Horsemen begin season

SHELBY – The Plains Horsemen football team traveled five hours east to kick off their season against the Shelby Coyotes last week.

On Friday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. the Horsemen launched their 2014 campaign following the cancellation of their game against Thompson Falls on Aug. 30.

The Coyotes proved to be a tough opponent and were able to win their Friday evening match up against Plains by a score of 56-8.

“The kids played really hard. They played very well considering what we had,” Plains Head Coach Juan Lulack said.

Lulack was referring to the small size of the Plains squad this year and the head coach noted the team only took approximately 16 players to Shelby.

The Shelby team numbers are right around 30 football players.

Lulack did take away some positives from the team’s first game of the year.

“We had some success with our offense,” Lulack said.

Lulack added the Horsemen were able to execute a trick play for a touchdown late in the second quarter.

Coach Lulack also applauded the Shelby team noting they have put together a competitive program over the last few years.

When these two teams met a couple of years ago Shelby held the Horsemen without a touchdown.

Lulack said for that game the Plains team had quite a bit bigger roster and he was happy to see the Horsemen punch in a touchdown against the Coyotes in the first half when Shelby’s first string defense was still on the field.

The coach said as the season progresses the Horsemen will continue to work on improving their play.

“We will keep working on running our offense successfully,” Lulack said.

Lulack was quick to add the team’s coaching staff was aware of the unique challenges facing this year’s Horsemen team due to their lack of size.

According to the head coach, the shorthanded nature of their roster necessitates a different approach to practices than a normal season would.

“We are trying to make sure we aren’t pounding the football into the kids’ heads. We want them to have fun this season, too,” Lulack said.

Lulack understands the tough road ahead for the Horsemen this season.

He was clear that he couldn’t ask for a better group of football players.

“These young men are really playing hard and their hearts are in it,” Lulack said.

Part of the team’s unique practice strategy will take place this weekend.

For one of the team’s practices the Horsemen will practice some cardio and then head over to Highway 135 for a soak at the hot springs.

“We want to do some unique things to keep the team’s spirits up,” Lulack said.  

Despite the adversity the Horsemen are not throwing the towel in and will work hard throughout the duration of the season.

Coach Lulack spoke to his players before the game and reiterated the importance of leaving everything on the field.

“Go out there and earn some respect,” Lulack said.

Plains next game will be at home against the Whitehall Trojans.

The home opener will take place on Friday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.