Returning Standouts Set for 2026 Season
The 2026 high school football season is set to kick off on August 28, when Great Falls High and C.M. Russell High open their schedules with non‑conference road tests against Western AA foes.
Among the returning standouts, Drew Almquist of Helena Capital emerges as a dual‑threat cornerback who helped the Capital Bruins capture the 2024 Class AA state championship and amassed more than 1,100 yards from scrimmage last year.
Sam Sirmon, a linebacker from Missoula Sentinel, led his Spartans in tackles and earned second‑team All‑State honors while also being named first‑team all‑Western AA.
Mason Ramos of Missoula Big Sky, a first‑team All‑State wide receiver, ranked second in the state for receiving yards per game and scored seven touchdowns in 2024.
Quarterback Eli Kasberg from Missoula Big Sky threw for over 2,200 passing yards, tossed 22 touchdowns and added a strong rushing component, while defensive tackle Quincy King anchored the Big Sky line with six tackles per game and a wrestling pedigree that includes two state placements.
Brody Dooley of Belgrade, an outside linebacker, contributed five tackles per game, intercepted four passes and earned all‑conference recognition, while also shining as a wrestler.
Bob Springman of Bozeman Gallatin was a first‑team All‑State defensive tackle with 17 tackles for loss as a junior, and Tyson Scheel of Gallatin ranked third in Class AA for rushing yards per game, adding 10 touchdowns and nearly 250 receiving yards.
Lane Humphrey of Billings West, the reigning Eastern AA Defensive Player of the Year, returns as a first‑team All‑State linebacker averaging nearly eight tackles per game, while Jack Ryan, a UM signee, earned first‑team All‑State linebacker honors with a top‑10 tackle rate.
Walker Olson of Billings West was a first‑team All‑State safety with nearly six tackles per game and four interceptions, and Van Shockley of Bozeman High leads Class AA in pass yards per game with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Beau Wheeler of Bozeman High rushed for over 900 yards and seven touchdowns, while Lucas Garson contributed 10 sacks and 17 quarterback hurries as a second‑team All‑State defensive end.
Jackson Carter of Billings Skyview topped Class AA in receiving yards per game at 103.2, totaling 826 yards and nine touchdowns in eight contests.
The schedule continues with C.M. Russell High hosting Helena Capital on August 28 at Vigilante Stadium, followed by Missoula Sentinel’s home game against C.M. Russell on September 4, and Great Falls High traveling to Missoula Big Sky the same night.
Later in September, C.M. Russell hosts Belgrade on September 10, while Great Falls meets Billings West on September 11, and Bozeman Gallatin takes on C.M. Russell on September 18.
The season will also feature a showdown between Great Falls High and Bozeman High on September 18, and a Homecoming clash where C.M. Russell hosts Bozeman on October 9.