For each of the past four high school sports season, including the current one, Coach Jesse Allan and St. Regis fans have had a Ball.

It started with Adam Ball, an outstanding football and basketball player who graduated last year and is now on a football scholarship to Rocky Mountain College in Billings.

And it continues this year with the final year of senior Caleb Ball, Adam’s younger brother, who has also excelled in football and basketball.

Last week, Caleb’s abilities were rewarded with a football scholarship to Montana Western in Dillon.

Both brothers were two-way starters for the Tigers, who play eight-player football, the last several years as members of a co-op arrangement with Mullan, Idaho.

The younger Ball excelled as a quarterback, often throwing and running for multiple touchdowns a game. He also played defensive back, wreaking havoc among opposing receivers and piling up numerous interceptions, kick return yards and passes defended on a routine basis.

It is the defensive skills that most intrigued Western scouts and coaches, who recruited him as a corner back beginning next season.

And while the brothers (Adam was recruited to Rocky as a linebacker) have been a coaching delight for Allan and crew, the signs of good things to come actually began several years before either was eligible for high school sports.

Both were also outstanding basketball players and Caleb is closing in the school career scoring record this season after breaking the single season scoring mark last year.

“I can still remember Caleb and Adam as sixth and seventh graders, waiting outside the fence during two-a-days (football practices) for their chance to come play,” Allan said. “Caleb and Adam and their family have meant a lot to this community over the past 6 and a half years”.

Ball’s Dad (Shaun) is the school’s Principal, while their Mom, Jamelle, is a second grade teacher at the school.

In signing his letter of intent December 21, Caleb said he felt Western was a good place for him.

“I chose Western because I felt like it would be a great fit for me,” he said. “They also have a great teaching program”. Ball said he would be majoring in Physical Education and Health, with the goal of becoming a PE teacher upon graduation.

He said he is good with being recruited to the defensive side of the ball and eager to begin his college career.

“They recruited me as a defensive back,” he said when asked if he would prefer playing some quarterback. “I am willing to play wherever the team needs me”.

Coach Allan agreed with those thoughts.

“Anyone who has had a chance to watch Caleb compete will tell you this kid is ‘fearless,’”Allan said. “That, as much as anything else is what he has brought to St. Regis athletics over his time here. As a coach you cannot ask for much else and it has been a privilege to coach him. He comes with a great attitude and competitiveness that is contagious. I am really excited to watch him play at the next level”.

For his part, Ball is grateful for the experiences and friends he has made as a student at St. Regis.

“My time at St. Regis has been amazing,” he said. “My experiences participating in sports have given me great friends and many lasting memories. The football co-op with Mullan was also a huge part of my high school experience. I am thankful for the opportunity to play and I would like to thank my family, coaches and teammates for their support”.