Health and a home field Polson football coach Scott Wilson likes where his team stands.

The Northwestern A champion Pirates play host to the Custer County Cowboys (Miles City) in Class A quarterfinal playoff action today at 1 p.m.

Weve made huge strides from the beginning of the season, said Wilson. The Pirates finished the regular season on a five-game win streak.

The Pirates (7-2) are coming off a rejuvenating bye-week vacation.

We were a little banged up at the end of the season, but weve rested up and all the starters are healthy again, Wilson said.

The running game flourished late in the season for Polson and reliable workhorse Tim Rausch has turned into one of many productive runners for the Pirates. In the last game of the season against Ronan, Cory Hardy and Brock Picard scored three touchdowns apiece while Rausch added one.

The rushing game has taken over as of late, but we still have been able to throw the ball effectively, Wilson said. We hope to use that (today) and keep a balanced offense going.

The Cowboys (9-1) havent been sly about their offensive game plan this season and Wilson said his defense knows what to expect.

They want to run the ball, Wilson said. Theyre very patient offensively.

Brennan Haughian leads the rushing attack with 959 yards this season and 15 touchdowns.

Receiving has been a bright spot for the Cowboys also, with three players gaining over 100 yards this season Haughian, Hayden Kalfell and JT Keith.

One thing that weve really tried to focus on, weve given up some big plays throughout the season, Wilson said. If theyre going to beat us, we want them to drive the football and earn it.

On defense, Polson brings big three linebackers of Rausch, Picard and Joe Andrews.

They play very physical and just have a good knack for the ball and pursue very well, Wilson said.

The Pirates finished last season 4-4 and failed to make the playoffs.