Billings Senior Climbs into the Top 5 | Mint AA Football Power Rankings
Things are looking up for Senior. Our top four remains the same…
#1 Bozeman Hawks (7-0)
The Hawks were down their number one and two runnings backs. No worries, Will Leep stepped in and ran for three scores and Bozeman trounced Helena High by 20. Now they travel to Missoula to take on a scrappy Big Sky squad. Can anyone say trap game?
#2 Billings West Golden Bears (6-1)
Helena Capital punched the Golden Bears square in the mouth, but just couldn’t find the endzone enough to make it hurt. West escaped with a narrow win and likely a wake-up call for their remaining three games. Up next: A trip to the Garden City and a date with the Spartans.
#3 Helena High Bengals (5-2)
Things did not go well last week against the Hawks. That has to bring up some worries about state title aspirations in Helena. This week presents much less of a challenge as Skyview visits the Capital City.
#4 Flathead Braves (5-2)
Flathead handled Big Sky and ended any hopes of an Eagle upset early by posting a 29-0 first quarter lead. Blake Counts tallied 178 more yards on the ground as the Braves trounced Big Sky 56-31. Flathead stays home this week to entertain the Rustlers of CMR.
#5 Billings Senior Broncs (5-2)
Like the Hawks, the Broncs were without a starter in the backfield last week. However, stand-in Alyas Wright was up to the challenge. Wright went for 277 yards on 50 carries and Senior topped Butte by 13.
#6 Great Falls High Bison (4-3)
I said it last week and I was right; last week was a trap game for the Bison. Glacier is a good team with a bad record because of some close losses. The Wolfpack took a 21-point lead before GFH finally woke up. Unfortunately it was too late for the Herd as they dropped a close one 42-38. The Bison now travel to Butte in what should be a win and a playoff clincher at that, but anything can happen.
#7 Missoula Sentinel Spartans (4-3)
The Spartans took advantage of the big plays, both on offense and in special teams, to secure a win over Hellgate. Sentinel also enjoyed a solid effort from their defensive line; pressuring Hellgate QB Rollie Worster early and often. Now the Golden Bears come to town in what should be a high scoring game.
#8 Helena Capital Bruins (3-4)
Capital came so close to pulling off what would have been a huge upset against West. They outgained the Golden Bears on offense and just couldn’t put things together when it mattered most. Still, are more than alive for a playoff spot, but face a major challenge on the road against Glacier this Friday. Expect a great game.
#9 Glacier High Wolfpack (2-5)
Again, this is a solid team that has unfortunately suffered some tough losses. They likely need to win out to have a shot, but the schedule looks favorable enough to do just that. This week they welcome Helena Capital to town and both teams will be desperate for a win.
#10 Missoula Big Sky Eagles (2-5)
Flathead had their way with the Eagles and this was never really a game. I feel like a broken record, but Big Sky is technically not eliminated from postseason contention. Unfortunately for them the Bozeman Hawks come to town this week and that usually spells trouble.
#11 Missoula Hellgate Knights (2-5)
Well, the streak was bound to end at some point. The Knights had their chances against Sentinel and just didn’t execute when it mattered most. They too are technically still alive for a playoff berth, but need to win some games and get some help. First up, head to Billings and pull off an upset of Billings Senior…..we’ll see?
#12 Butte High Bulldogs (2-5)
The Bulldogs had an efficient night on offense, they just couldn’t stop anyone; especially Alyas Wright, on defense. It seems like defense has been the achilles heel for the Bulldogs this year and the task doesn’t get any easier this week as the Bison visit the Mining City.
#13 CMR Rustlers (2-5)
The Rustlers are like everyone else sitting at 2-5; they aren’t technically eliminated from postseason contention, but it’d take a miracle for them to sneak in. They got things straightened out against Skyview, but the celebration will likely be short-lived. This week they face Blake Counts and the Braves in Kalispell.
#14 Billings Skyview Falcons (0-7)
The Falcons just can’t get out of their own way, which is unfortunate for the senior’s on the squad this year. They’ve already played Hellgate and CMR; and they finish with Helena High, Butte and Bozeman. It seems like their best shot at a win will come next week when they square off with the Bulldogs, although they’re no slouch.
Click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter for all things Cat Griz, Brock Osweiler, and other stuff you’ll like. If you watch Cat/Griz, you should do it. (Sign up here)
Follow us on twitter @MTMintSports. And follow our team: @MintsHotTakeN8, @ztrainmint,@BearTycoon, @ScottyMint,@JasperMoonshot, @MintyCoach & @MontanaParlay!
Related Posts
Griz Fan Podcast – The post season midnight pod drop →
Griz Fan Podcast – Junior Bergen does it again →
Griz Fan Podcast – Brawl recap & playoff talk with Colter Nuanez →
