Brotherly Tough

CHARLO — It can be pretty tough to take directions from your little brother.

Charlo senior Tyler Delaney has gotten used to it. Delaney’s younger brother, Michael, has had a breakout sophomore season as the Vikings quarterback.

“It’s kind of different, I guess, having him as the quarterback,” Tyler said. “It’s kind of special, I think, to be able to play together.”

Tyler can empathize with Michael a little bit. Their older brother, Stephen, graduated in 2012 as all-state wide receiver.

Tyler, a running back and defensive back, garnered all-state honors last year, and Michael is on track for such accolades himself. The sophomore has completed 77-percent (120-155) of his passes this season, tossing 23 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s also the Vikings’ second-leading rusher—behind Tyler—toting for more than 8 yards per carry.

The older Delaney has accumulated 776 rushing yards on just 79 carries this season. He has six interceptions on defense, four of which came in the Vikings’ win over Superior on August 31.

Charlo coach Mike Krahn is more than happy to brag on the Delaney family.

“We know having the Delaney boys in school … that they’re good kids first,” Krahn said. “You always like to have good kids. And they come from a good athletic background.”

Krahn also knows how lucky he is to have kept them around. The Delaneys live in St. Ignatius, but their mother, Sheri, taught in Charlo and brought her children to school there. Sheri left for a teaching job at Linderman Elementary in Polson a few years ago, but the kids elected to stay in Charlo schools.

Michael wasn’t even slated to be the incoming starter at the end of last season until Krahn’s nephew, Justin Krahn, transferred to Ronan. Krahn has been more than impressed at Michael’s development through the season.

“The [quarterback] position is a position of leadership, just regardless,” Krahn said. “…Michael has never seemed to lord that over Tyler or any of the older kids.”

The younger Delaney has taken a role of accountability with the team as well.

“If something goes wrong, he’s real quick to take blame,” said Krahn. “I think that’s just a respect thing that he’s giving those kids that are older. He does a nice job of managing that.”

Michael said having experience around him—the Vikings start five seniors and two juniors on offense—makes his job easy.

“All the seniors know what they’re doing,” Michael said. “They’re easy to talk to and they know their stuff.”

Michael attributes his success to having two all-state players—Tyler and senior Jacen Petersen—in the Vikings’ backfield.

“Having Jacen and Tyler in the backfield really opens things up,” Michael said. “It makes it hard for other teams because you can’t key on one guy.”

Opposing coaches don’t think Michael should be so humble. Arlee coach Mike Rogers, whose team started more sophomores than upperclassmen this year, was impressed with the youngster’s dual-threat ability when the Vikings drubbed the Warriors, 56-8, on October 4.

“I know what sophomores can do,” Rogers said. “He is one of those sophomores that comes out and does the things that you don’t think he can do.”

Tyler, who sat out much of his freshman and sophomore seasons with injuries, is just happy to be on the field.

“I know what it’s like to sit out and watch the games wishing you could be in there,” Tyler said. “…It’s been good to stay healthy these last few years. I think it really helped.”

The slippery back has thrived running on the outside and catching the ball in the short passing game this season. Offensive coordinator Jim Petersen described as “a zigger and a zagger.”

“His speed is deceiving,” Rogers said. “You don’t think he’s that quick and the next thing you know he’s down the field.”

Rogers dismissed any suggestion that Tyler thrives because of the weapons around him.

“I’m sure he stands out on anybody’s team,” the Arlee coach said.

Having widespread talent isn’t a bad thing, though, Tyler said.

“It’s nice because everyone has their not-so-good games,” he said. “We have the other weapons to help us.”

The senior, who has now been on four Charlo playoff teams, emphasized the importance of having home-field advantage, especially against an opponent coming from as far as Culbertson-Bainville, this weekend’s quarterfinal foe.

“I think it’s a pretty big advantage playing on your own field,” Tyler said. “We had to go to Fairview two years ago, so we know what it’s like.”

Long road trips can be harrowing, but so can repetitive drives to school with your younger brother. Tyler said he likes having Michael, who can’t legally drive yet, along for the ride.

“I don’t mind having some company, I guess,” he said.

The Vikings success this season likely helps them get along, too.