FRENCHTOWN — In 2019, the Frenchtown Broncs went 7-2 and picked up a first-round Class A football playoff win over Whitefish before losing to eventual state champion Miles City.
This year the Broncs are looking to grow off the success from 2019 but lost senior all-state running back Jace Klucewich, who transferred to Missoula Sentinel.
However, the Broncs are confident heading into Friday night's opener led by senior quarterback Wyatt Hayes.
“Throughout the year it seemed like everyone was dogging on Frenchtown a little bit," said Hayes. "But we’re out here, we’re ready to play. We just want to get out on the field and show what we got.”
The Broncs open their season with Dillon for a second straight year.
In 2019 it took two overtimes on the road, but the Broncs came out on top.
“It’s going to be a battle again, I truly believe it," said Frenchtown head coach Ryne Nelson. "You look at the roster, the guys that they’ve got returning, some phenomenal athletes. They've got some size, some speed. So, I have a feeling it’s going to probably be similar to last year‘s game as well.”
Coming out against a solid team can be a tough way to start the season, but Nelson actually prefers it.
“I think it kind of sets the bar and puts you at a level after your first game that going into Week 2 and so on, I think that you’re already at an elevated playing field,” said Nelson.
Regardless of Friday night's outcome, nearly every player or coach has just been thankful to have the opportunity to get back on a football field under the lights again.
“I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning," said Nelson. "It’s been a long time coming. Even coming back to school it’s great to have kids in the building, and we finally get to be out here on a Friday night again and get after it so I’m very excited."
The Frenchtown Broncs and Dillon Beavers kick off in Frenchtown at 7 p.m. Friday.
