A Service of The Arrow           Sunday October 17, 1999 1:52 PM

By Anna Saverud

Arrow Staff

The Flathead Soccer girls aren't just playing for their school, for their team or for themselves — they're doing it all for the “Nookie.”

“It totally pumps us up,” said senior captain Derin Morton, about the artist Limp Bizkit's hit song. Music is just one of the Bravettes many ways to psyche themselves up to play their best. All types of music — from Limp Bizkit to Brittany Spears — can be found on the infamous bus tape that travels with the team wherever it goes. This method of motivation has worked so far, carrying the team harmonically to an undefeated record as they approach the mid-point of their season.

This success is a surprise to many, considering some key players graduated last spring.

“I think we are stronger this year as a program, but of course we miss the former players individual talents,” said senior Katy DeJana. Juniors Katie Hammer and Lauren Casey agree that the old players are missed, but think this year's team is a really close group, which adds to their effectiveness on the field.

In addition to friendship, the Bravettes find their strengths in their speed and ability to score.

“We are fast as individuals,” said junior Katie Stebbins. “So that helps make our speed of play way faster.” All 21 of the girls on the varsity team have speed and a lot of talent, components which come in especially handy on the scoring end of the game.

“Our shots are actually on the goal,” said senior captain Stacy Clarke. “We are capitalizing on our opportunities.”

Looking toward the future, the Bravettes are envisioning the ultimate success, winning state. The Bravettes, who have placed second the last two years of play, are particularly concerned with defending state champions Helena Capital.

“Capital will be strong as always,” said Morton, “but I think we will be prepared to take it to `em!”

Even though the Flathead boys don't openly say that they enjoy the music on the ladies bus tape, they don't seem to mind it either. The music may be working its magic on the guys as well, or perhaps it is skill that is contributing to their undefeated season.

Despite a number of injuries that continue to plague the Braves, they are still winning. Senior captain Bernie Babcock missed a few games due to a knee injury, along with junior Jonathan Stebbins, who was out with a bad ankle.

The Braves, just as the Bravettes did, lost some very talented players last spring.

“We are feeling the loss of the seniors from last year. It was an awesome class, but this team has a good chemistry,” said senior captain Dustin deYoung.

An amazingly talented junior class is filling the spots vacated by the former seniors.

Putting the ball in the back of the net is another reason that the Flathead Braves are one of the best teams in the West.

“We are finishing well and were good at cleaning everything up in front of the goal,” said deYoung. The Braves have a 52-to-4 goal ration. Having the two leading goal scorers in the Western Division in juniors AJ Nash and Mike Herzog doesn't hurt either.

The Braves have a lot to live up to, being the defending State Champions, but they are confident.

“We are just starting to peak now,” says deYoung, “and if we are healthy, I think another championship is definitely in the cards.”

The Flathead soccer teams both have their sights set on taking home hardware from the state tournament, that will be held here in Kalispell at the airport soccer fields Halloween weekend.

“State is always a ton of fun when it's here,” said Clarke. “All the fans come out, and the players pour everything they have into the games.”

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