Word to the Scrimmage Line (Part 1)
In late August/Early September, as the mornings begin to cool and you can feel the last breath of summer heat, something changes in the atmosphere. You can feel it. You can see it. The leaves begin to change color and the sun looks different. The shine becomes less vibrant. And it always reminds me of football season.
And every year at this time……is when it hits me
August 2005
“State?” hand slap “State?” hand slap “State?” hand slap.
I repeated this until I got through every person in the locker room.
It was the beginning of the season. Testing day in the morning, practice in the afternoon. The end of summer near, the two a day grind begins, and school around the corner.
The summer was spent going to work and working out in the Beaverhead County High School (BCHS) weight room. Routine, clock work, regimented.
Back in those days, the weight room was a lean-to style long room tucked out of the way of the B.W. Lodge Gymnasium. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t big. And that was just the way we like it in Dillon, MT. Understated and functional.
And for the sports juggernaut that Dillon is, people around the state, and the country, I’m sure would have been shocked to see the facilities compared to the success that all of our sports programs had.
Coming off of a tough personal Junior Campaign in 2004, I was bound and determined to leave BCHS with a more prophetic ending to my high school football career. I had to. There was no other option. I needed redemption.
The Dillon Beavers are full of tradition. You’re standing on the shoulders of those who came before and creating the foundation for those that come after. This season was years in the making, years of refining, and the standards high. We headed into the campaign with 14 seniors. For 8 of us, this was our 3rd year of Varsity having been a part of the State Championship run in 2003. The program and legacy meant something. Our expectations were simply “State Championship or bust.”
August 2001
“You Will Win State.” Mr. Lucero, our elementary school Art Teacher and Head Middle School Football Coach, told us as a group of 8th graders at Dillon Middle School. We were about to finish our middle school football careers and head into BCHS.
“The nucleus that you have is exactly what you need to win.” He went on to say. There was just something special about our class that teachers and coaches saw.
This was the first time we heard this message, but it wouldn’t be the last.
The Dillon Beavers are the holiest of holy in town. As a little boy playing in the playground of Parkview Elementary School, I dreamed of wearing the navy-blue jerseys and gold helmets. You fantasize of winning state. And that naivete of a childhood dream carried us into gridiron with high expectations.
After our freshman season, volunteer coach Ted Ori said the same thing as Mr. Lucero “you will win state. Because you have the nucleus to do it.”
By “nucleus” the coaches meant that we had right mix of athletes (lineman and skill guys), the right work ethic, and the right cohesive dynamic to matriculate through the program and improve over the years to peak as Seniors.
We were tagged as Champions. It was our destiny.
One of the many traditions of Beaver football, a superstition even, is to not cut your hair during the season. Everyone starts the year as a clean-cut kid and has a shaggy main by the end of it. The goal is to get your hair as long as possible, which obviously means, your season is long. If your season is long, then you’re in pursuit of a title.
In ’04, I buzzed my head before the season and grew it out. But after such a dismal personal performance, I decided “fuck it…..I’m not cutting my hair until after senior year.” And the growing process began in November 2004.
-- Side note, this was the last hurrah of Alex with hair. It’s the only experience I’ve had of having hair long enough to touch my shoulders and even put into a ponytail. I’m a much better bald guy as I look back at pictures. --
We were committed to achieving greatness in ’05. A bunch of players went to the summer ‘Griz Camp’ in Missoula, MT. The first “official” piece of the season is the three-day Beaver mini Camp, prior to the fall ball start. Attendance in the weight room over the summer was high. Bigs, Andy, (from the Homies) and I were three of the most consistent attendees in the offseason.
The group was excited, we were loose, but we were also on a mission. Two-a-days complete and practices lead into the Blue & Gold Scrimmage. It’s the first opportunity for the fans to see any sort of ‘product’ on the field. It’s a dress rehearsal for the players. Going through the pre-game traditions, wearing uniforms (we wear our away game combination), and get some live game action.
A newspaper article saw that our team of 36 players was deep at the skill positions and experienced across the board for the Class ‘A’ Level.
A 6 – 3 season in ’04 and missing the playoffs had us under the radar in terms being a contender (which is the last year to date that the Beavers haven’t made the playoffs). But we weren’t concerned about that and knew what we had in the building
at Bigfork –
A 260 mile (3 hr and 58 minute) drive one way for a week 1 non-conference match up against Bigfork High School.
Bigfork isn’t known for it’s football (at least not in those days) and had a new head coach. Our week of preparation was more general concepts than anything else.
Not knowing quite what to expect, we had to rely on our abilities and play our game. Once the whistle blew, it was pretty clear who was the better team.
We passed and ran all over the Vikings while our defense simply stuffed them. The depth, talent, and speed on our team was obvious as we dictated the game with no drop off from starters to the backups.
Everyone on the team got to play as we moved to 1 – 0 on the year winning 34 – 0.
Personally, I had some of the demons of ’04 creep back in. Late in the game while playing Wide Receiver, I broke away from a defender and our backup Quarterback threw me a perfect ball. Much like in my Junior year, I panicked, thought too much, and didn’t just let my natural ability take over dropping a sure touchdown pass. I finished the game with 1 catch for 2 yards.
Defensively, I contributed as a starter at Cornerback on a stingy defense.
The season was off to the races
at Billings Central –
Billings Central Catholic High School is consistently one of the best teams in the state for Class “A.” In 2004, they lost in the State Championship game, graduated a lot of seniors, but were reloading for the ’05 season.
The Catholic High Schools in Montana play their games on Saturday, so we had an extra day of practice in full pads during the week. On this extra day of practice, I was going low to catch a pass when one of our linebackers broke on the ball trying to pick it off. He ran his quad straight through my right shoulder.
Piercing pain immediately followed as I was knocked to the ground spinning like a top. Despite the injury, I was able to make it through the week and to the game. I iced and stayed in a sling throughout the day, then put on a capped pad over the injured area under my shoulder pads. I could barely lift my arm above my head to wash my hair in the shower. I thought I had an AC joint sprain and was in a ton of pain. But I didn’t want to miss any time or games as a senior.
--Side note, 18 years later when I tore my right pectoral major tendon lifting weights, I got an X-ray. The doctor asked “when did your break your collarbone?” I said “never” and he responded “you definitely did, see here” [showing me the x-ray]. So, I was playing in 2005 with a broken collar bone and didn’t even know it --
In pain, I was able to be a part of a stout defensive effort throughout the game. The Billings Central Rams run a Wing-T style offense that required a 5 – 2 defensive look from us and lots of discipline. They were a big group, having 7 kids over 250 lbs to our 2 (none of which were starters on our end). Dillon’s style of play is based off technique and leverage and our defensive line dominated at the point of attack even though they were lighter. Our blue collar mentality shined bright this day as we forced five turnovers. Shutting down a normally potent attack.
2 of those 5 turnovers were fumbles that I forced. Very rarely does a Cornerback get to blitz the quarterback in our scheme, but we had the go ahead in this game on a certain call; when the wing would motion away from your side. I lined up in my spot at left Corner close to the line of scrimmage, the blitz call was on, the wing motioned away, and I shot into the backfield.
Only, through slight of hand the running back was given the ball and sprinted right passed me as I was about 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Knowing I missed the tackle, I turned and began pursuit, chasing the running back 20 yards down field, catching him, and I as I grabbed him with my left arm, punched and ripped with my right arm springing the ball free and ruining the long run as we recovered the fumble. On top of the two forced fumbles, I finished the game with 6 tackles (4 solo) and the 4 solo tackles led the team while Andy lead the way with 8 total tackles on the day.
Offensively, we were trying to find our rhythm but still able to show a good balance with pass and run. My ‘drop demons’ continued to haunt me as I over thought and panicked each offensive series dropping 2 balls. I was much more comfortable on the defensive side.
This game felt different. Both of us were 1 – 0 coming in and the stakes high. The Rams homecoming atmosphere and quality play felt like a playoff game. Add in our Wide Receivers/Defensive Backs/Return Specialists Coach Steve Vezina (rest in peace) threw up on the sideline before the game he was so nervous, we all knew what this game meant for the season.
A 20 – 10 non-conference win all of the sudden put the rest of the state on notice. The Dillon Beavers were a contender. At 2 – 0 it made the 3 hr 44 minute 257 mile one way ride home a little easier to deal with.
vs Laurel –
I continued to ice, rest, and keep my arm in a sling during Week 3. We took team pictures on a Wednesday and afterward I sat out the full pad practice.
Our Head Coach Terry Thomas said “I wish you would have dressed out. I would have had you off to the side to get credit for the practice.” Had I known this would have ‘counted’ as a ‘practice’ I would have done that in order to earn my 3rd Ironman award at the end of the year.
An Ironman award is given to someone who attends every practice for the season. Despite missing the final game of the year as a freshman due to both quads being pulled, I had a perfect practice attendance for my first Ironman.
Sophomore year, I missed 4 days of practice and a game due to having a terrible cold. I remember the Monday of that week well. Running the 1,000 yard club with a fever on the B.W. Lodge basketball court and being delirious afterward. That sent me into missing school and practice. By Saturday I was feeling well enough to stand on the sideline in a jersey for the quarterfinal playoff win.
My Junior year, I made it through the year for my second Ironman. It just wasn’t in the cards for me as a senior.
The injury even prompted my dad to go behind my back and call our trainer to say “it’s only Laurel should he even play?” in regard to our Week 3 matchup. The trainer talked to me about this call and I went home that evening and absolutely destroyed my dad for even thinking of meddling with my Senior Season. You were going to have to take me out in a coffin before I missed a game.
Despite starting on both sides of the ball I played sparingly in week 3. Especially as we blew the game open. 10 different receivers caught the ball (I had 2 catches for 10 yards) and 8 different players rushed the ball with everyone being able to get playing time in a 34 – 7 non-conference win to move to 3 – 0 on the season.
A great start to the year but competition would ramp up as we headed into the Southwest Conference games.
vs Stevensville* -
The Yellowjackets of Stevensville High School came into this game at 3 – 0 like us. We were prepared for a heavyweight fight, but it was hardly that.
Once we got going on offense, there was no slowing us down and we ran away with the game. Big passes of 90, 70, and 25 yards to our receivers for scores blew the game open.
Defensively, we continue to dominate, playing disciplined and everyone doing their job. That week we game planned for a play action pass that would put one our cornerbacks one on one with their best receiver.
My shoulder was improving and this would end up being the final game I would wear the extra padding under my shoulder pads. I was also hitting a flow state when it came to playing Cornerback on defense. The game was slowing down and I was playing at a high level. The play we repped in practice ended up happening toward the end of the game on my side. I recognized it, as the quarterback faked a hand off, and the wide receiver was coming straight at me. I turned and sprinted down field keeping him in front of me. The ball was overthrown and chased it down for an interception to seal the game.
The same couldn’t be said for my offensive performance. As my Wide Receiver teammates were experiencing success and making big plays, I simply had 1 catch for 2 yards in the game. Doing my part, but also not thriving like the rest of the guys. Our Quarterback, Zach McRae went on to set a single game record with 410 yards passing.
A 42 – 6 win moved us into the number 1 rank in the state, 4 – 0 overall, and 1 – 0 in conference.
at Anaconda* -
The Anaconda Copperheads, also known as the ‘Heads, and the Dillon Beavers are a classic Montana rivalry (also a breeding ground for sexual inuendo jokes about the ‘Heads and Beavers).
This game would be our shortest road game (77 miles one way for about an hour and 4 minute bus ride).
One of the themes for the regular season was schools wanting to host us on their homecoming. This was the second time we could spoil the festivities.
And we did. It took us a little bit to get up and going, but once the floodgate was opened, we ran it up. Scoring at will through the air or on the ground giving everyone on the depth chart some playing time.
As my offensive struggles continued, I did make a catch on a screen play and had some good blocking that allowed for a 40 yard run. Only for the play of my career to be called back on a holding penalty. I just couldn’t quite catch a break (literally or figuratively). As one of four team captains this weighed on me. Luckily, my performance was overshadowed by our team’s success and we were winning.
42 – 7 and we moved to 5 – 0 on the year and 2 – 0 in conference play.
vs Corvallis* -
Homecoming
What a week. Normal practice, school, and festivities. I had my hair braided as part of the vibe and thought I was pretty cool (not so much looking back).
This was also a game that meant something to a lot of the team. The season before, we lost in a fluke game in Corvallis, MT as our Defensive Coordinator, Rick Nordhal, was out dealing with an illness. The team was simply out of sorts that night. The loss propelled us into a 3-way tie for second place in the Southwest Conference that ultimately put us on the wrong end of the tie breaker and out of the playoffs.
It was personal.
And it was clear when we got on the field, because we whooped that ass.
Much like the last three games and 5 of the last 6, we got everyone out on the field contributing during the game because it was so lopsided.
Defense continued it’s dominance and our offense was achieving close to 500 yards of total offense per game in a balanced way.
I was able to start the second half with a catch and run to finish the game with 1 catch for 24 yards as the rest of the our receiving corps was getting fed and making plays. We were at least two-deep at all four receiving positions and there was never any let off as guys rotated in.
Redemption achieved as we won 48 – 10 and moved to 6 – 0 on the year and 3 – 0 in conference.
at Hamilton* -
The final away game of the regular season saw us drive 138 miles one way (2 hour 17 minute bus ride) to Hamilton, MT.
The Hamilton Broncos were 4 – 2 (2 – 1) and having a good season. They also decided to play rush and roulette by hosting us for their homecoming.
This wasn’t our typical game. The Broncs were good and gave us fits while we also committed a ton of penalties.
Despite the self-inflicted wounds, we were able to win 23 – 10 and move to 7 – 0 on the year and 4 – 0 in Conference.
It was a good win, but we weren’t used to doing it in this fashion. Most of our games were a party on the sideline as we (the starters) got to see the backups and younger players contribute meaningfully. This was a rare time when the starters were on the field the whole game.
Defensively, we continued to stonewall teams and proved why we were ranked number 1 in the state. Offensively, as the team started to taper, I was finally starting to get into a groove catching 2 passes for 19 yards on the day. On one play, I was a shoelace tackle away from breaking off a long run. It felt like only a matter of time before it was my time.
The reality check was sobering as the end of the year was signaling yet another elevation in play as everyone pushed for the post season. This win officially clinched a playoff birth, ruined another homecoming, and guaranteed us two more weeks (the final regular season and at least the first round of the playoffs) in our pursuit.
vs Frenchtown* -
Senior Night
It all came down to this game. The Frenchtown Broncos were 6 – 1 on the year (4 – 0) while we were 7 – 0 (4 – 0). The winner of this game would be Southwestern Conference Champions, earn a First Round Bye, and a number 1 seed.
Frenchtown was in year 3 of moving up to Class "A" from Class "B" having dominated that league for years. Despite being new to the Conference, they were atop the Class "A" winning the conference in ’04 and had a 14 game Southwest Conference win streak going.
Fitting that it would come down to this. The Broncs ran a Wishbone style offense that required a heavy Defensive Line set and ultimate discipline. It was a run heavy offense but they also had a 6’4” 205 lb Senior Tight End, Steve Pfhaler, who was already committed to the University of Montana and would eventually have a cup of coffee in the National Football League, and was their x-factor the pass game.
All week we game planned, practiced, and prepped.
And it was the game everyone wanted and more.
Frenchtown drew blood first after we threw an interception in the endzone. The Beavers then responded with a score, the Broncs eventually countered, and we took the lead just after half time at 13 – 12.
That’s when we had some woes and injuries taking out some of our key players on defense, Tobin (one of the homies) and Kris Keller at Wide Receiver who was the 2nd leading receiver on our team and in Class "A." An errant snap in the redzone resulted in a 21 yard loss and zero points for us as Frenchtown scored and converted a two-point to go up 20 – 13.
We then had a touchdown called back due to an illegal formation.
Mostly running and mixing in the occasional chunk pass got Frenchtown in the endzone to move to 27 – 13.
We rallied and were in a hurry up to get down field for a score but missed the extra point to get us to 27 – 19.
Frenchtown was trying to play keep away but we were able to make some big defensive stops. Our high-octane offense didn’t need that much time either since we ran a no-huddle spread offense anyway. It was clear throughout the season that we were well coached (being that we rarely huddled and all of us knew the play call signals) and were in better shape than any team in the state as our base offense was the hurry up. You simply couldn’t hang with us long term.
As we hustled down field, it came down to a hail merry pass which was deflected at the 3 yard line. I was running down field and dove with a chance to catch it (if I did, we would have been short of the goal line) but the ball was just out of reach.
Devastated, we dropped to 7 – 1 (4 – 1) on the season. The loss stung as it was our Senior Night and a 14-game home win streak came to end. We hadn’t lost on Vigilante Field since 2002.
It just wasn’t our night. And in these struggles, as teams began to key in on our top receivers, a few of the unsuspecting characters of the “Smurph Squad” as the coaches called our receiver group had opportunities to step up. Myself included. The whole season I had 6 catches for 57 yards, and in this one game, I finished the day with 6 catches for 74 yards including a clutch 14 yarder at the end of the game where I was blasted to keep the drive alive. A junior, Jake Iverson, also went off in the game with two touchdowns.
“We’ll see you guys again” I said over and over as we walked the customary “good game line” after the game.
With the regular season done and a humbling loss, it was time to regroup and look to the playoffs.
Knowing this was my last year of high school football, I remember thinking how lucky we were to be able to have at least one more week to play together as a team and, more importantly, a shot at the title. 12 teams in Class "A" (the 4th, 5th, and 6th place teams in their conference) were cleaning out their lockers.
The other 12 looked to the post season.
We knew what our destiny was, but the road to the top took a detour with this loss.
It would be long and uphill.
And it was time to make a run.....................
Alex de Golia
2005 Dillon Beaver Regular Season Schedule
at Bigfork - W - 34 - 0
at Billings Central - W - 20 - 10
vs Laurel - W - 34 - 7
vs Stevensville* - W - 42 - 6
at Anaconda* - W - 42 - 7
vs Corvallis*# - W - 48 - 10
at Hamilton*$ - W - 23 - 10
vs Frenchtown*^ - L - 19 - 27
7 - 1 (4 - 1)
*Indicates Southwest "A" Conference Game
# Homecoming
^ Senior Night
$ Clinched Playoff Birth