by Scott Sacry, Sports Editor
The Hamilton Broncs football team made the long trek east to Billings on Friday, November 7, to face the top-ranked Billings Central Rams in the quarterfinals of the Class A State playoffs. Hamilton played Class A’s #1 team tough, but fell short and lost 7-27.
Hamilton had as good a start as could be hoped for. The Broncs took the opening drive the length of the field and scored on a 19-yard pass from quarterback Cooper Weston to receiver Kaeden Gum, and Hamilton led 7-0 after the first quarter. Billings scored twice in the second quarter and Hamilton trailed 7-14 at halftime.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, so going into the fourth quarter Hamilton only trailed by a touchdown. Billings scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to solidify their lead, and Hamilton couldn’t make up the ground and lost 7-27.
Hamilton played the undefeated Rams closer than any team this season. But outside of their opening drive, Hamilton wasn’t able to move the ball consistently and they only had 161 total yards for the game. On the other side of the ball, Hamilton wasn’t able to consistently stop Central’s potent running attack, as Billings gained 323 yards rushing. A valiant effort by the Broncs, but they couldn’t quite generate enough offense to stay with the high-powered Rams.
For Hamilton, Cooper Weston completed 12 of 26 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. Running back Jude Widmer rushed for 29 yards. Receiver Jackson Lubke had 4 catches for 49 yards.
This ends a successful 2025 season for the Broncs, as Hamilton was one of the best Class A teams in the state. They finished the season with an 8-2 record, took 2nd in their conference, won a playoff game, and made the Class A State quarterfinals. The Broncs have a lot of returning talent and look to be a strong contender for a state title next season.