HELENA — Football season is officially underway across the Capital City as Helena High, Capital and East Helena get set for preseason practice ahead of their season openers later this month.
Each program enters the fall with different expectations and storylines, but all three believe returning experience and offseason growth could help set the tone for 2026.
At East Helena, the Vigilantes begin a new chapter under head coach JD Ferris after finishing last season with a 9-3 record and a trip to the Class A semifinals.
Despite the coaching change, expectations inside the program have not changed.
Players and coaches say the focus remains on toughness, discipline and competing every week, while Ferris takes over defensive play-calling responsibilities with a veteran coaching staff around him.
East Helena also believes the offensive line could become one of the team’s biggest strengths this season.
“We never expect to lose,” quarterback and cornerback Bearek Shuman said during media day discussions Thursday, emphasizing the confidence still surrounding the program.
Across town, Helena High enters the season looking to build off a 5-5 campaign while returning several key contributors on both sides of the ball.
The Bengals bring back quarterback Reece Silvonen, edge rusher Seth Kiser and wide receiver Gracen Silvonen, while standout running back Braden Garza also returns to the offense.
Helena High also enters camp with one of the larger rosters in the state, carrying between 80 and 90 players throughout preseason practices.
Coaches say one of the biggest goals this season is finding ways to consistently spread the ball around offensively while avoiding the “peaks and valleys” that affected stretches of last year.
The Bengals also believe returning experience at quarterback has helped make the team more prepared and mentally sharper early in camp compared to previous seasons.
Meanwhile at Capital, the Bruins are aiming for a bounce-back year after finishing 2-7 last season.
Capital returns running back Boone Davis, who missed all of last season due to injury. Senior lineman Hahn Webster also returns as the Bruins continue building around physical play in the trenches.
Head coach Kyle Mihelish enters his 31st year coaching football, while assistant coach Jim Hogan continues helping transform the offensive line unit.
Players say the offensive line has become one of the closest groups on the roster entering the season.
Capital also plans to bring more pressure defensively this fall while maintaining discipline within the scheme.
All three programs continue preseason practices as they prepare for the start of the regular season later this month.
