A promising pre‑season test
The East Helena Vigilantes held a full‑speed scrimmage on Tuesday night, using the session to sharpen tactics and build chemistry before the regular season kicks off. Under first‑year head coach J.D. Ferris, the team approached the workout with a clear focus on execution and discipline.
Key moments emerged early, with Leo Longcake breaking through for a decisive touchdown run that set the tone for the offense. Quarterback Bearek Shuman added a 40‑yard scramble, showcasing the agility that helped him earn a commitment to Montana Tech, a move that has injected extra excitement into the locker room.
Key moments from the scrimmage
Cody Hahn executed a crisp play‑action fake, drawing the defense before launching a deep pass that found Aiden Dalton streaking down the seam for a big gain. Later, Shuman connected with Parker Taylor on a touchdown pass, capping a drive that highlighted the quarterback’s growing rapport with his primary targets.
The defensive side of the ball also showed flashes of promise, as the line generated pressure and forced several three‑and‑out series. Coach Ferris praised the unit’s intensity, noting that the scrimmage served as a valuable diagnostic tool as the team fine‑tunes its schemes.
Looking ahead
With the preseason work in the books, the Vigilantes now turn their attention to the season opener against Miles City on Friday night. The coaching staff believes the early chemistry forged in the scrimmage will translate into a competitive edge, while players like Shuman remain focused on translating their off‑field commitments into on‑field performance.
Fans can expect an energetic atmosphere as the team aims to carry the momentum from the scrimmage into the first game of the season. The combination of fresh leadership, emerging talent and a determined roster positions East Helena to make a strong impression right out of the gate.