Plains football coach happy with effort from team

DEER LODGE – The Plains Horsemen came up short Friday against Deer Lodge losing 42-2.

The Horsemen started off strong. They recovered the opening kick off after the ball hit a Deer Lodge player in the back. The Horsemen were able to earn a first down and move the ball well, but ultimately Deer Lodge earned a takeaway. After the takeaway, Plains was able to intercept the Deer Lodge pass.

“We played as tough as we could,” said Head Coach Juan Lulack. “We had a chance to get points but could not execute.”

Plains did however put points on the board on defense. The Horsemen were able to earn a safety on Deer Lodge. Deer Lodge took over near their own goal line and the Horsemen defense was able to sack the quarterback in the end zone.

“I am proud we were able to score on defense, it was one of our team goals.” Lulack said. “We need to build on everything we do this year.”

Though it may seem as if the Horsemen are struggling, they are a much improved team this year. Last year Plains was only able to put one touchdown on the board all season. This year, the Horsemen are scoring in nearly every game.

The schedule has not been too kind to Plains this year. Their last two opponents were some of the strongest teams in the state. Coach Lulack has to rely on a much younger and inexperienced group of players to combat these teams.

“We have so many sophomores playing varsity for us,” Lulack said. “We don’t have a JV team, we don’t have the 50 man roster of schools like Deer Lodge and Bigfork, but we do the best we can, and it’s all we can ask.”

Despite not putting up a win this season, Lulack is trying to change the attitude and environment of football in Plains.

“I want kids to feel successful regardless of what happens on the field,” Lulack said. “Kids are ready to hit the weight room and be prepared for this year and the next.”

Coach Lulack said Deer Lodge had the strongest interior line they have faced all season. Their size gave them a huge advantage on the field Friday. However, Lulack has employed a new weight lifting program and he is already seeing the changes.

“The kids are excited about being in the weight room,” Lulack said. “They can tell they are physically stronger. I am doing something different this year. We have a point system for players. We set a goal of 100 points for coming to work outs, extracurricular activities and other sports; we had three players get over 100 points.”

Changing the football attitude has not been an easy task for Coach Lulack. Keeping a positive attitude is even harder when success is not coming in the form of victories.

“Practices have been positive, we want to let the kids run the plays they like and even make their own plays,” Lulack said. “We let players like Ben Gorham run the football and Coltyn Bache catch passes.”

Even when incorporating new plays into the offense, Lulack wants to stick to his guns. Lulack said the Horsemen would continue to work on running the football and use their short passing game. He wants to finish the year with what the coaches have taught the players.

“We want the kids to work hard and have fun,” Lulack said. “I want them to learn as much as they can here and I think they are doing just that. They really are trying hard and just keep getting better.”

Plains is on the road again this week at Eureka on October 25. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.