by Scott Sacry
The West defeated the East 48-20 at Wendy’s Field at Daylis Stadium in Billings on Saturday, June 15th, in the 77th edition of Montana’s Shrine football game. As always, the Bitterroot Valley was well represented.
Six athletes from the Bitterroot Valley played on the West squad. The Hamilton players included linebacker Lucas Lant and defensive end Andrew Burrows. The Florence players included safety Tyler Abbott, defensive tackle Arie McLaughlin, and defensive end Ethan Alexander. And for Corvallis, Isaac Stoker played as a guard.
Florence’s outgoing head coach, Pat Duchien, was the West’s head coach, while Florence’s new head coach, Adam Goodnight, was on the West’s coaching staff.
And, of course, these players make their presence felt in the game. Hamilton’s Lucas Lant and Florence’s Tyler Abbott both returned interceptions for touchdowns late in the game to help seal the West’s victory.
The Montana Shrine Game is the state’s premier all-star football game. Every year since 1947, the top outgoing seniors from all Montana high schools are selected to compete in a game to raise money and awareness for the Shriners Hospital in Spokane. Over the last 10 years, the game has raised nearly $1 million.