Flathead High School secondary shines at passing tournament

Flathead 1 won the 7-on-7 Passing Tournament at Legends Stadium Saturday by beating Flathead 2 32-22.

Flathead 1 was comprised mainly of Flathead seniors, while Flathead 2 was mostly underclassmen.

Flathead 2 advanced to the tournament finals by beating Whitefish in a 40-35 thriller.

Flathead coach Grady Bennett said Flathead 1's entire secondary played outstanding football, led by senior free safety Reed Watkins and junior safety Pat Hergesheimer. Cornerbacks Clint Manning and Tyler Haven also made key plays.

"I really feel good about our secondary," Bennett said.

Bennett's vote of confidence is important for Flathead fans because the Braves lost every starting defensive back from last year's team to graduation.

Bennett liked the way Flathead 2 battled back against Whitefish's potent aerial attack. He was especially happy with the "amazing day" had by wide receiver/cornerback Levi Walker.

Walker is one of Flathead's smallest players, but he has been a mainstay in the Braves' weight room this offseason.

"His hard work is starting to pay off," Bennett said.

According to Bennett, the passing tournament was important in evaluating Flathead's personnel before fall camp.

Bennett said wide receiver/cornerback Brian Sneck played well and discovered how good he could be on Saturday.

Bennett was "jacked" with the passing tournament and simultaneous Valley of the Hogs Linemen Competition. He was especially thankful for the work of event commissioner Ed Weber, the supportive parents of Flathead's players and the visiting coaches and athletes.