KNOW THE FOE: CMR brings young squad to challenge Glacier

Two programs with strong histories, both Glacier and Great Falls C.M. Russell struggled in the first week of games. Glacier fell down early against defending champ Billings Senior and the Rustlers were stopped short against Helena High. Great Falls Tribune sports reporter Steve Schreck helped us find out how CMR will try to respond in Friday’s game:

What’s the biggest thing you learned about CMR in Week 1?

The offense is still finding its way. Quarterback Garrison Rothwell played running back last season and is still progressing as a passer, though he showed promise at the end of the game last week in a 28-27 loss to Helena High. He totaled four touchdowns, two with his arm and two with his feet, and amounted 289 yards of total offense. He was sacked five times, though, so the offensive line struggled to protect him. But he also could have done a better job of getting rid of the ball and moving on to the next play.

What should Glacier fans expect from CMR in Week 2?

This is always a good game. At least during my time here at the Tribune, ever since that state title game in 2014, this has been one of the better rivalries in the state. So with both teams starting 0-1 on the season, it’s a pretty important one. The Rustlers gave up several big passing plays last week, scores of 39 and 33 yards. They will want to shore that up.

Who are some specific players to watch out for?

Damien Nelson, the senior cornerback, is the two-time defending 100-meter state champion. He is the fastest player in the state, though it hasn’t amounted to much production on offense the last season-plus. Russell played him at running back for only a few snaps last week, and he was mostly neutralized. He is a player to look out for, though, because he only needs a sliver of space to score. Seniors Jake Wilkins and Kyle Byrne are two really good wide receivers.

Where is CMR most improved this year from last, and where should we expect some drop-off?

I’d say, and again we are only one game in here, that its biggest improvement is how it takes care of the football. The Rustlers really, really struggled with turnovers last season. They are going to try to run the ball quite a bit and limit the mistakes. They had one turnover last week, an interception on the goal line, but other than that, they didn’t hurt themselves too much, at least compared to a year ago. I’m not sure they have regressed in any one area. They were 3-7 last season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2010.