Bozeman defensive end Kenneth Eiden IV and Butte quarterback Tommy Mellott were named the Class AA football MVPs, the classification announced Thursday.
Eiden, still just a junior, helped the Hawks to an 11-1 record and the state championship this past season, earning the defensive MVP honor. He led the team with an astonishing 41 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks. His 94 total tackles ranked third on the team. Eiden was also a key player on offense, as well, scoring 14 touchdowns and earning first-team all-state honors at tight end.
Eiden was joined by four teammates -- lineman Camren Spencer, linebackers Brooks Talbot and Kaelan Patten and cornerback Carter Ash -- on the all-state defensive first team. Defensive end Luke Fedyk was a second-team selection for the Hawks, while defensive lineman Jason Langan, safety Brady Lang and cornerback Hudson Willett were defensive honorable mentions.
Offensively, Bozeman had nine all-state players: Eiden, tackle Tom Walkup, guard John Browon, center Spencer and running back Asher Croy on the first team; wide receiver Ash and quarterback Jake D'Agostino on the second team; and tackle Ethan Cooper and guard Carter Cape as honorable mentions.
Bozeman's Peyton Hogan was the first-team all-state long snapper and Ash the first-team all-state punt returner. Brendan Martin received honorable mention for his special teams work.
Mellott, who has committed to continue his career at Montana State, was named the offensive MVP after quarterbacking Butte to an undefeated regular season and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. The Bulldogs lost to Bozeman in the state championship game to finish 11-1. Mellott, a senior, passed for 2,940 yards and rushed for 1,217. He had a hand in 46 total touchdowns -- 30 passing and 16 rushing.
Tackle Konor McClafferty, running back Kameron Moreno and fullback Kobe Moreno joined Mellott as Bulldogs on the first-team all-state offense.
The full Class AA all-state and all-conference teams, as well as the honors teams for the rest of Montana high school football classifications, can be found here.
Note: All stats are courtesy Max Preps.
