(ButteSports file photo)

by Holly Jordan Carpenter

The Butte High Bulldog Varsity Football team will open their 2022 season the same as they did in 2021, with a non-conference game against the Billings Senior Broncs.  Bulldog fans hope that the outcome will be better than last year when Butte lost on the road 18 – 17.  The game will be played Thursday night at Naranche Stadium, kickoff is at 7:00PM.

Earlier this month Butte High Coach, Arie Grey, discussed his 2022 team on Overtime from Metals Sports Bar and Grill.  “The team has been adjusting back into the football routine well.  Many of the players have been attending the morning weights class all summer to prepare for the season.  They are focused on the importance of taking care of their bodies by getting enough sleep and staying hydrated during their long practice days.”

In 2021 the Bulldogs made a run for the championship hosting a playoff game at Naranche Stadium against the Glacier Wolfpack.  Senior Quarterback, Jace Stenson, returns this year eager to get back into that playoff bracket.  Coach Grey has been focusing on the fundamentals and building depth to get his team ready for the challenge.  And although winning is the ultimate goal, Coach Grey made it clear that isn’t the only reason he is returning for his 15^th year as Head Football Coach, “Contrary to popular belief, you know everybody thinks I’m here to win games but I’m actually here to build better men.”  Grey went on to say, “If you do things and make better people you will win games.”  Bulldog fans are hopeful that this philosophy will lead their boys into another winning season.

The Bulldogs are coming off a second place Western AA finish in 2021 and a first round bye in the state playoffs.  Their season ended in the Quarterfinals with a 35-26 loss to the Glacier Wolfpack at Naranche Stadium.  The bulldogs ended the year at 6-4.

Many key players from the 2021 team are back creating a solid core for the Bulldog coaching staff to build on.  Returning Western AA all -conference selections from last year include Senior Zach Tierney, who was first team as a guard and second team as a defensive lineman.  Cameron Gurnsey, who has already committed to the University of Montana, who was a first team selection at receiver.  Kale McDonald, a second team selection at cornerback, and Jace Stenson, second team pick at quarterback behind Offensive MVP Zac Crews of Missoula Sentinel.

You can listen to the Bulldogs all season long on KBOW AM 550 and FM 101.5, streaming at  KBOW550.net or on you smart phone by loading the KBOW app.