Picture the Chicago Bulls without Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. Or the Dallas Cowboys without Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. Now, picture the Flathead Braves in 1996 without seniors Josh Herzog, Jake Winters and Bill Henderson.
Without the offensive showcases the Brave's Big Three have put up in 1996, it's hard to imagine that Flathead would have been 8-3 and third ranked in the Double A Conference, and would have made the playoffs for the first time in nine years.
"They've done a great job on and off the field to lead the team," said Braves head coach Bob Applegate. "They've all exceeded my expectations and played very well."
Herzog plays running back and field goal kicker on offense. As of press time, he has scored 165 points, nearly 60 percent of Flathead's total scores.
"Herzog started the season all right," Winters said of his teammate. "After the first game, he went on fire. He's been hot ever since."
Winters has done his fair share for the Braves as well.
Running for a total of 659 yards this season, Winters has had six touchdowns, and leads the team with an average of 6.9 yards per carry.
"They both run really well," said Henderson of the two running backs. "The first tackler never brings them down. That's the sign of good runners."
Henderson has been equally impressive. Replacing last year's QB Seth Arnoux, Henderson has made the Braves his team. Passing for 2,096 yards , Henderson has thrown for 22 touchdowns this season.
Herzog, Henderson and Winters all made important contributions in the playoff game, despite the loss. Herzog scored two touchdowns, both in the pivotal fourth quarter. Henderson passed for 277 yards and three touchdowns and Winters carried the ball for 46 yards before leaving the game due to an ankle injury.
When asked about their success this season, the trio said they expected it from the beginning.
"I thought we'd be a good team," Herzog said. "Everyone works hard."
"I knew we'd be good," agreed Henderson. "We were undefeated as sophomores and played well on JV. We're a tough team."
"We played so well in the first game," said Winters. "After that, I knew we were going to be tough."