2018 AA High School Football Power Rankings – Week 3
We’re back with our Montana AA football power rankings. See previous rankings here: Week 1, Week 2
#1 Bozeman (2-0)
Took a shot to the jaw and came out on top against a solid West squad; now face a tough Glacier team in Kalispell on Friday.
#2 Helena High (2-0)
Ended Senior’s win streak in emphatic fashion at home last Friday; allowing only 14 points to the defending state champs. The Bengals D has given up only 20 points this season.
#3 Flathead (2-0)
The Braves throttled the Capital High Bruins at home behind another ridiculous ground game from Blake Counts. This week they face their toughest challenge of the season against the Golden Bears of Billings West.
#4 Missoula Sentinel (2-0)
First they hammered Billings Skyview, then they hung 56 on Big Sky, next they travel to Great Falls to take on a solid Bison squad as both teams look to start the season 3-0.
#5 Billings West (1-1)
The Golden Bears could very easily be 2-0, but Bozeman tailback Joe Olson had other ideas; to the tune of 266 yards and three scores. Now West travels seven hours to Kalispell to take on the Braves. Advantage Flathead.
#6 Great Falls High (2-0)
Bison fans might be cursing me out for holding them out of the top 5 (that is assuming anyone actually reads this), but I need to see what they do against a quality opponent. They’ve beaten two cellar dwellers (Capital and Skyview), albeit in convincing fashion, but they’re stout D will be tested against an offensive juggernaut in Missoula Sentinel this Friday in the Electric City.
#7 Billings Senior (1-1)
Unpopular opinion: The Broncs won’t repeat as state champs. However, they’re still a team worthy of opponent’s respect. Look for Senior to get back on track against Skyview on Friday.
#8 CMR (1-1)
Another unpopular opinion: The Rustlers aren’t “The Program” in Great Falls this year; that title belongs to their cross-town counterpart. However, look for the Rustlers to get win number two against Big Sky this week.
#9 Glacier (0-2)
This team could easily be 2-0, but it’s not the same Wolfpack squad we’re accustomed to seeing. They face an even stiffer test as Bozeman and their cast of offensive weapons comes to town. All signs point to an 0-3 start for the Pack.
#10 Butte (1-1)
They evened the record last week against Hellgate and should be in line for another W this week against Capital. Hellgate did move the ball consistently against the Bulldogs, as did Flathead in Week 1, so the Dogs need to tighten things up if they expect to make a playoff run this season.
#11 Missoula Big Sky (0-2)
The Eagles played their usual brand of tough-nosed, smash mouth football against Sentinel, but came up a few scores short. Obviously not the result you want against a city rival, but progress nonetheless. Next up, CMR visits the Garden City.
#12 Missoula Hellgate (0-2)
Believe it or not, the Knights could have very easily ended their long losing streak in the Mining City. The score suggests otherwise, but Hellgate amassed over 250 yards on the ground and moved at will on the Bulldogs. Alas, miscues (to the tune of 11 dropped passes) and a stout Butte red zone defense kept Hellgate out of the end zone all but once. Things don’t get any easier for the Knights this week as Helena High comes knocking.
#13 Helena Capital (0-2)
The Bruins have managed a measly nine points in two games. Their usually stingy defense isn’t so stingy and the offense has been held in check thus far. Butte comes calling this week, so look for the Bruins to find the end zone more often.
#14 Billings Skyview (0-2)
The Falcons are still figuring out who they are after the retirement of long-time head coach Ron Lebsock. They’ve taken it on the chin against two solid squads in consecutive weeks and figure to be in for another rough one this week as they stay home to take on the defending state champs.
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About the Author
Minty Coach A proud native of Great Falls, Coach now resides in Missoula, however he's a Bobcat to the core.
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