The annual “Brawl of the Wild,” the Montana State vs. Montana football game, played out last Saturday in Bozeman before a large and rowdy crowd. Fans enjoyed sunshine and a beautiful autumn day, at least until clouds, wind and rain rolled in with about two minutes remaining in the game, normal in Montana this time of the year.
What they didn’t enjoy this year was a close contest: The top-ranked Bobcats ran away with a 34-11 win, earning the right to keep the Great Divide trophy. If you have not attended one of these games, you need to put it on your to-do list — definitely worth the trip.
Meantime, back in Boulder, the Jefferson High basketball and wrestling teams have started practices and are ready to get in some action.
The wrestling squad has five girls and close to 20 boys practicing, and it’s looking like an exciting year. Their first action is a tournament in Cascade on Dec. 6 and 7. The annual Jefferson High mixer follows on Thursday, Dec. 12, starting at 6 p.m. From there, the team will travel to Whitehall for a duals tournament Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14.
The JV and C basketball teams will host Butte Central on Monday, Dec. 9, starting at 4 p.m. And all teams will be in Three Forks for a big tournament Dec. 13 and 14. Jefferson will host Three Forks on Tuesday, Dec. 17, then travel to Manhattan on Friday, Dec. 20.
All-State and all-conference teams were announced for fall sports. For volleyball, senior hitter Cameron Toney was named all-state. She and libero Maddy Averill were first team all-conference, and Erica Shields and Ryian Eveland were named to the second team.
In football, seniors Brady Armstrong and Luke Oxarart won all-state recognition. They both were named to the all-conference team for both offense and defense, along with linebacker Ben Werner. Senior lineman Kaynen Martin was named to the all-conference second team on both offense and defense, and Kolbe Michaud got the nod on defense. Hunter Stevens was named second-team as punter and kicker.
And in cross country, Peyton Stearns and Dominic Hurlbert earned All-State honors by finishing in the top 15 at the Class B state meet in Missoula on Oct. 26.
Congrats to all. High school sports, nothing better!
