The Flathead Braves have dropped two straight, but there is no better time to get right than the present.

Mac Roche’s team will look to do just that Friday at Legends Stadium against a 3-2 Helena Capital. 

The 3-2 Braves come off a 45-25 defeat the Missoula Big Sky where early errors put Flathead behind the 8-ball. 

“On offense we fumbled on two of out first three plays,” Roche said. “Ball security is something we have been working on along with complimentary football and playing Braves football.” 

Roche expects this week to be a battle in the trenches, noting the Bruins’ linemen to be a tough group on both sides of the ball. He also adds that the Braves’ interior line is a strength. 

“It just comes down to execution,” Roche said. “We don’t have to do anything too special to work (our guys) up. 

“I love our group of O-linemen and D-linemen, they have stepped up excellently this year.” 

Behind Capital’s offensive line is Carson Toivonen at quarterback. The senior has two rushing touchdowns along with nine passing TDs and make no mistake, Toivonen is a true pocket passer. 

“He can make every throw on the field. We need to make sure we are sound in our secondary,” Roche said. “High school quarterbacks don’t look as comfortable when we bring five (rushers). 

Kellan Manning helps guide the Braves defense and has seven forced turnovers in the past three weeks. 

Offensively, Flathead looks to establish Leum Saisbury again in the run game. The junior has 10 touchdowns this season and is averaging 137.8 yards per game. He had 117 yards against the Eagles last week. 

Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. Friday. Roche and the Braves are inviting all future Braves to run out of the tunnel ahead of the game. 

Glacier looks to extend shutout streak 

The Wolfpack sit at 4-1 and continue to look near-unstoppable as they head on the road for a Thursday showdown with 3-2 Missoula Sentinel. 

The Spartans have won two straight games after a pair of losses to Great Falls CMR and Helena, though their 38-21 win over Hellgate pales in comparison to Glacier’s 70-0 victory last Friday. 

Glacier isn’t letting scorelines lull the team into a false sense of security and knows both teams are working on a short week heading into MCPS Stadium Thursday. 

“Missing the extra day is a big deal, it’s a full day of reps that you don’t get,” Glacier coach Grady Bennett said. “(Thursday) night is about us and playing to our standards; regardless of who the opponent is we need to play to our standards.” 

Bennett added that despite the large margin of victory, there is always room for improvement and the Wolfpack have spent time correcting a few pass coverage breakdowns the staff noticed against the Knights. 

As for this week, Bennett praised Sentinel coach Dane Oliver for his ability to gameplan opponents. 

“This is a tough week to go against Dane Oliver. He is so good at finding your weakness,” Bennett said. 

The Spartans bring a run-heavy offense highlighted by senior back Kaden Thennis, who has averaged127.4 yards a game this season. He has found the end zone eight times. 

Quarterback Tucker Laslovich also is averaging over 100 yards on the ground. The senior has seven rushing touchdowns and one receiving this season. 

“They want to run the ball and have done it very well this year,” Bennett said. “They are definitely going to come out and establish the run, and when you establish the run it can be a long night.” 

Glacier’s offense counters with its own two-headed attack at running back. Junior Trey Ramey leads the team with 88.6 yards per game while senior Eli Imperato sits at 67.3 a contest. Ramey has found paydirt six times while Imperato has five scores. 

The Wolfpack defense has yet to let a team reach the painted grass this season and has only allowed three points in regulation. 

Glacier and Sentinel are scheduled to kickoff at 7 p.m. Thursday. 

Thursday and Friday Night Lights

7 p.m. Thursday: Glacier at Sentinel, MCPS Stadium (Monster1039.com)

6 p.m. Friday: Flathead vs. Capital, Legends Stadium (KGEZ 96.5 FM)