Friday night lights will shine on Jack Harris Stadium as the Mountain View High School football team opens its season against West Albany in a Week Zero matchup scheduled for 7 p.m. The Cougars, fresh off a 34‑4 stretch that included two state semifinal appearances, are looking to translate that success into an early‑season test.
A Coach’s Vision of Competitive Edge
Coach Brian Crum emphasizes that the game is more than a warm‑up; it is a deliberate challenge designed to gauge the team’s depth and resilience. Since December, players have risen before sunrise to hone their craft, a routine that reflects the program’s commitment to excellence.
The Cougars enter the contest with a preseason ranking of No. 4 in the OSAAtoday poll, while West Albany sits at No. 6. Their last meeting in the 2024 5A state semifinals ended in a 40‑17 victory for Mountain View, a result that adds a layer of anticipation to Friday’s clash.
Seniors Jettson Gillam and quarterback Liam Wheir have voiced excitement about the upcoming game, describing it as a defining moment for the season. Their enthusiasm is echoed by a defensive unit that returns eight starters, including Carson Bottemiller, Tanner Loch and Landon Wimmer, who together posted five shutouts in the 2025 campaign.
Looking Ahead to a Busy Schedule
The early slate also includes contests against Caldera, Ridgeview and Redmond, each of which will test different facets of the Cougars’ game plan. As the season unfolds, the team’s focus on depth, playmaking ability and a mindset geared toward state playoff contention will be put to the test.