Friday night football in Montana heats up as the Beaverhead County vs East Helena showdown kicks off on September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. East Helena High School will host this non-conference contest, with both teams coming in at 0-1 after challenging season openers.
Matchup: Beaverhead County vs East Helena
Date: Friday., Sep. 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here
Both programs are searching for their first win, and while each has shown flashes of talent, they’ll need sharper execution to secure victory. With plenty at stake in this early-season matchup, expect a spirited battle under the lights.
Beaverhead County: Looking to Bounce Back
Beaverhead County, ranked No. 6 in Montana and No. 4 in its class, enters Week 2 still stinging from a lopsided loss. The Dillon-based squad fell 64-28 in their opener, a game that saw them start strong but fade quickly.
Their scoring breakdown highlights inconsistency:
- 20 points in the first quarter
- 0 points in the second and third quarters
- 8 points in the fourth quarter
This fast start followed by a long drought raises questions about endurance and adjustments. If Beaverhead County can maintain early momentum, their offense is capable of putting up numbers.
Offensive Leaders
Quarterback Canin Christiansen (#4) stood out in Week 1, throwing for 291 passing yards. He carried the offense on his shoulders and ended the game with 291 total yards, proving his ability to move the ball through the air.
Wideout Paxton Puyear (#2) gave Christiansen a reliable target, hauling in 121 receiving yards. If their connection continues to click, Beaverhead County will remain a threat in the passing game.
The run game, however, was virtually nonexistent. JRNEY Mataafa (#32) managed only 12 rushing yards, as the team finished with just 18 yards on the ground. A more balanced attack will be necessary if they want to keep East Helena’s defense honest.
Defensive Struggles
Defensively, Beaverhead County recorded 69 tackles, showing effort and hustle, but they failed to generate pressure. The Beavers did not register a single sack in their opener, leaving opposing quarterbacks with plenty of time to operate. If the defensive front doesn’t tighten up, East Helena’s playmakers could find room to exploit.
East Helena: High-Octane Offense With Work to Do
The Vigilantes of East Helena also enter the matchup at 0-1, ranked No. 43 in Montana and No. 16 in their class. Their season opener ended in a tough 50-47 loss, a game that proved they could score but also revealed defensive vulnerabilities.
Their ability to put up 47 points in one game makes them dangerous, especially with a versatile attack.
Offensive Firepower
East Helena’s numbers showcase a well-rounded offense:
- 206 rushing yards per game
- 284 passing yards per game
- 490 total yards per game
Quarterback Bearek Shuman (#2) led the charge with 284 passing yards and 300 total yards, making him the focal point of the Vigilantes’ offense.
Running back Leo Longcake (#4) dominated on the ground with 190 rushing yards, giving East Helena a serious rushing threat. His ability to break big plays sets him apart from many at the high school level.
Receiver Hagen Paddock (#3) chipped in with 97 receiving yards and also tied for the team lead with 10 tackles, showing his versatility and impact on both sides of the ball.
Defensive Concerns
The Vigilantes recorded 48 tackles and 4 sacks, with Bradlee Hahn (#75) standing out as a pass-rushing force with 2 sacks. Still, surrendering 50 points in a single game indicates plenty of room for improvement.
If East Helena can clean up defensive lapses while maintaining offensive production, they could be difficult to stop on their home turf.
Comparing the Teams
A head-to-head look at team statistics paints a clear picture:
- Rushing Game: East Helena dominates, averaging 206 yards, compared to Beaverhead County’s 18 yards.
- Passing Game: Both teams shine here, with Beaverhead County at 291 yards and East Helena at 284 yards.
- Total Offense: East Helena holds the advantage, 490 yards to 309 yards.
- Defensive Pressure: Beaverhead County has 0 sacks so far, while East Helena has 4, including Hahn’s strong performance.
This sets up a contrast in styles: Beaverhead County leans heavily on its passing game, while East Helena brings balance with both air and ground production.
Key Players to Watch
Beaverhead County Beavers
- Canin Christiansen (#4, QB) – A passing machine with 291 yards in the opener.
- Paxton Puyear (#2, WR/LB) – Dual threat, contributing 121 receiving yards and 10 tackles.
- JRNEY Mataafa (#32, RB/DE) – Needs to establish the run game and provide defensive pressure.
East Helena Vigilantes
- Bearek Shuman (#2, QB) – Dual-threat playmaker with 284 passing yards and 300 total yards.
- Leo Longcake (#4, RB) – Explosive rusher averaging 190 yards per game.
- Hagen Paddock (#3, WR/LB) – Reliable receiver and defensive leader with 97 receiving yards and 10 tackles.
- Bradlee Hahn (#75, DL) – Pass-rush specialist already with 2 sacks on the season.
Keys to Victory
Beaverhead County
- Protect Christiansen – The QB is their offense, and East Helena’s pass rush could disrupt him.
- Develop the Run Game – A balanced attack is crucial to avoid being one-dimensional.
- Apply Pressure on Defense – Zero sacks won’t cut it against Shuman and Longcake.
East Helena
- Tighten the Defense – Scoring 47 points means little if the defense gives up 50.
- Feed Longcake Early – The ground game can control tempo and wear down Beaverhead County.
- Limit Big Pass Plays – Keeping Christiansen from finding Puyear downfield will be critical.
What’s at Stake
Neither program wants to fall to 0-2 to start the season.
- For Beaverhead County, a win would restore confidence after a rough opener and reaffirm their top-10 ranking in Montana.
- For East Helena, securing a victory at home would mark a turning point, showing their offensive firepower can be paired with a defense capable of closing games.
This isn’t just about avoiding another loss—it’s about establishing rhythm and momentum that could carry deep into the season.
Final Thoughts
The Beaverhead County vs East Helena matchup features two hungry teams eager to put early losses behind them. Beaverhead County brings a strong passing attack led by Christiansen and Puyear, while East Helena counters with a balanced offensive assault powered by Shuman and Longcake.
The game could hinge on whether Beaverhead County’s defense can contain East Helena’s ground game, or if East Helena’s secondary can withstand the Beavers’ passing barrage. Expect an intense, back-and-forth battle as both programs fight to get on the winning track.
For updates and recaps from Montana and beyond, visit the Massachusetts High School Football events page. To track your school’s matchups and results, check the Find Your School hub.
