HELENA -- On Aug. 13, the Montana High School Association executive board adjusted the fall sports schedules. The governing body for high school sports in Montana eliminated non-conference games to start the Class AA football season, which, on its face, could rub some the wrong way by losing games. Despite that, both head football coaches in Helena are for the decision.
Capital head coach Kyle Mihelish said the decision will provide more time for his team to focus on smaller aspects of the game with the extra time they have.
"Starting on (Aug. 17), we have three weeks of regular practice, and then we're into a game week. So we could be upwards of about 20, 22 practices before we play (Kalispell) Glacier," said Mihelish. "We have two more weeks built in because of non-conference being canceled, but we're going to take advantage of it."
Helena High head coach Scott Evans shared his crosstown rival's sentiment, noting that if a similar change were proposed to future seasons, it would be a hotly contested topic.
"This three weeks is important, and I think it's actually a benefit," said Evans. "I actually like this system. I think that there's some merit to it. I think it's something of a discussion down the road that we can look at. I think if we took an extra week in August like this, I think we could actually have it be beneficial for kids and for us, as coaches."
The Helena Capital Bruins will open the season on the road on Sept. 11, facing the Kalispell Glacier Wolfpack. The Helena High Bengals will open the season by welcoming in the Butte Bulldogs.
