (W - 3-0)
SAT - SEPT. 17 - FRENCHTOWN - 1:00 P.M.
TUES - SEPT. 20 - @STEVENSVILLE - 4:15 P.M.
THUR - SEPT. 22 - THOMPSON FALLS - 4:15 P.M.
SAT - SEPT. 24 - LIBBY - 1:00 P.M.
THUR - SEPT. 29 - @LOYOLA - 4:00 P.M.
SAT - OCT. 1 - @WHITEFISH - 1:00 P.M.
THUR - OCT. 6 - COLUMBIA FALLS - 4:15 P.M.
TUES - OCT. 11 - @GLACIER JV/FROSH(2X) - 4:00 P.M.
FRI/SAT - OCT. 14/15 - MISSOULA CTY INV - TBA
THUR - OCT. 20 - @DILLON - 2:00 P.M.
SAT - OCT. 22 - STEVENSVILLE - 1:00 P.M.
THUR - OCT. 27 - @FRENCHTOWN - 4:15 P.M.
SAT - OCT. 29 - @LIBBY - 1:00 P.M.

FRI-SAT - NOV. 4 - 5 - DIVISIONAL - WHITEFISH - TBA
THUR-SAT - NOV. 10 - 12 STATE - BOZEMAN - TBA

Fall Sports Practice Report: Polson Soccer


Last season, defense helped the Polson boys' soccer team streak to the conference championship. This year, it's something they're already focusing in on just three days into two-a-day practices.

"We as a defense need to tell the offense what to do," Polson head coach Jess Kittle explained during a drill on Wednesday afternoon.

Breaking down his team into 3-on-2 situations and working on passing lanes, the Pirates will hope to replicate their anaconda-esque approach when it comes to choking other teams' offenses.

"On defensive days like this, I want to keep the pressure on the boys so they'll keep the pressure on the other teams," Kittle said. "That way we can start with fundamentals and build into a team concept."

Polson has a mix of returning starters and young players that will be looking to step up, but right now their just finding their legs thanks to the ultra-intense "County Fair" conditioning workouts in the mornings.

And Wednesday just so happens to be the day that players hit a wall.

"Generally it's the third day that guys find the toughest," Kittle said. "Although after one full revolution in the fair today (meaning everyone has done every drill in the county fair), the team went on a one mile run and they rocked it. It was impressive."

Historically, Polson has started slow in the season but have picked things up once the season gets into gear.

"Last year we dropped our first three games then we stepped on it and went undefeated in conference," Kittle said.

The Pirates will have a tough first-game opponent with Hamilton on Aug. 30, a team that went undefeated in the regular season last year, but have an 11-day gap before they play another varsity match-up (Park at home on Sept. 10). Kittle said he expects plenty of improvement between the first and second games.

Polson will certain be in the cross-hairs this season after winning the conference championship last season. The bulls eye doesn't deter the Pirates though, they'll be gunning for more hardware at the end of the season.

"We know it and we're aiming for it again," Kittle said. "We want to be the two-time conference champions this season."

Polson girls take second at Anaconda Invitational

(From the Daily Inter Lake)

ANACONDA - Reed Platke shot an even-par 72 on Monday to help the Whitefish boys place second (328) at the season-opening Anaconda Invitational golf tournament.

Tyler Jessop turned in a 2-under 70 to claim medalist honors and lead Hamilton to the team title (308).

In girls play, Klaire Taylor of Whitefish shot 87 to place second and Erin Tabish of Whitefish and Anna DiGiallonardo of Polson tied for third with 88s.

Emily Buckner of Park shot 82 to claim medalist honors.

Park took the team title (358). Polson was second (380) and Whitefish third (407).

Anaconda Invitational at Old Works G.C.
Par 72

Boys

Top 10 individuals

1, Tyler Jessop, Hamilton, 70. Reed Platke, Whitefish, 72. 3, Decker Willson, Park, 73. 4, Eli Rogers, Hamilton, 75. 5 (tie), Eric Olive, Belgrade, Arthur Doorn, Whitefish, 76. 7, Tyler Ferguson, Belgrade, 77. 8, Brad Palin, Hamilton, 78. 9, Hayden Congdon, Polson, 82. 10, Brandon Cook, Park, 83.

Team

HAMILTON (308) - Tyler Jessop 70, Eli Rogers 75, Brad Palin 78, Kyle Lubke 85, Taylor Dowdy 112.

WHITEFISH (328) - Reed Platke 72, Arthur Doorn 76, Camp Kenyon 85, Kyle Barron 95, Cooper Olson 103.

BELGRADE (335) - Eric Olive 76, Tyler Ferguson 77, Dylan Jones 90, Austin Stowell 92, Zach Klonsinski 92.

ANACONDA (376) - Geoff Dierenfeldt 89, Jackson Wagner 94, Jerod Arneson 94, Jade Green 99, Jordan Noyd 119.

PARK (384) - Decker Willson 73, Brandon Coon 83, Scott Wilson 112, Preston Coon 116.

STEVENSVILLE (394) - Corbin Disney 95, Milan Plachy 99, Balke Servoss 98, James Enzler 102, Spencer Grooms 111.

FRENCHTOWN (394) - Troy Wolff 87, Derek Jones 96, Chris Delaney 104, Brad Walch 107, Jack White 117.

DILLON (396) - Tyler Love 91, Chevy Reed 101, Corey Renfree 101, Steven OÕNeil 103, Dillon Womack 105.

BUTTE CENTRAL (455) - Cole Noctor 90, Harley Davidson 100, Bryce Noctor 130, Tryston Frey 135.

POLSON (N/S) - Hayden Congdon 82, Dalton Noyes 93, Ryan Thurston 105.

JV

BOZEMAN JV (333) - Troy Curran 80, Riley Sisson 82, Cameron 85, Tyson Odden 86, Jacob Lounder 92.

BUTTE HIGH JV (397) - Levi Anderson 91, Mitch Rosa 98, Marcus Yerkich 99, Tyler Myers 109, Jeff Preston 112.

Girls

Top 10 Individuals

1, Emily Buckner, Park, 82. 2, Klaire Taylor, Whitefish, 87. 3 (tie), Erin Tabish, Whitefish, Anna Digiallanardo, Polson, 88. 5, Christal Tokash, Park, 89. 6, Michaela Amunrud, Park, 93. 7, Sarah Boyer, Park, 94. 8, Madison Blass, Frenchtown, 95. 9, Jaylin Kinney, Polson, 96. 10 (tie), Sequoia Bagrow, Polson, Kassade Lemhouse, Dillon, 97.

Team

PARK (358) - Emily Buckner 82, Christal Tokash 89, Michaela Amunrud 93, Sarah Boyer 94, Nicole Froelich 103.

POLSON (380) - Anna Digiallanardo 88, Jaylin Kinney 96, Sequoia Bagrow 97, Makala Wilson 99, Kat Medland 105.

WHITEFISH (407) - Klaire Taylor 87, Erin Tabish 88Hayley Craven 115, Simone Craft 117, Daley Powell 127.

ANACONDA (456) - Melanie Galle 107, McKenah Blume 109, Alexandra Huber 110, Ali Hogart 130.

BELGRADE - Leighton Hirsch 104, Jessie Hirsch 108.

DILLON (N/S) - Kassade Lemhouse 97, Kristen Cottom 104, Taylor Nelson 115.

HAMILTON - Mishaila Conway 100, Emily Winter 110.

FRENCHTOWN - Madison Blass 95, Darby McNally 108, Ashley Munoz 136.

JV

BUTTE HIGH JV - Shelby Urich 108, Kelcie Cassidy 124, Megan Ingersoll 127.

BOZEMAN JV - Audrey Trowbridge 96.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Polson Cross Country 2011 Schedule

FRI - SEPT. 2 - CUT BANK INV - CUT BANK - TBA
SAT - SEPT. 10 - KALISPELL INV - KALISPELL - TBA
SAT - SEPT. 17 - SPOKANE INV - SPOKANE - TBA
SAT - SEPT. 24 - MOUNTAIN WEST - MISSOULA - TBA
SAT - OCT. 1 - HAMILTON INV - HAMILTON - TBA
SAT - OCT. 8 - DILLON INV - DILLON - TBA
SAT - OCT. 15 - NW A CHAMP - POLSON - TBA
SAT - OCT. 22 - STATE - MISSOULA - TBA

Polson Golf Schedule 2011

MON - AUG. 15 - OLD WORKS - ANACONDA - 8:00 A.M. (Girls took second place)
FRI - AUG. 26 - EAST GLACIER - EAST GLACIER - TBA
MON - AUG. 29 - FLATHFISH - WHITEFISH/KALISPELL - TBA
TUES - AUG. 30 - FLATHFISH - WHITEFISH/KALISPELL - TBA
THUR - SEPT. 1 - POLSON INV - POLSON - 1:00 P.M.
TUES - SEPT. 13 - CFALLS TRI - COLUMBIA FALLS - 1:00 P.M.
TUES - SEPT. 13 - W.GLACIER JV - WEST GLACIER - 9:30
FRI - SEPT. 16 - LIBBY INV - LIBBY - 10:00 A.M.
THUR - SEPT. 22 - DIVISIONAL - POLSON - 10:00 A.M.
FRI/SAT SEPT.30/OCT 1 - STATE - HAMILTON - TBA

Polson Football Schedule 2011

(Home games are bolded)

FRI - SEPT. 2 - @BELGRADE - 7:30 P.M. (W - 40-0)
FRI - SEPT. 9 - HAMILTON - 7:00 P.M. (W - 41-0)
FRI - SEPT. 16 - ANACONDA - 7:00 P.M.
FRI - SEPT. 23 - @COLUMBIA FALLS - 7:00 P.M.
FRI - SEPT. 30 - @WHITEFISH - 7:00 P.M.
FRI - OCT. 7 - FRENCHTOWN - 7:00 P.M.
FRI - OCT. 14 - LIBBY - 7:00 P.M.
FRI - OCT. 21 - @BROWNING - 7:00 P.M.
SAT - OCT. 29 - PLAY-OFFS - TBA - TBA

Polson Boys' and Girls Soccer Roster 2011

BOYS
18 - VJ Araos - Senior - Midfielder
11 - Trevor Basler - Freshman - Midfielder
5 - Zach Calhoun - Junior - Midfielder
13 - Peregrine Frissell - Senior - Goalkeeper/Midfielder
19 - Everardo Guerrero - Senior - Midfielder
2 - Alex Helgeson - Freshman - Striker
6 - Jon Huetmaker - Junior - Defender/Striker
7 - Sam Heutmaker - Freshman - Midfielder
3 - Nick Howell - Senior - Defender/Striker
8 - Jonah Kasnitz - Freshman - Midfielder
16/1 - Spencer Kittle - Junior - Midfielder/Goalkeeper
9 - James Larson - Junior - Midfielder/Striker
12 - Riley Lemm - Senior - Midfielder/Striker
15 - Morgan Moll - Freshman - Midfielder
14 - Jonathan Murphy - Senior - Midfielder/Defender
21 - Jacob Raymond - Sophomore - Midfielder/Defender
17 - Spencer Raymond - Freshman - Midfielder/Defender
4 - Caden von Wildenradt - Senior - Defender
10 - Steven Walk - Junior - Defender/Midfielder

Varsity Coach - Jess Kittle
Asst. Coach - Mike Moll
Volunteer Coach - Chris Moore
Athletic Director - Scott Wilson
Principal - Rob Hankins

GIRLS
2 - Mariana Llaguno - Senior - Striker
3 - Annie Venters
6 - Keely Clairmont - Freshman - Wing/Defender
7 - Makenzie Wegner - Senior - Striker
8 - Olivia Hart - Sophomore - Wing/Defender
9 - Marisa Binder - Senior - Defender
10 - Linnea Madsen - Freshman - Wing/Defender
11 - Elin Persson - Junior - Defender
12 - Gracie Rehbein - Freshman -Wing/Defender
13 - Sarah Howell - Freshman - Striker/Midfielder
14 - Madeline Hewston - Senior - Striker/Midfielder
15 - Brynn Rowley - Senior - Striker/Midfielder
16 - Jamie Young - Senior - Wing/Defender
17 - Tatyonna Fisher - Sophomore - Defender
18 - Shannon McGinnis - Freshman - Defender
19 - Monica Cleveland - Sophomore - Defender/Keeper
20 - Sara Robinson - Senior - Keeper/Striker

Head Coach: Michael Hewston
 Manager: Annie Venters
 Jv Coach: Jose Franco
 Superintendent: David Whitesell
 Principal: Rob Hankins
 Asst. Principal: Brandon Thurston
 Athletic Director: Scott Wilson