Titans open ’23 season with 56-8 thumping of Wardens

DRUMMOND – Like every other team in the state, opening night provides an opportunity to get a fresh start.

The Flint Creek Titans jumped on that opportunity in posting a 56-8 win on opening over the Powell County Wardens.

The visitors got the ball first, but fumbled it on their initial play only to have the Titans’ Bode Bradshaw fall on it. Just 30 seconds later Kadin Graveley punched it in from 28 yards out to give Flint Creek an 8-0 lead.

On their next possession the Titans were forced to punt, but recovered another Warden fumble on the Powell County 30. One minute later Logan Hauptman ran it in and the rout was on.

As the game progressed, Flint Creek scored in the air as well. Graveley hit Eric Pitcher with a 48-yard scoring pass while Michael Goettle tossed one to Isaac Loessberg in the right flat with the receiver carrying it 20 yards for the TD.

Hauptman and Austin Knoeller each added one more rushing score while Archer Radtke sacked Powell County’s Levi Wons for a safety.

Knoeller was also the team leader on defense with four tackles and two assists. Skyler Dahl and Pitcher also recovered fumbles for the locals.

“Every season you have to come in and see what you’ve got,” said Flint Creek Head Coach Jason Ostler, “see what the talent and find ways to get guys the ball. You just gotta coach to what ya have.”

Graveley, who made his first varsity start, and doing so at quarterback, seemed no worse the wear for the pressures that come with that position.

“I felt pressure at the beginning of (the game),” said junior quarterback Kadin Graveley of his first varsity start. “I’ve played just a little bit. But when it came to me starting I was a little nervous, but after the first couple of hits you get used to it.

“We have a few things we need to clean up, my hand offs and the snaps, but besides that I feel pretty comfortable with it.”

Graveley also went on to credit his offensive line for great protection all night long.

Powell County’s lone score came on a flea-flicker as time expired in the second period with Orrin Hansen hitting Chase Henze on a 20-yard pass. Wons threw to Shawn Lombardi for the conversion.

Flint Creek will head out on the road for their week two match up, taking on the Bulldogs in Choteau. The Bulldogs shutout Sheridan, 34-0.

SCORING

Powell County – 0/8/0/0 – 8

Flint Creek – 24/18/8/6 – 56

FIRST QUARTER

11:24 FC Graveley 28 yd run TD. Hauptman run.

7:10 FC Hauptman 7 yd run TD. Knoeller run.

4:11 FC Hauptman 33 yd interception return TD. Run failed.

1:35 FC Graveley 48 yd pass to Pitcher TD. Knoeller run.

SECOND QUARTER

10:13 FC Knoeller 15 yd run TD. Hauptman run.

6:13 FC 6:13 Goettle 23 yd pass to Loessberg TD. Hauptman run.