It was an exciting weekend of football for Kalispell’s two high schools. On Sept. 3, Glacier pulled of a 31-21 upset over CM Russell on the road. CMR was selected as Class AA’s preseason No. 1 pick in a statewide coaches’ poll and is the defending Class AA state champion. The Rustlers beat Helena Capital 28-14 in last year’s championship game, ruining Capital’s bid for a fourth-straight Class AA title.
Also on Sept. 3, Flathead lost a wild game to Helena Capital on the road. Despite five touchdown passes from senior quarterback Mike VanArendonk, the Braves couldn’t get any stops on defense and lost 63-48. The <a href="http://helenair.com/high-school/kalispel/article_9493cd32-b7f8-11df-b34b-001cc4c03286.html" title="Helena Independent Record reported that Capital running back Brice Burton”>Helena Independent Record reported that Capital running back Brice Burton finished with a school-record 315 yards rushing, eclipsing the old record of 244, set in 1974.
While Glacier’s win left head coach Grady Bennett with plenty to smile about, Flathead coach Russell McCarvel should also be pleased with what he saw from his offense, going up against perennial powerhouse Helena Capital. In particular, VanArendonk has been lights out to begin the season, throwing for over 300 yards in each of his two games to go along with seven touchdowns.
Glacier is now 1-1 on the season and Flathead is 0-2. The season is young, but judging by the Kalispell schools’ performances against juggernauts Capital and CMR, it appears they can play with anyone in Class AA .