HAMILTON — It's no secret that Hamilton's Carson Rostad was a once-in-a-generation high school football player. He started all four seasons and broke a number of Class A and all-class records before heading to the Montana Grizzlies this fall.
Rostad and 11 other Broncs graduated last year, leaving Hamilton in search of a new quarterback and more.
Tucker Jones was also one of those 12 lost to graduation. The starting linebacker/wide receiver is now at Carroll College.
“A lot of those guys are a big reason why we won a lot of games," said Hamilton head coach Bryce Carver. "So, just their leadership and stuff is what carries on to these younger guys and we are able to make that turnover. When you lose guys that start for three and four years you kind of have to start over a little bit. Like I said, those guys led by example by example and were such good leaders that example these younger guys are stepping in and filling in good.”
One of those guys filling in for the loss of Rostad is his little brother, junior Tyson Rostad, who’s expected to start at quarterback.
“I feel very confident just with our coaching staff and just like what my brother and Tucker (Jones) and all those older kids have done for us and the standards they set," said Tyson Rostad. "Hopefully we can set those standards for the younger kids. I just think I’m just thankful for being able to have that skill all around, and I think it’s really helpful for what coach Carver does and our coaching staff prepares us for a lot of things. ”
The Broncs aren’t just excited about Tyson Rostad moving forward, as both lines bring back some experience and are expected to be catalysts in 2020.
“We are old up front, guys that have started a lot of games on our offensive line and defensive line," said Carver. "We obviously have a new quarterback, new running back and some new receivers. You feel good. It’s always just exciting to get out here.”
“The team is looking good," said Tyson Rostad. "We’ve got a pretty powerful offensive line and I think our defense is going to be pretty mean. I think we’re going to be pretty good this year.”
Regardless of how Hamilton does this fall, the Broncs are just thankful to have the opportunity to play.
“We were down and watching because we were doubting it watching big conferences, watching colleges, even watching the Big Sky Conference drop out," said Tyson Rostad. "Just seeing the pressure put on our high school and just the high schools around the state and just to be able to play and still play football in the fall, I’ve never not played football in the fall growing up as a kid, so I just wouldn’t know what it’s like, so I’m just very lucky and thankful."
