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The 1998 Braves football season could best be described as a roller coaster: it had its ups — with the CMR and Helena Capital victories — its downs — with the losses to Missoula Big Sky and Helena High — and its abrupt end.
Braves football ended its season with a 42-24 playoff loss to Billings West on Nov. 13. The game marked the Braves’ second appearance in the playoffs in three years and the first meeting between Billings West and Flathead High in 19 years.
The Braves started the game with high intensity. An interception by senior Joel Robinson lead to the Braves striking first with a three-point field goal by senior kicker Nate Sloan.
“We started off really well,” said Robinson. “We were up 10-6. I felt like we had a chance.”
“I really thought in the first 20 minutes that not only were we competing well, (but that) we were beating Billings West,” said offensive coordinator Grady Bennett.
With five minutes left in the first half, the Braves were winning their playoff competition. That’s when things started to fall apart. Three consecutive turnovers by the Braves lead to three consecutive scores by Billings West.
“Everyone was nervous,” said junior Alex Athy. “We had a lot of confidence the first quarter. After the interceptions we lost our confidence.”
“It was the turnovers that killed us,” said Robinson.
Those mistakes lead to the final score of 42-24 and the Braves’ playoff loss.
Despite the numbers on the score board, the Braves defense still gave a strong showing. Lead by Robinson, the defense held Billings West for as long as they could.
“I think the defense play very well,” said head coach Bob Applegate. “We had Billings West frustrated.”
“Of course we would have liked to play better,” said Applegate. “The kids and the coaches knew we had a chance to win.”
Despite the loss in the playoffs, the Braves’ season was one of the most successful and memorable seasons ever. Flathead finished with a non-conference record of 8-3.
“Having a good start then having everything go wrong in Big Sky was very memorable,” said Applegate. “For the kids to turn that around was a big part of our success.”
“Our whole season was a step up for the program,” said senior quarterback Matt Regier. “We took another little step toward the State Championship.”
Next year the Braves look forward to the same amount of success from its upcoming team.
“There are a lot of quality players coming back,” said Regier. “They are going to be a fun team to watch.” |
