The Wibaux Longhorns have no interest in rebuilding.

After graduating a strong class of seniors from last year's State C runner-up team, the Longhorns have skipped right past the rebuilding phase. Wibaux (9-0) will host Fort Benton (9-1) in a Class C quarterfinal game on Saturday.

"We've got a good senior group, and our juniors have really matured tremendously," said Wibaux coach Jeff Bertelsen. "This team is probably a little bit ahead of schedule. We have some very good teams in our conference, and we really played well in all of those games … it's been a fun team to be a part of."

The leadership of players like senior A.J. LaBelle has been a big part of the Longhorns' success. A three-year starter at both offensive guard and nose guard, the 6-foot-2, 240-pounder has been the anchor of the Wibaux defense that has allowed just 64 points in nine games this season.

"A.J. has really worked hard in the weight room from his freshman year on," said Bertelsen. "He's got good strength and speed … he's the third-fastest player on our team.

"He's so stable at nose guard that we're able to do a lot of things around him … his presence up front really helps our other guys get free on the outside."

LaBelle, one of seven seniors on the roster, said the development of this year's team began in the summer.

"The seniors get together with the younger kids and work out two or three times a week … usually four or five guys in a group," said LaBelle. "Getting the guys to work hard and get motivated is part of the responsibility of the seniors. For me, that's been the biggest difference from my first three years.

"I think our dedication in the offseason and our focus during the week is what makes us a good team."

That focus will be tested on Saturday, when Wibaux faces Fort Benton in a battle of Longhorns. Fort Benton, in its first year in Class C after dropping down from Class B, has won nine straight games since falling in the season opener at Centerville.

"We'll have to put together a complete game," said Bertelsen. "They've got good size and speed. The kids are having a good week of practice and they're excited to be playing a team like Fort Benton."

"They're a great team … we're looking forward to the challenge," added LaBelle. "They just moved down from Class B and they've got a good football tradition just like we do. It should be a fun game."

- Mike Zimmer