The Montana high school football season continues to heat up as Custer County vs Fergus takes the spotlight on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. The matchup will be held at Fergus High School in Lewistown, where two programs with opening-week victories will battle in an early-season non-conference test.
Matchup: Custer County vs Fergus
Date: Friday., Sep. 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here
Both the Custer County Cowboys (Miles City) and the Fergus Golden Eagles (Lewistown) enter this game unbeaten, though their paths to a 1-0 record could not have been more different. While Custer County survived a high-scoring shootout, Fergus leaned on defense and timely offense to edge past their opponent. Friday’s meeting promises a fascinating contrast in styles.
Team Records and Rankings
Custer County Cowboys
- Overall Record: 1-0
- National Rank: 8,808
- Montana Rank: 31
- Class Rank: 13
- Points Scored: 50
- Points Allowed: 47
Custer County opened its season in dramatic fashion, outlasting East Helena in a thrilling 50–47 victory. The Cowboys showed plenty of offensive firepower but also revealed defensive vulnerabilities that must be tightened up against a more disciplined Fergus squad.
Fergus Golden Eagles
- Overall Record: 1-0
- National Rank: 2,984
- Montana Rank: 3
- Class Rank: 2
- Points Scored: 17
- Points Allowed: 13
Fergus took a more measured route to their first win, relying on balance and defense to claim a 17–13 home victory. The Golden Eagles’ ability to contain opponents while scoring when needed highlights why they’re already considered one of the top teams in the state.
Scoring Patterns
The score breakdowns from each opener paint a clear picture of both teams’ tendencies:
- Custer County: Scoring distribution wasn’t reported quarter by quarter, but the 50 total points suggest an offense capable of breaking big plays at any moment. Their defensive lapses, however, allowed 47 points, showing that shootouts may become a recurring theme if adjustments aren’t made.
- Fergus: Scored 3 points in the first quarter, none in the second, then surged in the third with 14 points before closing out the game scoreless in the fourth. This indicates a team that builds momentum as the game progresses and can seize control coming out of halftime.
If these patterns continue, expect Custer County to try for another offensive explosion, while Fergus will aim to control the tempo and limit possessions.
Team Statistics Comparison
| Category | Custer County | Fergus |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | N/A reported | 43.0 |
| Passing Yards/Game | N/A reported | 85.0 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | N/A reported | 56.0 |
| Total Yards/Game | N/A reported | 128.0 |
The lack of available stats for Custer County makes it difficult to pinpoint their exact offensive strengths. However, their 50-point output speaks volumes about their scoring potential. Fergus, on the other hand, shows modest totals but operates with precision, moving the ball efficiently behind quarterback McKay Shobe (#20).
Key Players to Watch
Fergus Golden Eagles
- McKay Shobe (#20): The do-it-all leader, responsible for 85 passing yards, 40 rushing yards, and 125 total yards per game. His dual-threat ability gives Fergus flexibility on offense.
- Madden Norslien (#2): Leading receiver with 48 yards per game, providing Shobe with a dependable target.
Custer County Cowboys
Player statistics for Custer County were not fully available. What we do know is that their opener produced 50 points, meaning someone—or several players—stepped up in a big way. Identifying consistent playmakers will be crucial in determining if they can repeat that offensive success against a tougher defense.
Common Opponents and Upcoming Tests
Both programs will face several of the same opponents later in the season:
- East Helena: Custer County already defeated East Helena in a 50–47 thriller. Fergus will face them at home on October 24, 2025.
- Havre: Custer County visits Havre on September 12, while Fergus plays Havre on October 10.
- Dawson County: Custer County hosts Dawson County on October 10, while Fergus travels there on September 12.
These shared opponents will provide valuable comparisons later, but for now, this head-to-head clash is a chance for one program to take an early edge in statewide perception.
Defensive Contrast
The defensive side of the ball may decide this game.
- Custer County gave up 47 points in Week 1, a figure that raises questions about their ability to contain balanced offenses.
- Fergus allowed just 13 points, relying on discipline and tackling to keep control.
If the game turns into another shootout, Custer County might feel comfortable. But if Fergus forces a grind-it-out style, the Cowboys could struggle to keep pace without their defense stepping up.
What Each Team Needs to Do
Custer County Cowboys
- Tighten defense: Surrendering 47 points is not sustainable.
- Capitalize on big plays: Their offense clearly has explosiveness, which they must continue to unleash.
- Control turnovers: Against a structured team like Fergus, mistakes could be costly.
Fergus Golden Eagles
- Rely on balance: With Shobe’s dual-threat abilities, keeping defenses guessing is key.
- Lean on defense: Holding Custer County under 30 points may be the formula for victory.
- Third-quarter surge: Replicate their ability to seize momentum coming out of halftime.
Matchup Outlook
This matchup pits two undefeated programs with vastly different Week 1 stories:
- Custer County: A high-scoring team looking to improve defensively.
- Fergus: A disciplined, efficient squad with top-tier state rankings.
If Custer County’s offense remains explosive, they can challenge even elite teams. But Fergus’ defensive structure and home-field advantage make them the favorite on paper.
Conclusion
The Custer County vs Fergus clash on September 5 at Fergus High School is more than just a non-conference game. It’s a measuring stick for two teams headed in different directions early in the 2025 season.
Custer County wants to prove that their offensive firepower can overcome defensive lapses, while Fergus looks to validate their lofty state ranking with another steady performance. The result will provide clarity in Montana’s competitive football landscape.
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