The Friday night lights will shine brightly in Missoula as the Billings West vs Hellgate matchup takes center stage on September 5, 2025. Both teams head into this non-conference clash still searching for their first victory of the season after opening week setbacks. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Hellgate High School.
Matchup: Billings West vs Hellgate
Date: Friday., Sep. 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here
This game brings together two proud Montana football programs that faced tough competition in Week 1. Billings West fell narrowly to Glacier, 14-10, while Hellgate struggled in a 46-20 road loss to Bozeman. With both squads standing at 0-1, the stakes are high as each looks to reset and find momentum before diving deeper into their schedules.
Billings West: Seeking Redemption After Narrow Loss
Billings West enters this matchup ranked No. 5 in Montana and No. 2 in its class, with a national ranking of 3,374. Despite the loss to Glacier, the Golden Bears showed flashes of promise, particularly on offense.
Their Week 1 numbers tell the story of a team that moved the ball but fell just short of capitalizing on key opportunities:
- 91 rushing yards per game
- 209 passing yards per game
- 300 total yards per game
Quarterback CJ Johnson (#13) played a central role, throwing for 209 yards while also adding 34 rushing yards. His ability to extend plays and keep drives alive makes him a critical factor in Friday’s matchup. Johnson’s 243 total yards per game highlight his all-around contribution.
Wide receiver Matt Ludwig (#5) contributed 68 receiving yards, providing a reliable target in the passing game. If Ludwig and Johnson continue to connect, West’s offense will be tough to contain.
On the defensive side, the Golden Bears held Glacier to just 14 points, proving their ability to stay in games against strong opponents. That resilience could be the difference against a Hellgate team that struggled to slow Bozeman’s high-powered offense.
Hellgate Knights: Home Opener Offers Chance to Rebound
The Knights enter Week 2 ranked No. 58 in Montana and No. 13 in their class, with a national rank of 12,992. Their Week 1 road trip to Bozeman ended in disappointment, as they gave up 46 points in a lopsided defeat. Still, Hellgate’s offense showed flashes of potential, particularly through the air.
Their statistical profile highlights where they excelled and where improvement is needed:
- -4 rushing yards per game (a glaring weakness)
- 234 passing yards per game
- 230 total yards per game
Quarterback Vince Paffhausen (#7) led the way with 226 passing yards, proving he can push the ball downfield against quality defenses. His connection with wide receiver Evan Pyron (#87), who averaged 85 receiving yards, gave the Knights a legitimate passing threat.
On the defensive end, Milo Sherman (#12) stood out with eight tackles, anchoring a unit that was otherwise overwhelmed by Bozeman’s balanced attack. If Hellgate hopes to rebound, the Knights must shore up their rushing attack and contain Billings West’s playmakers.
Scoring Trends and Game Flow
Looking at last week’s scoring breakdowns offers clues about how this game might unfold:
- Billings West: Scored 7 points in the first quarter and just 3 the rest of the way in their 14-10 loss. The lack of consistent scoring across all four quarters is something they’ll need to fix.
- Hellgate: Exploded for 13 points in the second quarter and added 7 more in the third, but were shut out in the first and fourth quarters during their 46-20 loss. Offensive inconsistency plagued them as well.
Both teams showed the ability to put points on the board, but neither sustained momentum for four quarters. That makes this game a test of endurance and execution.
Common Opponents
Billings West and Hellgate will face multiple common opponents this season, offering fans a way to compare performance.
- Billings West lost to Glacier 14-10 in Week 1.
- Hellgate will face Glacier later this month, giving them a benchmark game to measure against West.
Both also face Bozeman this season, with Hellgate already taking a heavy loss to the Hawks. That matchup suggests Billings West may hold an edge in competitive balance, but every week brings new opportunities.
Key Players to Watch
Billings West
- CJ Johnson (#13, QB/RB) – Dual-threat quarterback averaging 243 total yards per game.
- Matt Ludwig (#5, WR) – West’s top receiving option with 68 yards in the opener.
Hellgate
- Vince Paffhausen (#7, QB) – Leader of the offense with 226 passing yards last week.
- Evan Pyron (#87, WR) – A reliable playmaker with 85 receiving yards per game.
- Milo Sherman (#12, LB) – Defensive anchor averaging 8 tackles per game.
Keys to Victory
Billings West
- Convert Red-Zone Chances – Missed opportunities hurt them in Week 1.
- Control the Clock – A stronger rushing attack will keep Hellgate’s passing game off the field.
- Defensive Pressure – Forcing Paffhausen into mistakes could swing momentum.
Hellgate
- Fix the Run Game – Averaging negative rushing yards won’t cut it against West’s defense.
- Air It Out – Lean on Paffhausen and Pyron to stretch the field.
- Defensive Discipline – Limit Johnson’s dual-threat ability and contain Ludwig downfield.
What’s at Stake
For both programs, this game is about avoiding an 0-2 start.
- A win for Billings West would reaffirm their status as a top contender in Montana, showing that their close Week 1 loss was more a reflection of a tough opponent than internal flaws.
- A victory for Hellgate would give them momentum heading into conference play, proving their offense can compete and their defense can recover from the Bozeman game.
Both fanbases know how much an early win can shape a season’s trajectory, which makes this clash all the more significant.
Final Thoughts
The Billings West vs Hellgate matchup promises to be a pivotal game for two teams eager to establish themselves in 2025. West brings a balanced offensive attack and a sturdy defense, while Hellgate counters with a dangerous passing game that could catch fire at home.
Expect a battle defined by adjustments—whichever team fixes their Week 1 issues most effectively is likely to walk away with their first victory of the year.
For more coverage of Montana and other regional matchups, visit the Massachusetts High School Football events page. To follow your favorite program’s news and schedule, head to the Find Your School hub.
