When Montana Western released it’s initial signing day class, not a single Flathead Brave was listed.

While National Signing Day gets plenty of hype for the biggest schools in the country, few fans realize the lower levels didn’t have to finalize their classes on Feb. 4.

That’s why Braves quarterback Easton Johnson and tight end Cody Eacker were left off the original list of 32 Bulldog signees. The senior duo committed to Western the night before the national festivities.

Johnson, who threw for 1,095 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 395 yards and five scores as Flathead’s signal caller, still had a visit scheduled to Montana-Northern, but he never made it to Havre, choosing the Bulldogs program for its stability and youthful roster.

“It was definitely stressful, but it was kind of exciting at the same time, to have options and get to decide where you want to go,” Johnson said. “Signing that letter was of a lot of relief.”

Johnson is a prospective wide receiver or defensive back, pending on the depth chart come August.

He plans to study biology.

Johnson will be joined by Eacker, a tight end and defensive end for the Braves, who caught four passes for 30 yards while compiling a host of tackles.

Eacker will be a tight end for the Bulldogs. He was considering Rocky Mountain College and Northern, but the education program and coaching staff ultimately led to his decision.

“It was kind of the coaches. Coach B.J. (Robertson) is really motivated,” Eacker said.

“He’s really hard working and it’s definitely what I was looking for. That program is coming up.”

Eacker plans to study physical education.

“I’m very proud that (Eacker) is going to continue his career down at Western. He did a great job for us. He was a great blocker and pass catcher,” Flathead coach Kyle Samson said.

“(Easton) is definitely a special kid in my heart for being my first quarterback in my first year here. I really think he can succeed at that level whether it’s a defensive back or wide receiver.

“I’m very excited to see both continue their football careers and look forward to watching them succeed in the Frontier Conference.”

Johnson and Eacker will follow Devin Cochran (Glacier) and Spencer Ross (Columbia Falls) from the Flathead Valley to Dillon.