The Bobcat Nation

Quarterbacks

Selections

East: Garrison Rothwell (CMR) - 6'4", 205 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 2nd-Team AA All-State QB
Future Plans: Joining the workforce in Great Falls (https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story ... 679541002/)

East: Tylan Croy (Huntley Project) - 6'0", 190 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class B All-State QB; Class B All-Star Game Offensive MVP - QB
Future Plans: Unavailable

West: Austin Green (Columbia Falls) - 5'11", 180 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class A All-State QB/SS; Badlands Bowl Selection - Safety
Future Plans: Will play football for University of Montana-Western

West: Kaleb Winterburn (Helena High) - 6'2", 190 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 2nd-Team AA All-State QB; Badlands Bowl Selection - QB
Future Plans: Will play football for Montana State University

Declined to Play

East: Aaron White (Shelby) - 6'2", 190 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class B All-State QB; GF Super-State Team Selection - Athlete; Badlands Bowl Selection - QB (did not play)
Future Plans: Will play football for Dickinson State University

West: Garrett Graves (Eureka) - 6'3", 190 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class B All-State QB; GF Super-State Team Selection - QB; Badlands Bowl Selection - QB (did not play)
Future Plans: Will play football for University of Montana

West: Taylor Morton (Flathead) - 5'10", 185 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 2nd-Team AA All-State QB
Future Plans: Will play football for University of Montana-Western

ADVANTAGE:

It's too bad the most dynamic athlete (Graves) and the best pure passer (White) of the entire group aren't playing. For the East, Rothwell has no problem tucking the ball and becoming a runner while Croy is more of a passer than runner. Garrison was a star basketball player for CMR, leading them to a Class AA State title. Tylan had a great effort in the Class B All-Star game throwing for three touchdowns and running for another en route to MVP honors.

For the West, not including Garrett, the best overall athlete remaining is arguably Kaleb Winterburn. Austin Green is much more of a runner than thrower but both he and Kaleb can operate as dual-threat QBs because they're both excellent runners. Kaleb definitely should be more productive through the air.

Losing Aaron White really hurts the East's passing attack. Kaleb and Austin will be a tough duo to hold down for four quarters because of their dual-threat ability. I give the QB position advantage to the West by a large margin especially knowing that Levi Janacaro will likely take some snaps as well.

Runningbacks

Selections

East: Alec Lovegren (Sidney) - 5'10", 180 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class A All-State RB/LB
Future Plans: Will play football for Dickinson State University

East: Riley Linder (Scobey) - 5'10", 205 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class C 8-Man All-State RB/LB
Future Plans: Will play football for Dickinson State University

East: Ben Voss (Billings Central) - 5'10", 175 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class A All-State RB/LB; GF Super-State Team Selection - ATH
Future Plans: Will play football for Montana Tech

West: Bridger Bauder (Hamilton) - 5'10", 200 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class A All-State RB
Future Plans: Unavailable

West: Nate Brunett (Boulder) - 5'9", 175 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class B All-State RB
Future Plans: Unavailable

West: Seth Schneider (Helena Capital) - 5'10", 215 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 1st-Team AA All-State RB/LB; GF Super-State Team Selection - LB; Badlands Bowl Selection - LB
Future Plans: Will play football for University of Idaho

Declined to Play

East: Lane Sumner (Huntley Project) - 5'8", 185 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class B All-State RB; GF Super-State Team Selection - RB; Badlands Bowl Selection - RB
Future Plans: Will play football for Montana State University

West: Drew Turner (Glacier) - 6'1", 205 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 1st-Team AA All-State RB; GF Super-State Team Selection - RB; Badlands Bowl Selection - RB
Future Plans: Will play football for University of Montana

ADVANTAGE:

Unfortunately, the state's two best backs from 2017 will not play (Turner & Sumner). However, there is a ton of talent at this position on both rosters. For the East, Linder, Lovegren, and Voss make up a dynamic trio of smaller backs that pack an explosive, physical running style to their respective games. Linder ran wild for the Scobey Spartans the past two years (1996 rushing yards on 177 carries for 39 touchdowns his senior year).
Lovegren and Voss were both Eastern A conference foes who excelled on both sides of the ball (RB & LB). Voss led Class A in rushing in 2017 while Lovergren wasn't too far behind. As LB's, Lovegren accounted for 7 interceptions (2 for touchdowns) while Voss racked up 6 sacks, 8 TFL's, and 2 interceptions (1 for a touchdown).

For the West, Seth Schneider will get to move back to the offensive side of the ball after playing LB for the Montana squad in the Badlands Bowl. Schneider will likely be the starter but the next two selections are no slouches themselves. Bridger Bauder was second to Voss in Class A rushing yards while Brunett capped off his Jefferson career with a 17 carry, 343 yard, 3 touchdown rushing performance against Red Lodge. Also, Levi Janacaro is likely to get carries in some capacity for the West wherever he lines up.

Overall, I think both teams have solid offensive lines and both sets of backs are good as runner and receivers. It will be interesting to see how each coaching staff uses them because guys like Voss/Lovergren or Bauder/Brunett can easily split out as receivers if needed. I like the trio of Linder/Lovergren/Voss a little bit more than Brunett/Schneider/Bauder. However, if you throw Janacaro into the equation for the West, you have to give them the advantage in this one. If Janacaro gets carries, the West has the advantage.

Wide Receivers

Selections

East: Zach Dinardi (Miles City) - 6'1", 175 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class A All-State WR
Future Plans: Unavailable

East: Colton Eliason (Billings Senior) - 6'4", 195 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: HM AA All-State WR
Future Plans: Will play football for Montana Tech

East: James Gilham (Browning) - 5'11", 175 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class A All-State WR
Future Plans: Will play football for MSU - Northern

East: Ben LaBeau (Billings Senior) - 6'1", 170 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 1st-Team AA All-State WR/CB; GF Super-State Team Selection - DB
Future Plans: Will attend Montana State University and possibly walk-on to the football team

East: Keagan Stroop (Belt) - 5'10", 155 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class C 8-Man All-State QB
Future Plans: Will play football for MSU - Northern

West: Wyatt Alexander (Whitehall) - 6'2", 180 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class B All-State WR/DB; GF Super-State Team Selection - DB
Future Plans: Will play football for Montana Tech

West: Tyler Chouinard (Hamilton) - 6'0", 165 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class A All-State WR/S; GF Super-State Team Selection - WR; Badlands Bowl Selection - WR
Future Plans: Unavailable

West: Conor McCarvel (Helena Capital) - 5'11", 185 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: HM AA All-State WR
Future Plans: Will play football for Dickinson State University

West: David Koppang (Missoula Loyola) - 6'0", 190 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class B All-State WR/S; GF Super-State Team Selection - DB; Badlands Bowl Selection - WR (did not play)
Future Plans: Will play football for the University of Montana

West: Alex Gavlak (Stevensville) - 6'2", 170 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class A All-State TE/LB
Future Plans: Will play football for Dickinson State University


Declined to Play

East: Gabe Sulser (Billings Senior) - 5'9", 170 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 2017 MT GPOY - Football; 1st-Team AA All-State WR/CB; GF Super-State Team Selection - DB; Badlands Bowl Selection - WR (did not play)
Future Plans: Will play football for the University of Montana

East: Logan Kleinhans (Bozeman) - 6'3", 195 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 1st-Team AA All-State WR; GF Super-State Team Selection - WR; Badlands Bowl Selection - WR
Future Plans: Will play football for Montana State University

West: Nick Germer (Missoula Sentinel) - 6'2", 175 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 2nd-Team AA All-State WR; Badlands Bowl Selection - WR
Future Plans: Will play football for the University of Montana

West: Mark Estes (Glacier) - 6'0", 180 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 2nd-Team AA All-State WR; Badlands Bowl Selection - WR; Offensive MVP Badlands Bowl - WR
Future Plans: Will play football for Montana State University

West: Easton Hatfield (Townsend) - 6'4", 180 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class B All-State WR
Future Plans: Unavailable

ADVANTAGE:

Four wide receivers made my final 2017 Montana Recruits Top 10 list back in January. All four of those receivers (along with Easton Hatfield) will not take the field for their respective squads. As for the talent remaining on both sides, lets start with the East. Ben LBeau has the most notoriety of the five East selections. He the #3 option in the Broncs' offense that featured Nolan Askelson and Gabe Sulser. When Gabe went down with an injury prior the semifinal matchup versus Sentinel, Ben stepped up with a 10 catch, 146 yard, 3 touchdown performance so he should be a featured player on the East offense when the put the ball in the air. Colton Eliason was Ben's teammate from Senior and the Bronc's #3 WR in 2017. Like Ben, Colton stepped up in the semis with a 7 catch, 53 yard effort. He's the tallest receiver for the East standing at around 6'5". A pair of Class A All-State receivers will also suit up for the East in Zach Dinardi and James Gilham. Zach's talent garnered him alternate recognition for the Badlands Bowl while James was a key cog in the Browning Indians making the playoffs for the first time in 27 years. Finally, Keagan Stroop of Belt will move back to WR from his senior year position of QB for his final high school football game. Despite Keagan's lack of size, he has consistently been one of the most elusive football players in the state with the ball in his hands.

For the West, Ty Chouinard had a special season for Hamilton football in 2017. He caught 79 balls for 1,348 yards and 13 touchdowns to go with 9 interceptions on defense. Those four marks were the best in Class A last fall. His 1,348 receiving yards were second best to the next WR for the West, Wyatt Alexander. Wyatt was one of the more underrated players last fall as he consistently made plays for his Whitehall Trojans, finishing the season with a state-best totals of 1,441 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. On film, he showed his ability to make contested catches at a high rate and then he made this play in the Class B All-Star game this summer: Conor McCarvel was the #1 receiver for Helena Capital last fall and will bring that Bruin toughness to the West receiver group. David Koppang of Loyola will get suit up at WR for one last time before starting his Grizzly career at safety. David is arguably the best route runner of the 10 receivers playing in this game and he brings a physical presence with the ball in his hands. Alex Gavlak of Stevensville will finally get an opportunity to show of his talents to wider audience as his Yellowjacket teams didn't win a ton of games during his career. He was All-State his final two seasons.

The East losing Gabe and Logan really hurts the East's explosiveness at WR. The West has the #1 and #2 most productive receivers in the state from 2017 along with a FCS signee in David Koppang and two more college products in McCarvel and Gavlak. I think players like Ben LaBeau, James Gilham, or Keagan Stroop can replace some of Gabe's versatility but none of the receivers for the East can replace Gabe and Logan's explosiveness. I give the advantage to the West.

Tight Ends

Selections

East: Treyton Pickering (Sunburst) - 6'5", 225 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class C 6-Man All-State TE/LB; GF Super-State Selection - DE; Badlands Bowl Selection - DE
Future Plans: Will play football for Montana State University

East: Jake Olsen (CMR) - 6'5", 210 lbs. (#83 in photo below)

Senior Year Football Accolades: 1st-Team AA All-State TE
Future Plans: Unavailable

West: Haden Smith (Polson) - 6'3", 200 lbs. (#6 sacking the QB)

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class A All-State TE/DE
Future Plans: Will attend University of Montana for school

West: Braden Smith (Whitehall) - 6'3", 210 lbs. (#44 in photo below)

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class B All-State LB; Class B All-Star Game Defensive MVP - LB
Future Plans: Will play football for Montana Tech


Declined to Play

West: Max Morris (Glacier) - 6'5", 240 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: HM AA All-State TE; Badlands Bowl Selection - TE
Future Plans: Will play football for the University of Montana


ADVANTAGE:

Layne Swigart was originally slated to play TE but the lack of DE depth hit the East due to some invite declines so Swigart will move to DE. Jake Olsen is the most seasoned pass-catcher of the two but if you want raw, untapped potential, Treyton Pickering is the best all-around athlete in the entire TE group. It will be interesting to see him compete on the offensive side of the ball in the 11-man game as he already played DE in the Badlands Bowl.

The West lost Max Morris' services for this one so they called on Haden Smith out of Polson and may play Braden Smith of Whitehall at the position. Both Haden and Braden are physical kids who are natural pass-catchers and just good, all-around athletes. Another TE/FB/Slotback that will likely come into the equation is Levi Janacaro who got selected to the game as a specialist (athlete). He may line up in the backfield as a QB/RB/FB, play on the line as a TE, or split out as a WR. Regardless, Levi may play some TE in this one for the West.

Based on the current kids selected for each team, I have to go with the East as I predict they will have a larger role for their team than the West selections will.

Offensive Tackle

Selections

East: K.C. Buday (CMR) - 6'1", 250 lbs. (#64 in photo below)

Senior Year Football Accolades: Unavailable
Future Plans: Unavailable

East: Niklas Nordstog (Billings Skyview) - 6'1", 210 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 1st-Team AA All-State OT
Future Plans: Unavailable

East: Max Peters (Sidney) - 6'2", 245 lbs. (#64 in photo below)

Senior Year Football Accolades: Eastern A 2nd-Team All-Conference OT
Future Plans: Will play football for Dickinson State University

West: Greyson Mandic (Butte) - 6'2", 230 lbs. (#51 in photo below)

Senior Year Football Accolades: 2nd-Team AA All-State OT
Future Plans: Will play football for Montana Tech

West: Joe McElroy (Missoula Loyola) - 6'4", 260 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class B All-State OL; GF Super-State Selection - OL; Badlands Bowl Selection - OT
Future Plans: Will play football for Montana State University

West: Trevor Welnel (Helena Capital) - 6'3", 250 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 1st-Team AA All-State OT; Badlands Bowl Selection - OT
Future Plans: Will play football for University of Montana

Declined to Play

East: Merlin White Dirt (Colstrip) - 6'4", 260 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class B All-State OL/DL
Future Plans: Will play football for Dickinson State University

ADVANTAGE:

White Dirt was a back-to-back state champion wrestler and All-State football player. But, unfortunately for the East, he won't be playing on Saturday. K.C. Buday was a late addition to the East offensive line after Nick Clawson declined. Buday brings a physical run-blocking presence to the tackle spot for the East. Nordstog can hit bombs on the baseball diamond and was a key cog in Rob Lebsock's run-heavy attack. Max Peters was an excellent two-way player for the Sidney Eagles his junior and senior year and a star on the basketball court.

Based off other MSU/UM signees, I did not think McElroy and Welnel would play in this game since they already competed in the Badlands Bowl. But they will suit up for the West along with Greyson Mandic and they no doubt have the advantage at OT.

Offensive Guard

Selections

East: Nick Clawson (Billings West) - 6'1", 260 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: HM AA All-State DL
Future Plans: Will play football for Montana Tech

East: Branson Frost (Billings Skyview) - 6'0", 205 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 2nd-Team AA All-State OG
Future Plans: Unavailable

East: Hayes Meged (Miles City) - 6'0", 225 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class A All-State OL/DL; Badlands Bowl Selection - DL
Future Plans: Will play football for Dickinson State University

West: Dawson Hoerauf (Whitehall) - 6'2", 270 lbs. (#90 in photo below)

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class B All-State OL/DL; Badlands Bowl Selection - OG
Future Plans: Will play football for Minot State University

West: Hunter Wellcome (Flathead) - 5'11", 205 lbs. (Front of photo below)

Senior Year Football Accolades: 1st-Team AA All-State OG
Future Plans: Unavailable

West: Daniel Stefanyk (Alberta, Canada) - 6'4", 315 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Canada Cup All-Star selection - OL; International Bowl Selection for Team Canada - OL
Future Plans: Will play football for University of Calgary

Declined to Play

West: Carson Shuman (Helena Capital) - 6'2", 255 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 1st-Team AA All-State OG; GF Super-State Selection - OL; Badlands Bowl Selection - OG (did not play)
Future Plans: Will play football for Washington State University

ADVANTAGE:

Nick Clawson is a big-bodied offensive guard who helped pave the way for a potent Billings West rushing attack in 2017. He will be joined by Branson Frost of Skyview and Hayes Meged of Miles City. Branson is more of speed guard who excelled in former coach Ron Lebsock's triple option scheme. Hayes played DL for Montana in the Badlands Bowl but he will get to move to the offensive side of the ball for the Shrine Game. This group has a tough task ahead of them because the West DL group is loaded.

Carson Shuman won't be suiting up for the West but that doesn't mean his side of the state won't have the biggest interior lineman. All-State guards Dawson Hoerauf and Hunter Wellcome will try to plow lanes for the West squad along with Canadian product Daniel Stefanyk (who is a massive kid). Dawson had an outstanding Badlands Bowl game at guard while Hunter was an All-State wrestler for Flathead.

Overall, I once again like the West's selections for this one. I give the advantage to them.

Center

Selections

East: Gerrit Bloemendaal (CMR) - 6'3", 255 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 1st-Team AA All-State C; GF Super-State Team - OL; Badlands Bowl Selection - OL
Future Plans: Will play football for University of Montana

East: Dalton Roscoe (Belgrade) - 6'0", 275 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class A All-State C
Future Plans: Unavailable

West: Conor Quick (Helena Capital) - 6'2", 270 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 2nd-Team AA All-State C; Badlands Bowl Selection - OL (did not play)
Future Plans: Will play football for University of Montana

West: Hayden Falkner (Columbia Falls) - 6'0", 245 lbs. (#60 on far right of photo below)

Senior Year Football Accolades: Class A All-State C
Future Plans: Unavailable

West: Kayden Howser (Whitehall) - 5'10", 230 lbs. (#51)

Senior Year Football Accolades: 2nd-Team Southern B All-Conference - OL; Class B All-Star Game Selection
Future Plans: Unavailable


ADVANTAGE:

Gerrit and Dalton bring great size to the middle of the East offense. Gerrit had a fantastic senior season beating out Conor Quick for 1st-Team All-State honors at C while also garnering two All-Star game invites and GF Super-State recognition. He just recently accepted a PWO offer from UM to compete on the offensive line for the Grizzlies joining Conor Quick and Trevor Welnel from in-state. Dalton Roscoe is built like a brick and was a two-way star for the Belgrade Panthers these past two seasons.

For the West, they are led by Conor Quick of Helena Capital. Conor had an up and down senior season that saw him move from OG to C during the offseason. He also had injury problems down the stretch that hurt his availability in Capital's quest for a title run. Glad he gets to finally play football again. Hayden was the man in the middle for State A Champion Columbia Falls. Faulkner is a physical run blocker who helped pave the way for All-State teammates Logan Kolodejchuk and Austin Green. Kayden Howser gives the West some flexibility with their offensive line units. Kayden starred at center for the South team in the Class B All-Star game this past June. He was also an excellent wrestler in Class B this past winter.

I think Gerrit and Dalton have proved themselves to be viable options at the center position, especially in the run-blocking department. They fit multiple offensive schemes and are comfortable out of the shotgun. Quick, Howser, and Faulkner are experienced in a zone-read scheme which the West will employ. Overall, I believe the West has the better offensive line as a whole unit but I will give the center advantage to the East.

Specialist

Selection

West: Levi Janacaro (Missoula Big Sky) - 6'0", 220 lbs.

Senior Year Football Accolades: 1st-Team AA All-State QB; Western AA Offensive MVP - QB; GF Super-State Selection - ATH; Badlands Bowl Selection (did not play)
Future Plans: Will play football at University of Montana

Levi put together a spectacular two year stretch of running the football for the Missoula Big Sky Eagles. In total, he put up over 3000 rushing yard and 40 rushing touchdowns his final two years. He will get to play FB for Bobby Hauck's Grizzlies and should be able to make an impact on special teams early in his career. As for where he will play on Saturday, look for him at TE, FB, RB, QB, and even split out as a WR. Levi will be all over the place.