Montana HS Football Week 2: Rankings, Injuries, Coaching Change
Source: Montana Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The opening week of Montana high school football was anything but routine. From a championship rematch decided in overtime to a sudden coaching change and a wave of injuries that has already forced teams to recalibrate, the 2026 season is off to a volatile start. As Week 2 approaches, the gridiron landscape is shifting rapidly.
**Class AA: A New Order Emerges**
Last week's marquee showdown delivered a defensive battle for the ages. Billings West traveled to Kalispell and edged Glacier 6-3 in overtime, flipping the script from last year's state title game. The Golden Bears now sit atop the Class AA rankings, while Glacier, the reigning champion, drops to a tie for fifth. Great Falls High suffered a significant blow: Steele Harris, a dynamic playmaker, broke his clavicle against Flathead and is expected to miss the season, according to Bison coach Coda Tchida. Meanwhile, Billings Skyview will debut under new head coach Justin Walker, who replaced John Simpson after the district announced Simpson's resignation earlier this week. The game of the week features No. 5 Glacier (0-1) at No. 3 Bozeman (1-0). Bozeman's Van Shockley threw for 176 yards and two touchdowns last week, and the Hawks will look to rebound against a formidable opponent.
**Class A: Larsen's Explosion, New Seasons Begin**
Billings Central's Gunnar Larsen delivered the most eye-popping performance of Week 1: 236 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just four carries in a 50-0 rout of Dillon. The son of former NFL player Spencer Larsen, Larsen is committed to West Point. East Helena and Miles City finally open their seasons this week after lightning canceled their Week 1 matchup. The Vigilantes travel to Dillon, while the Cowboys host Lewistown. Whitefish (1-0) aims to make a statement against No. 3 Hamilton (1-0). The game to watch: No. 1 Frenchtown (1-0) at No. 4 Columbia Falls (1-0). Frenchtown, the defending state champion, started its title defense with a 38-0 shutout of Bigfork, while Columbia Falls blew past Havre 50-20.
**Class B: Reichman's Injury Shakes Up the Rankings**
Three Forks quarterback Kanon Reichman, a Montana State commit, suffered a shoulder injury in a pivotal 34-28 win over Florence. Wolves coach Connor Sullivan confirmed that Reichman is out until further notice, including this week's clash with No. 5 Huntley Project. The Red Devils beat Malta 26-14 and cracked the rankings after Week 1. The game of the week is No. 1 Manhattan (1-0) at No. 4 Florence (0-1). Manhattan, the reigning state champion, looked dominant in a 36-6 win over Anaconda. Florence, not long removed from a Class B three-peat, faces a daunting challenge against the Tigers' formidable defense.
**8-Man: Titans Roll, Superior Lights Up Scoreboard**
The top five 8-Man teams all won convincingly. No. 1 Drummond-Philipsburg crushed Ennis 44-0 and now faces Lone Peak. No. 3 Superior put up 82 points in an 82-18 romp over Arlee, then faces a Charlo team that allowed 62 points last week. The game of the week: No. 4 Scobey (1-0) vs. Plentywood (1-0). Scobey began its 8-Man title defense with a 48-0 shutout of Poplar and now faces a key Eastern division battle against Plentywood, which topped Westby-Grenora 36-22.
**6-Man: Grass Range-Winnett Wins, Loses QB**
In the top 6-Man matchup, Grass Range-Winnett routed Chester-Joplin-Inverness 47-0, avenging last year's double-overtime title loss. The Rangers are the clear No. 1, but quarterback Randy Olson suffered a collarbone injury and could miss several weeks. They face Roy-Winifred (1-0) this week. The game of the week: No. 3 Jordan (1-0) at No. 5 C-J-I (0-1). C-J-I had no answer for Grass Range-Winnett and now hosts Eastern contender Jordan, which beat Richey-Lambert 64-32.
Week 2 is set to test depth, resilience, and adaptability across all classifications. With every snap, the season's narrative continues to unfold.
Article commentary
Week 1 of Montana high school football was a vivid reminder that the journey from preseason hype to playoff reality is never linear. The immediate fallout from injuries, coaching changes, and early-season upsets has already reshaped the power dynamics, and Week 2 promises to separate contenders from pretenders. What stands out is the sheer diversity of storylines. In Class AA, Billings West's overtime victory over Kalispell Glacier was not just a revenge win—it signaled a potential shift in the balance of power. Glacier, the defending champion, now faces a must-win situation against Bozeman, a team that looked sharp in its opener. The loss of Steele Harris at Great Falls High is a devastating blow. Harris was not just a standout player but a leader on offense. Without him, the Bison will need to reinvent their identity, and that process could take weeks. The coaching change at Billings Skyview adds another layer of intrigue. John Simpson's resignation, announced early this week, leaves a program in transition. Justin Walker steps in mid-stream, having to rally a team that may be emotionally unsettled. His debut against a tough opponent will be a test of his leadership and the team's ability to focus amid change. In Class A, Gunnar Larsen's performance was historic—four carries, 236 yards, four touchdowns. The son of a former NFL player, Larsen is clearly a special talent. But the real story is how defenses adjust. After a performance like that, every opponent will key on him. Billings Central's ability to diversify its attack will determine whether they remain a top contender. Class B's injury to Kanon Reichman is a major storyline. The Montana State commit is the engine of Three Forks' offense. Without him, the Wolves face a daunting challenge against Huntley Project, a team that cracked the rankings after a strong Week 1. Reichman's absence could open the door for other teams, like Manhattan, which looks formidable. The Tigers' defense is their calling card, and Florence, despite a loss, has the pedigree to challenge. In 8-Man and 6-Man, the narratives are about dominance and resilience. Superior's 82-point outburst shows the big-play potential of that level, but their defense allowed 18 points, which could be a concern against a Charlo team that is hungry for redemption. Grass Range-Winnett's QB injury is a significant setback. The Rangers are the team to beat, but playing without Randy Olson for several weeks will test their depth. Roy-Winifred, undefeated, will see an opportunity. Week 2 is about answers. Can Glacier bounce back? Can Skyview rally under a new coach? Can Three Forks survive without Reichman? The beauty of high school football is that every week brings new heroes, new heartbreaks, and new storylines. Montana's gridiron season is young, but the stakes are already high.