Ponies Aim to Get Back on Track

Last week is one to forget for the Ponies, a tough 34-7 home loss to No. 3-ranked Cretin-Derham Hall.

Forest Lake is now on tap and are also eager for a win after suffering a loss to White Bear Lake seven days ago.

Stillwater had a chance to beat Cretin for the third straight time, but more importantly, grab a hold of the Suburban East Conference.

All of last week is in the past now and head coach Beau LaBore said the team has handled the situation well.

“Our players have done a fantastic job of dealing with last week,” he said. “It wasn’t our best game and we know that, but they are ready to get going again.”

One who will not be able to go is starting quarterback, Nate Ricci, who suffered a sprained left ankle last week.

He has been in a walking boot all week and his timetable to return is still in question. Backup Aaron Romportl will be under center to start against the Rangers.

"Nate will not play tonight," LaBore said. "He sprained his ankle last week and has been walking around in a boot for most of the week.

“Aaron Romportl will take his place Friday night. Aaron has stepped in and is a very capable player," LaBore said. "He has started in basketball and baseball, so he is used to the big games. We are confident in his play and should do a good job for us." 

Running back Nick Anderson suffered a deep bone bruise in the first week, has been limited due to extreme pain since.

LaBore said the Ponies starting back is about as ready as he can be.

“Nick hasn’t felt this good in a while,” he said. “This is about as good as he is going to feel and he is ready.”

For their opponents, Forest Lake has been mentioned by several SEC coaches as one that can surprise the league this season.

An abundance of multi-sport athletes and experience can cause problems for the Ponies on Friday night.

“A lot of their players saw time last season as juniors and that can only help them,” LaBore said. “You will see guys going on both sides of the ball, so there is experience  all over the field.”

Stillwater will have to watch out for quarterback JT Jurasin, much like Ricci, a threat on the ground.

He is the Rangers leading rusher this season, averaging 105.3 yards per game.

Last season, running back Tommy Tyson was a force, but has not gotten off to the start many expected.

However, he has proven if he gets an opening, he can be dangerous in the open field.

“With their talent, we have to make sure we wrap up and tackle well,” LaBore said. “They have skilled players, so we can’t afford to let them get going.”

Defense will more than likely be the key for the Ponies, especially without their No. 1 quarterback.

Forest Lake, despite its 1-2 record, has averaged 29.67 points a game, well over the average of 17 for Stillwater.

A shootout may not favor the Ponies, so once again, field position, solid overall defense and a turnover-free offense are needed to keep Stillwater from falling to .500.