Speedy Bulldogs look for redemption

Football is finally back.

Flathead opens its season tonight at 7 p.m. in a matchup with the Butte Bulldogs at Bigfork High School.

Both teams face many questions entering the 2017 season after disappointing campaigns last year, and here to help us answer some of those questions is Luke Shelton, a sports writer who covers the Bulldogs for the Montana Standard and 406mtsports.com.

We spoke with him about Butte and its expectations for the upcoming season in the first installment of Know the Foe, a weekly Q&A focused on Flathead and Glacier’s opponents.

What should Flathead fans expect from this Butte team in the season opener?

Look for a team that’s ready to come charging out of the gate. Butte has had almost nine months to reflect on their disappointing 2-8 season, and they are chomping at the bit to prove that these aren’t last year’s Bulldogs.

Who are some specific players to watch out for?

Sophomore quarterback Tommy Mellott is poised to be an offensive playmaker. He saw some starting action as a freshman and said that experience has helped tremendously as he enters his second season. Though young, Mellott possesses the qualities of a much more experienced passer.

Running back Bo Mortenson will be a bruising runner in the Bulldogs’ backfield and senior safety Ty Peterson is set to be a ball hawk in the ’Dogs secondary.

What are Butte’s

expectations and goals headed into this season?

Butte coach Arie Grey said that the turnover battle hurt the Bulldogs last season, and they are firmly committed to reversing that trend. Heavy emphasis has been placed on both protecting the ball on offense and forcing more turnovers on defense.

Where do you expect Butte to be most improved this year, and what’s its biggest question mark entering the season?

Look for a sharper, more aggressive passing game as Mellott’s heightened confidence in his second year at quarterback means he will be taking the fight to the defense.

Butte’s run defense has shown some improvement as well; in their Purple and White Scrimmage the front four frequently shut down lanes and quickly bottled up runners.

The Bulldogs’ receivers have shown potential but still have some work to do to get in top form. Thursday’s game will be proving ground for them.