Friday night lights return to Montana as two programs riding high off dominant season-opening wins prepare to collide. The Sidney vs Laurel matchup is scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Laurel High School, where the home crowd will pack the stands to see if the Locomotives can slow down Sidney’s early-season momentum.
Matchup: Sidney vs Laurel
Date: Friday., Sep. 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here
Both teams enter the game with 1-0 records, but their opening performances showed different paths to victory. Sidney delivered a blowout, crushing Park 59-7 in their opener, while Laurel handled Dawson County with a convincing 46-6 win. Now, they go head-to-head in what promises to be one of Montana’s most exciting non-conference showdowns of the young season.
How the Teams Stack Up
Sidney Eagles (1-0, 59 Points in Opener)
Sidney wasted no time announcing their presence this season. Their 59-7 road win against Park showcased an offense firing on all cylinders and a defense that suffocated its opponent.
The Eagles enter this matchup with a perfect record and a staggering point differential of +52 after just one game. While full offensive statistics aren’t available, the scoreboard tells the story: Sidney’s attack is explosive and relentless.
Key contributors include:
- Curtis Fox (#4, RB) – Pacing the ground game with 123 rushing yards per contest, plus an impressive 18 points per game.
- Krew Hunter (#2, QB) – Slinging the ball for 221 passing yards per game, while also leading the team with 248 total yards.
- Bridger Burrows (#11, WR) – Stretching defenses with nearly 100 receiving yards per game, providing a dangerous downfield option.
Defensively, Sidney has a playmaker in Gabe Shelton (#10, LB), averaging six tackles per game. If the Eagles can generate pressure and win the turnover battle, they’ll give their offense more opportunities to light up the scoreboard.
Laurel Locomotives (1-0, 46 Points in Opener)
Laurel also enters this contest undefeated, but their approach looked different in Week 1. They leaned on balance and execution to outpace Dawson County in a 46-6 victory.
Unlike Sidney’s air raid, Laurel combines an effective ground game with precision passing to create steady scoring drives. Their averages speak volumes:
- 188 rushing yards per game
- 255 passing yards per game
- 443 total yards per game
Laurel’s top performers include:
- Krew Hunter (#2, QB) – Commanding the passing attack with 221 yards per game.
- Curtis Fox (#4, RB) – A two-way threat, averaging 123 rushing yards and 18 points per game.
- Bridger Burrows (#11, WR) – Reliable on the outside with 99 receiving yards per contest.
On defense, Gabe Shelton (#10) provides consistency with six tackles per game, anchoring a unit that gave up only six points last week.
Scoring Patterns and Game Flow
The teams’ scoring patterns hint at how the matchup might unfold:
- Sidney scored relentlessly against Park, though their quarter-by-quarter breakdown isn’t available. What’s clear is that they piled up 59 points, which speaks to efficiency and explosiveness.
- Laurel started hot against Dawson County, putting up 21 points in the first quarter and 19 more in the second before easing off in the second half. Their ability to jump out to early leads could be crucial against Sidney.
This raises an intriguing tactical battle: Can Sidney’s defense contain Laurel’s fast starts, or will Laurel’s balanced offense keep pace with Sidney’s high-powered attack?
Common Opponents and Schedule Outlook
Both teams share common opponents later in the season, which makes this game an early measuring stick.
- Sidney has upcoming games against Dawson County, Lockwood, and Billings Central Catholic.
- Laurel will also face Dawson County, Lockwood, and Billings Central Catholic.
That overlap gives fans and analysts a chance to gauge which team has the edge as the season progresses.
So far, both programs are undefeated against shared competition:
- Sidney beat Park 59-7.
- Laurel beat Dawson County 46-6.
How they handle each other this Friday could set the tone for the rest of their schedules.
Rankings Snapshot
According to the latest figures:
- Sidney sits at No. 51 in Montana and No. 19 in their class, holding a national rank of 12,134.
- Laurel ranks far higher, standing at No. 4 in Montana and No. 3 in their class, with a national position of 3,367.
The rankings indicate Laurel enters as the favorite, but Sidney’s dominance in Week 1 suggests they could upset expectations.
Keys to Victory
For Sidney:
- Keep Feeding Curtis Fox – His rushing production and scoring ability make him the engine of Sidney’s offense.
- Protect Krew Hunter – If the quarterback has time, his 221-yard passing average will give Laurel’s defense problems.
- Match Laurel’s Fast Start – Falling behind early could put too much pressure on their passing game.
For Laurel:
- Leverage Home-Field Advantage – Playing in front of their home crowd should fuel momentum.
- Defensive Discipline – Sidney has big-play potential. Laurel must stay disciplined in coverage to limit explosive passes.
- Balanced Attack – Their 443-yard offensive average makes them difficult to defend if they maintain balance.
What This Game Means
This Sidney vs Laurel matchup is more than a non-conference clash. For Sidney, it’s a chance to prove their Week 1 blowout wasn’t a fluke and that they can challenge Montana’s top-tier programs. For Laurel, it’s about protecting their high ranking and proving they belong among the state’s elite.
A victory for either side would be a huge momentum boost heading into tougher stretches of their schedules. Fans should expect a physical, high-energy battle with both teams motivated to make an early-season statement.
Final Thoughts
The Sidney vs Laurel showdown is shaping up to be one of Montana’s most compelling Week 2 matchups. Sidney’s explosive start collides with Laurel’s balanced, efficient approach, and the result could swing either way.
Football fans across the state will have their eyes on Laurel High School this Friday night. With two undefeated teams, playmakers on both sidelines, and major implications for state rankings, this is the type of high school football matchup that defines early-season momentum.
For more updates on Montana football and other state matchups, visit the Massachusetts High School Football events page. To find coverage tailored to your state and school, head over to the Find Your School hub.
