Pirates ready for new NWA

Polson beat Frenchtown twice last year, and now they'll be welcoming the Broncs to the Northwestern A conference this season.

"It's a great addition to our conference," Polson head coach Scott Wilson said to the Daily Inter Lake. "Year-in and year out, they are always solid. Overall, I think it will bring it up a level."

The Pirates are pretty solid themselves, having advanced to the playoffs nine out of the 10 past years.

While last year they were worried about the inexperience of the team, this year they'll return seven starters on both sides of the ball. While Wilson told the Inter Lake he's worried about depth, there is still plenty of talent on the team.

Senior quarterback Vince DiGiallonardo is Montana's version of Michael Vick, and will wreak havoc on opposing teams' defenses this season.

"We will try to be as balanced as we can," Wilson said of the offense. "With a quarterback that can run the ball, we'll have several things we can do. He can also throw the ball."

While Polson lost two senior all-state wide receivers in Kyle Bagnell and Louis Mohr to graduation, they'll reload with basketball players Ian Laimbeer and Will Davey.

Justin Hoel and Kienan Keniston are also solid targets for DiGiallonardo.

"The thing with all four, they run really good routes," Wilson said.

Two seniors will be battling it out for the starting position at running back, Chris Cote and Paul McClurg, and a smaller but mobile offensive line will open up the lanes for them.

"The thing I like the most about our front this year, all the kids we have up there are multiple sport athletes,"

Wilson said to the Inter Lake. "I'm pleased with the mobility they have."

Polson will open the season at Belgrade on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Panthers went 8-3 last season, including 4-1 in the Central A conference. Their offense was high-powered as they scored 30.8 points per game while their defense allowed less than 10 points in six games.