GREAT FALLS — Each week, it seems like there's a new star for the Great Falls High football team, and last week there were many as the Bison won their first playoff game since 2008 with a 28-0 victory over Billings Skyview.
Pick your poison. Maybe it's Ryan Krahe, who caught a touchdown and ran for another. And he almost had an interception return for a third.
"I thought I had a pick-six, but then I turned my head and I saw (the penalty flag)," Krahe said. "I'm just bummed out a little bit. But we got the ball back. So it's fine."
Or maybe it's sophomore Rafe Longin, who tallied an interception, a fumble recovery, and a rushing touchdown.
You could argue for quarterback Reed Harris or wide receiver Levi Torgerson, who each continue to make big plays every week. Maybe it’s the entire Bison defense, which has given up just 13 points in the past three weeks.
"It just shows how much work we put in the offseason, even during this COVID," senior defensive lineman Ethan DeRoche said. "It shows how much determination we were willing to put in."
Regardless of who the hero is, Great Falls High has leaned a little bit on everyone as the season has gone on. And that teamwork has resulted in the first playoff win for the Bison since 2008.
"It's great," Longin said. "It's a super fun, especially to see all of these guys over here just cheering and celebrating, especially after last season, when we lost that last game. It was kind of nice to be able to get a win in the playoffs."
Great Falls High's second-round matchup against Missoula Sentinel should be a tough one, but luckily for the Bison, they have a lot of options.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday at Missoula.
