Darby’s Townsend is ‘the real McCoy’

by Scott Sacry, Sports Editor

In 1982, Ennis defeated Wibaux 38-28 to claim the first 8-Man Football State Championship. In the 43 years since, there have been some memorable individual seasons in Montana 8-Man football. The 2025 season for Darby senior quarterback McCoy Townsend will rank as one of the best when the final tally is carved in stone.

2025 season stats

Consider Townsend’s stat line for the 2025 season. Darby’s run-first quarterback rushed for 1934 yards and 38 touchdowns, averaging 214.9 rushing yards per game. He passed for 589 yards with 8 touchdowns. For the season, he gained 2540 total yards (17 receiving), had 46 total touchdowns, averaged 282.2 total yards per game, and accounted for 306 total points. Townsend also led the team on defense with 107 tackles (11.9 per game). 

Townsend’s stats in Darby’s 40-34 victory against St. Regis on October 3 highlights what a game looked like for Townsend this year. In that game, Townsend rushed 41 times for 313 yards and scored 6 touchdowns, and he led the defense with 15 total tackles. Not too bad for a day’s work.

All-around student athlete

Besides football, Townsend is one of the top students in his class, a starter on the basketball team, and a standout in track. Last year in track, Townsend qualified for State in the 100m, 200m, 400m, the long jump, and was on the 4x400m relay team.

“The kid’s an absolute beast,” said Darby head coach John Steiner. “He averaged over 214 rushing yards a game. He’s a great teammate, gets great grades, and he turned into a great leader this year. He’s just a great kid. I really hope he can get some recognition and get some looks by some of these local colleges. I think he really could find a spot somewhere to be successful.”

Historic context

Here’s how Townsend’s numbers compare with other historic 8-Man football seasons. 

Townsend’s nine consecutive games rushing for over 100 yards ties him for the most ever in a season.

His nine games rushing over a 100 yards was the second most ever in a season.

His rushing touchdowns (38) was the 2nd most ever in a season.

His total points (306) was tied for the 2nd most ever in a season.

His total yards/game (282.2) was the 2nd most ever in a season.

His average rushing yards/game (214.9) was the 4th most ever in a season.

His total yards gained in a season (2540) was the 6th most ever in a season.

And his total touchdowns (46) was tied for the 8th most ever in a season.

The Real McCoy indeed.

The historic stats are from the MHSA website. Townsend’s stats are from maxpreps.com and verified by Darby’s head coach. In order to become official, Townsend’s stats will have to be sent to the MHSA through an official application process.