Glacier girls, boys prep for AA quarterfinal
For the Class AA quarterfinals, Glacier High School’s boys soccer team goes on the road to play Billings Senior and its girls team hosts Great Falls C.M. Russell.
Glacier’s boys beat crosstown rival Flathead 2-1 on Tuesday, while the girls rolled over Butte 4-0.
Girls
Glacier vs. C.M. Russell,
1 p.m. (Glacier High School)
Since the Western and Eastern AA teams don’t get to play each other unless it’s in a playoff situation, CMR is a virtual unknown to Glacier.
“They’re a quality team,” coach Brenden Byrd said. “They haven’t given up a lot of goals. They’re a good match for us. It’s like youre playing a conference team for the first Tim in a season. You just have to take it as it comes.”
Matchups haven’t been determined yet, but the winner moves on to the semifinal round.
“The way we are going to be successful is to play our game,” Byrd said. “That’s what we’re going to stick with. I just want them to have fun and live in the moment.”
With the new playoff format in Class AA, there is no longer a state tournament in a set location. Teams don’t have the chance to cheer on classmates as they once did during playoffs.
On Tuesday both teams played at Legends Field and got to celebrate with each other.
“The boys and girls teams have been so connected,” Byrd said. “They care about each other. That’s something we’re really gonna miss.”
Boys
Glacier at Billings Senior, 2 p.m.
When it comes to preparing for a playoff opponent, Glacier coach Ryan Billiet likes to do as little of that as as possible.
“Just gotta focus on the processes and the game,” Billiet said. “It’s kind of fun that we’re going to play a team that we don’t know anything about. We’re focused on ourselves and we’re thrilled that we get a long bus trip.”
Billiet’s laid back approach has created a low-key enviroment where players can be successful but also not stress out about things they can’t control.
“It’s just a lot of fun to be around,” he said. “The soccer is just a byproduct. The chemistry and the culture and the vibe is just fun. The guys aren’t stressed out. They’re encouraging and uplifting.”
Billiet expects a well-coached and organized team in Billings Senior but beyond that, he’s focused on having the best experience possible for the players.
“Our goal is to play our best game of the season,” Billiet said. “That’s what happened Tuesday and we’re committed to making that happen again. It’s important to stay true to ourselves and focus on us.”