Frenchtown, Billings Central Dominate Class A Football Openers
Source: Montana Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
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The 2024 Montana high school football season roared to life over the weekend, with Class A teams delivering a series of statement performances. The defending state champions Frenchtown wasted no time reminding everyone why they hold the title, dismantling Bigfork 38-0 on Friday night. The Broncs offense clicked from the opening drive, with a balanced attack that gashed Bigfork on the ground and exploited mismatches through the air. The defense was equally ruthless, recording multiple sacks and forcing three turnovers. Frenchtown head coach, reflecting on the performance, said the team executed well but emphasized there is still room for improvement. The victory sets an emphatic tone for their title defense, but they were not the only team to impose their will.
Billings Central also made a powerful impression, blanking Dillon 50-0. The Rams were led by senior quarterback Gunnar Larsen, who has committed to play at Army. Larsen’s dual-threat ability was on full display as he accounted for four touchdowns — two passing and two rushing. The Rams defense was equally dominant, holding Dillon scoreless while forcing four turnovers. For a team with championship aspirations, this opener was a statement of intent. Larsen’s poise and leadership were evident, and the Rams offensive line gave him time to operate. Dillon, a perennial playoff contender, will look to regroup after this lopsided defeat.
The Thursday night contest between Columbia Falls and Lewistown provided the week’s closest matchup. Played at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, Columbia Falls emerged with a 34-26 victory. The Wildcats offense showed resilience, overcoming a determined Lewistown squad that fought to the final whistle. A key 40-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter sealed the win. Columbia Falls coach praised the team’s composure under pressure, noting the environment was electric. The win was a strong start for Columbia Falls, who will look to build on this momentum in a competitive conference.
In other action, Hamilton made a statement with a 49-0 shutout of Ronan. The Broncs defense was impenetrable, allowing negative rushing yards, while the offense scored on nearly every possession. Laurel outlasted Glendive 54-26 in a high-scoring affair, demonstrating explosive offensive capabilities. Libby edged Browning 20-12 in a defensive battle, with both teams trading stops until Libby’s late interception sealed the game. Lockwood used special teams to secure a 26-8 win over Butte Central, blocking a punt that was returned for a touchdown and adding a kickoff return for another score. Sidney opened with a 45-6 victory over Livingston, powered by a ground game that amassed over 300 yards. Whitefish cruised past Havre 50-20, with their spread offense overwhelming the Havre defense. Polson took down Corvallis 29-14, capitalizing on three turnovers. The Miles City at East Helena game was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, leaving both teams with an extra week to prepare.
Overall, Week 1 of Class A football has set the stage for an exciting season. Frenchtown and Billings Central have already established themselves as early favorites, but the depth of talent across the league suggests there will be plenty of twists and turns ahead. With standout performances from stars like Gunnar Larsen and the collective strength of defending champions, the road to the state title will be fiercely contested. Teams like Columbia Falls and Laurel have also shown they can compete at a high level. As the season unfolds, consistency and health will be key factors in determining who emerges as a true contender.
Article commentary
The opening weekend of Montana Class A football delivered a clear message: the defending champions and a resurgent Billings Central are the teams to beat. Frenchtown’s 38-0 demolition of Bigfork was not just a win; it was a demonstration of the depth and discipline that earned them the state title last year. The Broncs return several key players, and their ability to execute in all three phases was evident. For Bigfork, the loss is a harsh reminder of the gap between contenders and pretenders, but early-season blowouts are not uncommon and can be used as motivation. Billings Central’s 50-0 shutout of Dillon is arguably the most significant result of the week. Dillon has been a perennial power in Class A, and to see them completely neutralized raises questions about their offensive line and quarterback play. Meanwhile, Gunnar Larsen’s performance validates his Army commitment and suggests he is ready to carry the Rams deep into the playoffs. The Rams’ defense, which was a question mark coming into the season, looked formidable. If they can maintain that intensity, Billings Central could challenge Frenchtown for the top spot. The Columbia Falls-Lewistown game offered a glimpse of the competitive balance within the league. Columbia Falls’ victory at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, a neutral site, gives them a boost in confidence. Lewistown, despite the loss, showed they can score against a solid defense. This matchup could have playoff seeding implications later in the season. Special teams played a decisive role in several games, none more than Lockwood’s win over Butte Central. The blocked punt and kickoff return for touchdowns were the difference in a game that was otherwise a defensive struggle. Lockwood’s ability to create big plays in the kicking game could be a weapon as they face tougher opponents. Hamilton’s 49-0 shutout of Ronan was expected, but the margin of victory is noteworthy. The Broncs are a well-coached team that rarely makes mistakes. Ronan, on the other hand, will need to address their offensive struggles quickly. Similarly, Laurel’s high-scoring win over Glendive suggests they have offensive firepower but also defensive vulnerabilities that could be exploited by stronger teams. The cancellation of the Miles City at East Helena game, while unfortunate, is not unprecedented in early-season scheduling. Both teams will have an extra week to prepare, but they also lose a chance to build momentum. The Sidney and Whitefish victories were comfortable, but neither faced a top-tier opponent, so their true test is yet to come. Looking ahead, the key storyline is whether any team can close the gap between Frenchtown and Billings Central. The rest of the league will need to find consistency. The use of two-way players, depth, and injury management will be critical as the season wears on. While it is only one week, the early returns suggest a potential two-horse race, but the unpredictability of high school football means a surprise contender could emerge. The commentary around the league should focus on how teams adjust after their first taste of action. For now, Frenchtown and Billings Central have set the standard, and the rest of Class A must respond.