HELENA — Practice is officially underway across the Capital City as Helena High, East Helena and Capital High all began preparations Friday for the 2026 football season.
With opening night now just a couple weeks away, all three programs enter camp focused on building chemistry, improving fundamentals and preparing for tough early-season matchups.
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At East Helena, the Vigilantes begin a new era under new coach JD Ferris.
East Helena is taking camp one day at a time as players adjust to the new leadership and continue preparing for their season opener against Miles City on Aug. 28.
The Vigilantes enter the fall looking to maintain momentum after becoming one of Class A’s more competitive programs in recent seasons.
Across town at Helena High, the Bengals are emphasizing communication and fundamentals early in camp under coach Dane Broadhead.
Helena returns experience on both sides of the ball and believes consistency will be a major focus throughout preseason practices.
The Bengals open their season on Aug. 27 with a road matchup against Billings Skyview.
Meanwhile at Capital, the Bruins are focused entirely on moving forward after a difficult 2025 campaign.
Coach Kyle Mihelish said he feels encouraged by where the team currently stands early in camp as the Bruins continue building chemistry and competition throughout the roster.
Capital opens the regular season Aug. 28 with a non-conference matchup against Great Falls CMR.
With the regular season quickly approaching, all three Helena-area programs say the priority now is building momentum before kickoff arrives later this month.
