Flathead isn’t the only program around taking on a new head coach: Eureka, a perennial Western B power, enters the Kenny Kindel Era with a home game against Fairfield Friday night.

Perhaps the era had already started. Kindel is a 1991 Eureka graduate who has spent the last 12 years as a Lions assistant to Trevor Utter, who is now receivers coach at Simpson University. Every other assistant from last year’s 8-3 squad is back as well.  

And the team is experienced and talented. 

“We had a really good turnout,” Kindel said. “Right around 40 kids, and it was really good for summer workouts. Two-a-days have gone good. Hopefully that carries over into the field.” 

Florence, the conference champion again in 2024, is still the team to beat. But with All-State quarterback Rogan Lytle back along with slotback Josh Lambertsen, the Lions could be ready to rise. 

“I think they’re maybe two of the top kids in the state, in their positions,” Kindel said. “If they stay healthy, I think the sky’s the limit for both of them.” 

Junior Joe Banks is a leader up front, and Kindel also is excited to see what receivers Tyce VanOrden (junior) and Timmy Schmidt (senior) can do, along with junior running back Ayden Helgert. 

Eureka was a playoff team in 2024, beating Glasgow on the road before losing at Manhattan, 16-11, in the second round. Manhattan eventually lost in the title game to Malta.  

Florence lost to the Malta in the semifinals; the Falcons and Lions had won six of the previous eight State B crowns (Eureka won in 2016-17 and 2019). 

Malta broke the Falcons’ 3-year reign and also dispatched Thompson Falls in the first round last fall, 45-0. The Blue Hawks have a couple all-Western B athletes back in running backs Michael Koskela and Mason Park. 

Missoula Loyola and Anaconda are to be reckoned with, as well. The Rams won a playoff game in 2024; the Copperheads have a couple “monsters” in Gillie Everett and Soren Keeland. 

Deer Lodge is back in the Western B after going 4-4 last season in 8-man football. 

Western B Prediction 

1. Florence 

2. Eureka 

3. Missoula Loyola 

4. Anaconda 

5. Thompson Falls 

6. Deer Lodge 

Players to watch

Bridger Alexander, TE/DL, sr., Florence; Jesse Buchanan, OL/DL, jr., Thompson Falls; Brady Duchien, WR/DB, sr., Florence; Travis Dye, DL/P, sr., Anaconda; Gillie Everett, RB/LB, Anaconda; Owen Felton, OL/DL, sr., Missoula Loyola; Brody Galle, WR, sr., Anaconda; Joe Grunow, OL/LB, sr., Missoula Loyola; Soren Keeland, LB, Anaconda; Michael Koskela, RB/LB, jr., Thompson Falls;  Carson Lacy, DB, so., Anaconda; Josh Lambertsen, WR/RB/DB, sr., Eureka; Rogan Lytle, QB/DB, sr., Eureka; Emmet McKim, TE/LB, sr., Eureka; Jason Myers, WR/DB, jr., Thompson Falls; Mason Park, RB/LB, sr., Thompson Falls;  Jake Schneiter, RB/LB/KOR, jr., Florence.