Class C 8-man kicks off with Drummond-Sheridan

By Pat Ryan - 09/05/2008

The season is set to kick off for the Montana Class C eight-man football slate, and eyes will be focused on Sheridan Friday night.

That's where the rematch of last season's state title game will take place, as defending champion Drummond travels to take on Western C rival and state runner-up Sheridan.

In winning their fourth state title in five years, the Trojans posted a convincing 50-20 win over the Panthers and avenged their only loss in an 11-game season.

Drummond enters the 2008 season with some experience, although numbers are down compared to the past couple years. Still, head coach Jim Oberweiser has more players than most other Class C programs — 32 in camp with 23 returning lettermen.

One of the advantages of having larger numbers in a successful program is the ability to gain experience for underclassmen, who come in ready for varsity when their time comes.

"While we did graduate a number of high-quality kids," Oberweiser said, "a large number of kids did get some great playing time in playoff and championship games." The Trojans return Neil Mannix, a 6-foot, 185-pound junior quarterback who led the team through last season, along with big tight end Levi Coughlin (6-5, 240).

"Neil had the luxury of gaining experience behind a big, experienced offensive line," Oberweiser said. "Now he has the experience and must bring the team along with him." After losing running backs Tel Reynolds, Casey Clark and Parker Rohrer, the Trojans look to Josh Goodrich and Eric Bergerson to take up the slack in the backfield.

Sheridan brings back some firepower as well, led by 6-0, 210-pound senior Tanner Rowberry at linebacker and tight end. Rowberry was All-State at both positions last year, and has started both ways since he entered high school.

Casey Crippen, a 6-1, 165-pound junior, takes over at quarterback for All-Stater Joe Ingram, but it won't be his first go behind center. Ingram was lost for much of last season after suffering a concussion, and Crippen stepped in to lead the Panthers through much of the regular season.

Ingram returned for the playoffs, but was again sidelined with a punctured lung, and Crippen was the signal caller for the Panthers in the title game. Crippen has also been a two-way starter his whole time at Sheridan High.

Also returning for the Panthers are Pat Clark (5-9, 180 jr.) at center and defensive line, Tyler Rowberry (5-9, 170 jr.) at linebacker and running back, and Josh Bodda (6-0, 220 jr.) in the trenches.

"Despite losing six seniors our experience is good," said Sheridan head coach Ed Burke. "We will be looking for help from our sophomore class." The Twin Bridges Falcons are coming off a 7-1 year where they lost an overtime heartbreaker in the first round of the playoffs to Sheridan. Twin Bridges was also the only team to defeat Drummond all season long, claiming the Western C title.

Returning senior starters include Clay Pierson (6-3, 200) at receiver and corner, Jon Ashcraft (5-9, 180) at center and linebacker, Clark Vial (5-9, 170) guard and defensive end, along with Pete Anderson (5-10, 180) tailback and linebacker. Two other probable starters for Twin Bridges include 5-8, 180-pound senior guard/tackle Luke Banks, and 5-10, 170-pound junior Jake Schmit at quarterback and corner.

Head coach Rob Lott said his team's success will be determined by how quickly his younger players come along.

Philipsburg is coming off a tough 1-7 season and will look to improve behind senior running backs Dayton Poser (5-11, 165) and Noel Croft (5-6, 150). The Prospectors got a shot in the arm when Trent Vick (5-9, 165) transferred in to play cornerback as well.

Billy Metesh (5-8, 155 will play quarterback and safety, while fellow seniors Jay Hemrick (6-1, 210 guard) and Dustin Houg (5-9, 190 fullback) will provide additional support.

Other teams to watch in the Western C include Victor, Charlo, Superior and Arlee.

In addition to the Drummond-Sheridan matchup, Arlee will play at Twin Bridges, Charlo is at Superior, Noxon is at Lincoln and Victor is at Alberton. Philipsburg is idle this weekend.