High school football fans in Montana are gearing up for an exciting matchup as the Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson (MWSD) co-op team travels to face the Shepherd Spartans in a non-conference clash on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Shepherd High School. This contest promises to be a close and tactical battle as both teams look to make a statement early in the season.
Matchup: Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson vs Shepherd
Date: Friday., Sep. 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here
Entering this matchup, MWSD holds a 1-0 record following a narrow 9-8 victory over Huntley Project, while Shepherd is seeking their first win after a 6-26 loss to Conrad in their season opener. The contrasting results from Week 1 set the stage for a contest where strategy, execution, and resilience will determine the outcome.
Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson: A Balanced Co-Op Unit
The MWSD co-op team has started the 2025 season on a strong note, securing a hard-fought 1-0 record. Ranked 18th in Montana’s classification system, the co-op combines athletes from multiple schools—Malta, Whitewater, Saco, and Dodson—to field a competitive and versatile team.
Offensive Strategy
MWSD relies on a balanced offensive attack that mixes short passing with calculated rushing plays. The team averages 198 total yards per game, with 135 passing yards and 63 rushing yards per contest. Key contributor Kazner Oxarart leads the team in rushing, passing, and total yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability that allows MWSD to adapt mid-game.
Scoring in their opener was tightly contested, with 7 points in the second quarter and 2 in the third, ultimately securing a narrow 9-8 win. Against Shepherd, MWSD will aim to continue their methodical approach, emphasizing ball control and minimizing turnovers.
Defensive Outlook
Defensively, MWSD is a disciplined unit, averaging 61 tackles per game and 6 sacks in their first outing. Their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and limit big plays will be crucial when facing Shepherd’s balanced offensive approach.
Shepherd Spartans: Seeking Redemption
The Shepherd Spartans enter this matchup with a 0-1 record, looking to bounce back after a 6-26 defeat to Conrad. Ranked 50th nationally in Montana, Shepherd will rely on home-field advantage to regain confidence and execute their game plan effectively.
Offensive Potential
Shepherd averages 201 total yards per game, with a passing-heavy focus of 159 yards per contest and a modest 42 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Caleb Nicholson leads the team in total yards and passing, providing a strong arm to distribute the football effectively.
The Spartans scored their only points in the first quarter of Week 1, indicating they have early-game potential but must maintain momentum throughout the matchup. Against MWSD, the key for Shepherd will be balancing their passing attack with a more effective rushing effort to keep MWSD’s defense honest.
Defensive Considerations
Shepherd’s defense allowed 26 points in their opener but recorded 1 sack and 46 tackles, showing flashes of effectiveness. Limiting MWSD’s big-play ability and forcing short possessions will be critical to stay competitive in this matchup.
Key Matchup Breakdown
| Category | MWSD Co-Op | Shepherd Spartans | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Record | 1-0 | 0-1 | MWSD has momentum; Shepherd seeks redemption |
| Points Per Game | 2.0 | – | MWSD has managed close scoring; Shepherd needs improvement |
| Total Offense | 198 yards | 201 yards | Offenses are evenly matched in yardage; tactical playcalling will matter |
| Tackles Per Game | 61 | 46 | MWSD’s defense may have an edge in stopping big plays |
| Sacks | 6 | 1 | MWSD’s pass rush could disrupt Shepherd’s passing rhythm |
The matchup is a classic early-season test between a disciplined, balanced co-op team and a home team looking to bounce back. MWSD’s ability to execute under pressure versus Shepherd’s effort to stabilize both offense and defense will be the deciding factor.
Players to Watch
Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson:
- Kazner Oxarart (#5): Team leader in rushing, passing, and total yards—dual-threat ability could create big plays.
- Dawson Hammond (#2): Leading receiver, providing a reliable target in key situations.
- Straud Sims (#57): Defensive leader in tackles, key to slowing Shepherd’s passing attack.
Shepherd:
- Caleb Nicholson (#4): Team leader in passing and total yards, central to orchestrating the Spartans’ offense.
- Tagg Murdock (#2): Top receiver, essential for moving the chains and generating explosive plays.
- Karson Gamradt (#24): Defensive standout with 9 tackles, critical for containing MWSD’s offensive leaders.
Factors That Could Decide the Game
For MWSD:
- Ball Control: Sustaining drives and minimizing turnovers to keep Shepherd’s offense off the field.
- Defensive Pressure: Exploiting Shepherd’s less experienced pass protection and generating sacks.
- Clutch Execution: Converting key plays in close scoring situations, as they did in Week 1.
For Shepherd:
- Balanced Attack: Incorporating the run game to prevent predictability in passing.
- Defensive Adjustments: Stopping MWSD’s leading playmakers, particularly Oxarart.
- Maintaining Momentum: Scoring in multiple quarters to avoid falling behind early.
Record Overview
Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson (25-26)
- Overall: 1-0
- League: 0-0
- Non-League: 1-0
- Home: 1-0
- Away: 0-0
Shepherd Spartans (25-26)
- Overall: 0-1
- League: 0-0
- Non-League: 0-1
- Home: 0-1
- Away: 0-0
MWSD enters with momentum, while Shepherd must respond under the spotlight of a home crowd.
What’s at Stake
This non-conference matchup carries significance beyond just a win or loss. For MWSD, a victory would solidify their status as a competitive co-op unit and validate their opening-week success. For Shepherd, a win is essential to regain confidence and prove they can adapt after an early setback.
Preview Prediction
Expect a tightly contested game with both teams capable of scoring in bursts. MWSD’s disciplined play and defensive pressure could give them a slight edge, while Shepherd will rely on home-field energy and strategic adjustments to keep the game close. Fans should anticipate a hard-fought contest, possibly decided by a single big play or late-game execution.
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