Prep Football Preview/Predictions: Week 2

Dillon at Polson

Friday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m.

2012 result: Dillon 28, Polson 7

The last time the Pirates took the football field, they were ousted in the Class A quarterfinals by Dillon. It was Polson’s only loss of the 2012 season. This will be the Pirates’ shot at redemption. … Dillon went on to the Class A championship game where they lost to Billings Central. … The winner of this game will likely establish itself as the favorite in the class in the western half of the state. … The Beavers return some sizeable talent in the form of all-state selections Donovan Hucke (C), Troy Scott (LB) and Carson King (LB). … Polson coach Scott Wilson will rely much more on the passing game than he did last season. … Quarterback Andrew Weltz and wideout Cedrick Smith will have to produce for the Pirates to be able to score. … Another key for Polson is balance on offense; Wilson is still looking for a running back to assume the workload in the backfield.

Robertson’s Prediction: Dillon 20, Polson 14

Eureka at Ronan

Friday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m.

2012 result: Did not play

A much-improved Eureka team dominated short-handed Mission up north last Friday night, but Ronan looks to be tougher prey for the Lions. … Ronan is senior-loaded, led by quarterback/defensive back Connor Benn, lineman T.J. Webb and fullback/defensive end Austin Hakes. … Coach Jim Benn expects his son and quarterback’s favorite target to be junior Bryce Cullen, whose size and athleticism could provide issues for the Lions’ secondary. … Eureka’s offense is anchored by running back Trent Vaughn, who averaged 10 yards per carry last week. … Lions quarterback Austin Perez had a big game as well, accounting for four touchdowns—three passing and 35-yard run. … Eureka looks to be a tough first contest for the Chiefs.

Robertson’s Prediction: Ronan 27, Eureka 21

Whitehall at Mission

Friday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m.

2012 result: Did not play

The big difference for the Bulldogs this week will be the addition of three starters who had missed too much practice to be eligible in last week’s defeat at Eureka. … Coach Rich Ferris has settled in with sophomore Nick Durglo as his quarterback, which should allow for some consistency with his skill position players like receiver Jarred Brown and running back Raymond Matt. … The Trojans are coming off a 4-4 2012 campaign.

Robertson’s Prediction: Whitehall 32, Mission 21

Noxon at Charlo

Friday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m.

2012 result: Charlo 63, Noxon 14

The Vikings look to be rolling, as they forced reigning state champion Superior into six interceptions last week in a 38-30 victory. … The Red Devils were blown out by Granite, 54-12, on Saturday. … Noxon has one of the larger, more experienced corps of linemen in Class C, but they are lacking on experience in the skill positions. … Look for Charlo’s Michael Delaney to have a big day passing on that inexperienced secondary. … One thing Charlo coach Mike Krahn learned about his team on Saturday is that he has more depth than he anticipated. Expect Krahn to have a chance to get the lower end of the depth chart some more experience tomorrow night.

Robertson’s Prediction: Charlo 66, Noxon 16

Arlee at Seeley-Swan

Friday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m.

2012 result: Arlee 54, Seeley-Swan 36

A tough loss to a tough team last week shouldn’t get the Warriors down, as they have a weak looking Black Hawk team that got pounded 50-12 by Drummond last Saturday. … Seeley-Swan coach Wayne Cahoon has everyone back from his winless 2012 squad, but boasts considerable team speed. … 6-4, 245-pound Hunter Bracket is one of the biggest linemen in all of 8-man football. … Arlee’s offense had flashes of brilliance last week. Quarterback Riley Rogers seemed to be in sync with multiple receivers. … Arlee will benefit from the added eligibility of Isaac Desjarlais and Leondre Bolen. ... The Warriors could be deadly if they get their defensive assignments in order, as yards just came too easily for Victor last week. This should be a perfect opportunity to do that.

Robertson’s Prediction: Arlee 56, Seeley-Swan 32

Last week: 3-0