Billings West Sneaks into Top 3 of the Montana Mint’s AA Power Rankings
Another week in the books and another set of rankings.
#1 Bozeman Hawks (4-0)
Another week, same story. They’ve had one close call against West, but other than that they haven’t been tested. They have an amazing offense and such sturdy defensive front, it’ll be hard to top the Hawks.
#2 Billings West Golden Bears (3-1)
Have you heard about West High’s massive o-line? The Golden Bears will go as far as this impressive unit will take them; and based on their body of work so far…there should be a deep playoff run. Next up: Don’t overlook crosstown rival Billings Skyview.
#3 Helena High Bengals (3-1)
Welp, raise your hand if you saw that coming? Glacier, led by Evan Todd and Drew Deck offensively, handled the Bengals in Kalispell to send a message to the state that they aren’t dead yet. Wake up call, Helena High.
#4 Great Falls High Bison (3-1)
The Bison had a tough task on the road against a really potent Billings West squad and came up a bit short. They had their chances and stuck with a team that I believe we’ll see playing for a state title at season’s end. Next up: The Eagles land in Great Falls for what should be a good matchup for the Bison.
#5 Flathead Braves (3-1)
Again, Blake Counts is a stud. He and the Braves rumbled their way to an exciting road win, ruining Sentinel’s homecoming festivities in Wa-Griz last week. This week they face Glacier in a highly anticipated crosstown battle.
#6 Billings Senior Broncs (3-1)
Got a good one on the road against CMR, now take on the #1 squad in the state. SPOILER ALERT: As I type this they have a 19-10 lead entering the 3rd quarter! Now lets see if they can seal the deal. DOUBLE SPOILER ALERT: Now they’re losing 25-19.
#7 Missoula Sentinel Spartans (2-2)
Two blowout wins and two close loses. Sucks to be the Spartans right now. However, a trip to Butte should cure what ails ‘em.
#8 Missoula Big Sky Eagles (2-2)
The Eagles are a scrappy squad; plain and simple. Down 20-7 at half, only 17 yards of rushing in the first half and then they explode in the 3rd quarter behind who else, but another Janacaro. Credit to these guys; they don’t look flashy, but they get the job done and that’s all that matters.
#9 CMR Rustlers (1-3)
Losing their starting quarterback has definitely hurt them. However, their front seven has been good enough to keep them in games. That group definitely has the advantage over their Knight counterparts this week.
#10 Glacier High Wolfpack (1-3)
Close losses plagued them earlier in the season, but they put a complete game together last Friday and did so against one of the bette teams in the state. Now they face the daunting task of stopping Blake Counts and the Braves.
#11 Helena Capital Bruins (2-2)
They licked their wounds against Butte and Skyview to even up the record, now they face their inter-city rival in what should be one of several great games across the league Friday night.
#12 Butte High Bulldogs (1-3)
Things haven’t gone as planned for the Bulldogs; the offense is as advertised, but defensively they tend to struggle. Now they face a crafty Spartan squad adept at lighting up the scoreboard. Expect a high scoring affair.
#13 Missoula Hellgate Knights (0-4)
Damn! For one half the Knights were on top of the world. And then the second half kicked off and Big Sky decided enough was enough. Hellgate came back and made it close in the 4th, but their halftime lull ended up being costly. CMR is beatable, but their front seven can cause fits.
#14 Billings Skyview Falcons (0-4)
It could be another long Friday night against the Golden Bears. I’d wager the Falcons are looking ahead to the Knights and the Knights are looking ahead at the Falcons. Let’s see who comes out healthier…
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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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