The high school football scene heats up this Friday night as two powerhouse teams, Glacier High School and Gallatin High School, meet for a critical matchup in the state playoff race. Both teams have had impressive seasons, and this game is poised to be an exciting and pivotal showdown.
Date: Friday, November 15
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Glacier High School, Kalispell, MT (for Glacier’s home field)
TV/Streaming: Live on NFHS Network
How to Watch
For those who can’t make it to the stadium, the game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Fans can tune in to watch the action unfold as both teams look to secure a win in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Be sure to check your local listings or subscribe to NFHS Network for the full experience.
Team Profiles and Season Overview
Glacier High School Wolfpack
- Record: 8-2
- Head Coach: Grady Bennett
- Key Players:
- QB: Mason O’Hara
- RB: Wyatt Brown
- WR: Hunter Thompson
- LB: Jake Sullivan
- DB: Thomas Harper
Season Recap: The Glacier Wolfpack has been one of the top contenders in their division all season. With a record of 8-2, Glacier has proven itself to be one of the top teams in the state. The Wolfpack’s offense is a balanced attack led by senior quarterback Mason O’Hara, who has shown poise and leadership throughout the season. O’Hara’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has allowed Glacier to maintain control of games.
Running back Wyatt Brown has been a workhorse for the Wolfpack, pounding the ball between the tackles and wearing down defenses. Brown’s ability to find holes and pick up extra yards after contact has made him one of the most effective players in the backfield.
The Glacier receiving corps, led by Hunter Thompson, has also been a major factor in their offensive success. Thompson is a big-play threat who can stretch the field and turn short passes into long gains. With O’Hara at quarterback and a solid receiving group, Glacier’s passing attack has been difficult to stop.
On the defensive side of the ball, Glacier has been equally strong. Linebacker Jake Sullivan is the heart of their defense, making key stops and helping set the tone for the Wolfpack. Defensive back Thomas Harper has also been stellar in coverage, breaking up passes and contributing to the team’s ability to lock down the opposition.
Strengths:
- Balanced Offense: Glacier can beat you on the ground with Wyatt Brown and through the air with O’Hara and Thompson. This makes them a tough team to predict and defend against.
- Solid Defense: With Jake Sullivan in the middle and a strong secondary, the Wolfpack has the ability to shut down high-powered offenses.
- Coaching: Head Coach Grady Bennett has built a strong program, and his ability to make in-game adjustments has made a difference this season.
Weaknesses:
- Consistency: While they’ve been dominant at times, Glacier has struggled with consistency in some of their games, especially in high-pressure moments. If they can fix this, they’ll be tough to beat.
- Special Teams: At times, Glacier’s special teams have been inconsistent, and in a close game, special teams could be a key factor.
Gallatin High School Raptors
- Record: 7-3
- Head Coach: Dan Jones
- Key Players:
- QB: Levi Turner
- RB: Eli Richards
- WR: Aaron Simmons
- DL: Charlie Grant
- CB: Blake Anderson
Season Recap: Gallatin enters this matchup with a record of 7-3, but they’ve faced tough competition throughout the season. Their offense is explosive, led by quarterback Levi Turner, who has displayed a strong arm and excellent mobility. Turner can make plays with his legs or his arm, which has made Gallatin’s offense difficult to stop.
Running back Eli Richards has been a key part of Gallatin’s offense, using his vision and speed to break off long runs. Richards is not only dangerous in the running game but also a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. His ability to catch passes and make defenders miss is something Glacier’s defense will have to account for.
The Gallatin receiving group is also very talented, with Aaron Simmons emerging as the top target for Turner. Simmons has the ability to make acrobatic catches and gain yards after the catch, putting pressure on opposing defenses.
Defensively, Gallatin is aggressive, with defensive lineman Charlie Grant wreaking havoc in the backfield. Grant’s ability to disrupt the quarterback’s timing and get to the ball carrier has been a key factor in Gallatin’s success. In the secondary, cornerback Blake Anderson has been a lock-down defender, making plays on the ball and providing crucial coverage against fast-paced passing attacks.
Strengths:
- Dynamic Offense: Gallatin’s offense can score in a variety of ways. Levi Turner’s dual-threat capabilities, combined with the playmaking ability of Eli Richards and Aaron Simmons, create a dynamic offensive unit.
- Defensive Pressure: Charlie Grant’s pass-rushing ability and the aggressive defense set the tone for Gallatin’s success. They love to attack and create havoc in the backfield.
- Special Teams Play: Gallatin has been strong on special teams, making impactful plays in the kicking game that could prove pivotal in a tight contest.
Weaknesses:
- Turnovers: Gallatin has been prone to turnovers this season. If the Raptors can avoid giving the ball away, they’ll have a better chance of controlling the game.
- Inconsistent Defensive Coverage: While they can apply pressure on the quarterback, Gallatin’s secondary has occasionally allowed big plays. If they struggle to contain Glacier’s passing game, it could cost them.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Glacier’s Balanced Offense vs. Gallatin’s Aggressive Defense Glacier’s ability to mix up their offensive attack will be crucial against Gallatin’s defense, which thrives on pressuring the quarterback and creating negative plays. If Glacier can establish a solid run game with Wyatt Brown, it will open up opportunities for O’Hara to take advantage of Gallatin’s secondary with deep passes to Hunter Thompson and other targets.
- Levi Turner’s Dual Threat vs. Glacier’s Defensive Line Levi Turner’s ability to extend plays with his legs makes him dangerous. Glacier’s defense, especially their front seven, will need to contain Turner’s mobility and prevent him from scrambling to pick up first downs or create passing opportunities downfield.
- Special Teams Impact With both teams having explosive offenses, special teams could make a huge difference. Gallatin’s reliable kicker and strong return game may provide them with an edge in field position, which could be critical in a close game.
- Turnovers and Mistakes Turnovers are often the deciding factor in close high school games. Both teams will need to focus on protecting the football and making sure they capitalize on any mistakes by their opponent. The defense that can force a timely interception or fumble will likely have the upper hand.
Prediction
Glacier 31, Gallatin 27
While Gallatin has the firepower to keep this game close, Glacier’s well-rounded offense and disciplined defense give them a slight edge. The Wolfpack’s ability to control the clock with the run game and stretch the field with their passing attack will prove difficult for Gallatin to handle. However, Gallatin’s aggressive defense and dual-threat quarterback make them a dangerous team capable of pulling off the upset.
Final Thoughts
The game between Glacier and Gallatin is shaping up to be an exciting contest that will test both teams’ strengths and weaknesses. For Glacier, this game represents a chance to continue their dominance in the region and make a statement as a top contender. For Gallatin, it’s an opportunity to prove that their high-powered offense and aggressive defense can overcome the challenge posed by the talented Wolfpack.
Fans can expect a fast-paced, competitive game that may come down to the final few minutes. Both teams have the talent to make big plays, and with the stakes high, this Friday night matchup promises to be one of the most entertaining games of the season.
Be sure to tune in to NFHS Network to catch all the action as Glacier faces off against Gallatin in a high-stakes football showdown!
