Despite the loss of two college bound players, Thompson Falls head football coach Jared Koskela is optimistic his current group will have the grit to compete in the Western B 11-player conference this season.

In their third year playing 11-man ball, the Blue Hawks are looking to be in the thick of things this year. They won one game the first year, then tripled that number last year. In 2021, the Blue Hawks won the state B 8-player championship and were moved to the 11-player the next year. 

Koskela and staff have taken on the challenge and been up to the task. 

“We have a loaded coaching staff,” Koskela said of his experienced group of assistant coaches, including Ray Buchanan, boys' basketball coach Jake Mikelson, who previously coached with Koskela from 2013-18, Jay Deal, Craig LeCoure and Jake Helvey. 

LeCoure’s son, Bryson, is a 6-3, 180 senior who can run with and throw the ball and is among the best in the conference. LeCoure also sees time at linebacker. He is coming off shoulder surgery that caused him to miss some sports time last year. 

He appears healthy and ready to go this year. 

Two other seniors, 5-8, 170 running back Kaden Robins, a speedy back with power and quick moves, and Braedon Ferris, 6-3, 190-pound wide receiver give the Blue Hawks good talent and experience at the “skill” positions. 

“We are not real big, but the guys on the line have been working hard on strength and conditioning,” Mikelson said. 

With the departure of mammoth, two-way lineman Hayden Hanks, most linemen would seem not so big.  Hanks is off to Boise State on a football scholarship, taking his 6-5, 270-pound muscular frame with him. 

Also missing from last season is one-time state wrestling champ (170 pounds) Max Hannum, who accepted a football ride to Montana Tech in Butte.  Hannum was a standout tight end and multiple position defensive player who was a solid pass rusher for the Blue Hawks. 

And while they will be missed, Koskela has a large number of seniors back this season. 

“We have a large senior class coming back,” Koskela said. “We are undersized dogs in a large dog yard mentality to fight and compete in this division.”

He added emphasis will be given to improving on both sides of the ball up front. 

“Our offensive and defensive lines have more depth than previous years,” he said. “But we need to improve up front to handle the teams we have to face.” 

The Blue Hawks were 3-7 last year, with their season opening game against Conrad a 20-14 victory.  They open against the Cowboys again this year, this time in Conrad this Friday, Aug. 30.   

Thompson Falls continues its travel the following week when they journey to Butte for a game versus Joliet, followed by a trip to Manhattan Sept. 13. The Blue Hawks open at home this year Oct. 20 against Jefferson High (Boulder, MT). 

The home opener begins at 7 p.m. at Previs Field.

    Members of this year's T Falls Blue Hawks football team carry pads and other gear onto the field as they get ready for their season opener this Friday night in Conrad. (Chuck Bandel/VP-MI)
  

    Head football coach Jared Koskela works with his team as they prepare to take on the Conrad Cowboys this Friday night in Conrad. (Chuck Bandel/VP-MI)