No clear favorite in Dist. 7B football

For the first time in years, District 7B football looks wide open to start the season.

Bigfork, last season’s champion, graduated eight seniors from last season and lost seven starters on offense and six on defense from a team that finished the season 9-2. The Vikings were the only team in the district that finished last season above .500.

“We’re a young team, but we’re athletic,” Bigfork coach Todd Emslie said. “I think we’ve got a solid, young line. We’ve got some good leadership in our seniors this year. If the younger kids step in there and play how they’re capable, I think we should be all right.”

Senior running back Boyd Rieke is a workhorse in the Vikings’ backfield and should carry a team that is replacing most of its starters at the skill positions. He is one of four captains along with tight end Cam Nissen, lineman Riley Meyer and linebacker Noe Gomez.

Junior quarterback Josh Sandry will be under center as the Vikings head to Choteau for the season opener. Bigfork edged the Bulldogs 28-25 in the first week of the playoffs last season and will have to face a load of returning players from that team.

“We’ll have a handful,” Emslie said. “We’re going to find out a lot about our team.”

Eureka has already seen a glimpse of its squad, playing a preseason scrum against Mission last week. The Lions looked impressive, giving enthusiasm to another run at the playoffs.

“We’re feeling pretty good,” Eureka coach Trevor Utter said.

The Lions feature a balanced offense this season led by a two-headed attack in the backfield. Trent Vaughn, an all-state selection at fullback, and Cole Jankovsky will head the rushing game and should make the Eureka ground game tough to handle.

Austin Perez returns as the starting quarterback behind a quality offensive line with a trio of strong receivers.

“We have some kids that have been there, that should be our strength this year,” Utter said.

The Lions open at Ronan, in part of a tough opening stretch to the season. The Chiefs have a fast, exciting team that should push for a playoff spot in the tight 6B district that includes defending state champs Missoula Loyola.

“They will be a tough challenge for us for sure,” Utter said.

Both games begin at 7 p.m.