The stage is set for another exciting Friday night in Montana high school football as the Columbia Falls vs Frenchtown matchup kicks off on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. The non-conference contest will be played at Frenchtown High School, where the home team looks to keep momentum rolling while Columbia Falls aims to get back on track.
Matchup: Columbia Falls vs Frenchtown
Date: Friday., Sep. 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here
Columbia Falls Wildcats: Looking to Rebound
The Columbia Falls Wildcats come into this game sitting at 0-1 after dropping their opener on the road. Ranked 9th in Montana and 5th in their class, the Wildcats find themselves in early need of a bounce-back performance.
Through one game, Columbia Falls has scored 13 points while allowing 17, showing flashes of offensive capability but struggling to finish drives consistently.
Offensive Performance
Quarterback Banyan Johnston has been a bright spot. He threw for 212 yards in the opener, spreading the field and keeping the passing attack alive. Wide receiver Easton Brooks emerged as his top target, collecting 117 receiving yards.
The ground game leaned heavily on Trip Ross, who rushed for 102 yards and also contributed defensively with 12 tackles and a sack. His two-way ability makes him one of the most important players on the roster.
Defensive Efforts
Columbia Falls posted 52 tackles as a unit and recorded 2 sacks, but they couldn’t come up with enough stops to swing momentum in their first outing. Shoring up coverage and finding more pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be critical against Frenchtown’s efficient offense.
Frenchtown Broncs: Riding High After a Strong Start
The Frenchtown Broncs opened their season with a statement victory, defeating Bigfork 28-7 at home. Now ranked 14th in Montana and 7th in class, they bring both confidence and momentum into their matchup against Columbia Falls.
Offense in Rhythm
Quarterback Dawson Rodoni passed for 113 yards, efficiently leading the offense, while Cole Johnson made a major impact on the ground. Johnson racked up 161 rushing yards and contributed 177 total yards, showcasing his ability to dominate as a feature back.
Receiver Jordan Warner added 47 receiving yards, giving the Broncs balance between their rushing and passing attacks.
Defensive Strength
The Broncs allowed only 7 points against Bigfork, thanks to a physical front that produced 4 sacks and kept pressure on the opposing offense. Henry Griffin led the defensive effort with 1.5 sacks, while linebacker Konnor Klimpel collected 8 tackles.
Frenchtown’s combination of an efficient ground game and a disruptive defense makes them a tough matchup for any opponent, especially at home.
Team Stat Comparison
The numbers from Week 1 reveal a battle of contrasting styles:
- Columbia Falls Wildcats
- Rushing Yards/Game: 107.0
- Passing Yards/Game: 212.0
- Total Yards/Game: 319.0
- Tackles/Game: 52.0
- Sacks/Game: 2.0
- Points/Game: 13.0
- Frenchtown Broncs
- Rushing Yards/Game: 180.0
- Passing Yards/Game: 132.0
- Total Yards/Game: 312.0
- Tackles/Game: 49.0
- Sacks/Game: 4.0
- Points/Game: 28.0
These numbers suggest Columbia Falls relies heavily on its air attack, while Frenchtown thrives on a balanced offense anchored by the running game.
Key Players to Watch
- Columbia Falls
- Banyan Johnston (QB): 212 passing yards in the opener, a clear offensive leader.
- Trip Ross (RB/LB): 102 rushing yards, 12 tackles, and a sack — the true all-around weapon.
- Easton Brooks (WR): Top target with 117 receiving yards.
- Frenchtown
- Cole Johnson (RB): 161 rushing yards and 177 total yards, setting the tone offensively.
- Dawson Rodoni (QB): 113 passing yards, managing the game with efficiency.
- Henry Griffin (DL): 1.5 sacks, a key disruptor up front.
- Konnor Klimpel (LB): 8 tackles, anchoring the defensive unit.
Common Opponent Factor
The only shared opponent between the two schools this season is Bigfork:
- Frenchtown already defeated Bigfork 28-7 in their opener.
- Columbia Falls will face Bigfork later this season on September 26.
That result gives Frenchtown an early advantage on paper, though matchups often tell a deeper story than statistics alone.
Record Breakdown
Here’s how the two programs line up through Week 1:
Columbia Falls Wildcats (0-1)
- Overall: 0-1
- Away: 0-1
- League: 0-0
- Non-League: 0-1
- Points For: 13 | Points Against: 17
Frenchtown Broncs (1-0)
- Overall: 1-0
- Home: 1-0
- League: 0-0
- Non-League: 1-0
- Points For: 28 | Points Against: 7
The contrast is clear: Frenchtown is looking to build on a dominant start, while Columbia Falls is eager to erase the sting of an opening loss.
Keys to the Game
Columbia Falls Wildcats
- Protect the Quarterback: Johnston needs time to push the ball downfield.
- Lean on Trip Ross: His two-way contributions could tip the balance.
- Tighten Up on Defense: Frenchtown’s run game must be contained.
Frenchtown Broncs
- Feed Cole Johnson: When the running back gets going, the offense flows.
- Keep Pressuring QBs: The defensive front can force turnovers with consistent pressure.
- Balance the Attack: Mixing Rodoni’s passing with the run will keep Columbia Falls guessing.
What’s at Stake
For Columbia Falls, this game is about proving they can respond after adversity. Starting 0-2 would put them in a difficult early-season hole, especially in a competitive class.
For Frenchtown, a victory would reinforce their strong start and establish them as one of Montana’s most well-rounded teams. A 2-0 record would be a statement that the Broncs are ready to compete with the state’s top programs.
Final Thoughts
The Columbia Falls vs Frenchtown matchup promises to be a clash of styles. Columbia Falls will try to strike through the air with Johnston’s passing attack, while Frenchtown leans on Johnson’s rushing power and a defense that thrives on pressure.
If Columbia Falls protects the football and finds balance, they can keep this contest tight. But if Frenchtown’s defense continues its dominant form, the Broncs could control the game from start to finish.
Fans in Frenchtown should expect a competitive and physical battle as two proud programs test themselves under the lights this Friday.
For more high school football action outside Montana, explore Massachusetts High School Football events. To track schedules and updates for your favorite program, visit the Find Your School hub.
