The postseason drought is over for the Laurel Locomotives, who play host to Havre this afternoon in a first-round Class A football playoff game.

It's been a tough slog since the last playoff appearance in 2003, with Laurel enduring five straight losing seasons including two winless ones. Despite having a winning record (6-3) last year, the Locomotives still missed the playoffs.

But that's all in the past. This team has lost just once in nine games, a 15-6 decision to Billings Central.

"Our kids have played well all year long,'' coach Mike Ludwig said. "Even in the loss, we played well enough to win, but it didn't happen that way. We're feeling pretty good and are glad to be at home.''

Havre (5-3) is in the playoffs for the sixth time in eight seasons and Ludwig warns the Locomotives can't be overlooking the Blue Ponies.

"They have a good football team that's got a lot of tradition. They seem like they're in the playoffs every year. It's not a new thing to those kids.''

The teams have played four common opponents. Havre beat Lewistown 21-7 and Laurel won 44-7. Both defeated Glendive with the Blue Ponies winning 31-0 and the Locomotives 49-7. Laurel whipped Butte Central 38-14 and the Maroons beat the Blue Ponies 27-21 in overtime. Laurel rolled over Sidney 42-0 and the Eagles beat Havre 18-14.

Havre coach Kevin Sukut says his club is the underdog, but will relish the challenge.

"They (Laurel) are an athletic a team as we will see this year. They have good balance with the running game and the passing game. We have a lot of respect for them. They have played a lot of good football teams. We will be the underdog, but we have confidence in what we do.''

The Blue Ponies have run well behind a big offensive line. Kevin Pattison has gained 1,115 yards and is averaging 7.1 a pop. Fullback John Perrodin has gained 389 yards on 7.6 yards per carry. Quarterback C.J. Evans is a capable passer, connecting on 66 of 108 attempts for 691 yards.

The line is anchored by all-state tackle Mitch Schnittgen (6-1, 260) and all-state guard Will DeVries (6-1, 250). The center is Jacob Lilletvedt (5-10, 200), Spencer Smith (6-1, 265) is the other guard and Jim Beemer (6-1, 250) is at the other tackle.

Laurel has been prolific on offense, scoring 37.8 points a game. Jake Miller has rushed for 718 yards and nine touchdowns to lead a potent ground game. Dylan Kramer (391 yards), Ethan Albrecht (264), Joe Barta (170) and Jordan Adams (132) have also been effective.

Kramer and Barta have combined to throw for 11 touchdowns in 57 completions. Brian Flotkoetter is the top receiver with 23 receptions for 472 yards on five touchdowns. He's also rushed for 88 yards and two TDS.

"Flotkoetter is a great athlete,'' Sukut said. "He's their big-play guy.''

But Sukut is impressed with a number of others, particularly lineman-linebacker Sean Condon.

"Condon is as good an athlete as there is in the state and they've got a lot to go with him. They have good size and good speed.''