Bulldogs add size to the toolbox in 2025

The Mission Bulldogs enter the 2025 football season with a roster that head coach, Jacen Petersen believes could carry the team deep into the postseason.

“We have high expectations,” Petersen said. “I think we could make a run deep into the playoffs, but it will all be up to whether or not the kids are consistent at school and practice.”

The Bulldogs return more than 30 players, giving the program solid numbers and depth heading into the fall. Petersen said the team is physically stronger than in recent seasons, while still keeping the trademark speed and athleticism that has made Mission a dangerous opponent in Western Montana 8-man football.

“We have over 30 players, and I think we are going to be bigger and stronger than in the past, but we still have a lot of the speed and athleticism that we have had in the recent past,” Petersen said. “It seems like a lot of the teams in the conference are much smaller this year.”

While the Bulldogs will have to navigate a tough league schedule, Petersen believes they match up well with their rivals.

“The top teams will still be very tough,” he said. “If I were to guess, I’d say Superior would be the top, but I think Seeley, Darby, and St. Regis will all be tough as well.”

One of the strengths of this year’s squad is the balance across all four grade levels. Petersen noted that the Bulldogs have welcomed back several players who hadn’t suited up for the team in a couple of years, while the incoming freshmen bring a surge of new talent.

“We have a lot of kids that haven’t played for us in a couple of years, and our freshman class is loaded,” he said. “Each class definitely has something to offer, but I like the leadership of our senior class right now.”

Among the names fans will recognize are seniors Ryan Sharbono and Lex Lafrombois, who were key contributors in 2024. Petersen said both provide not only production but also leadership that younger players can look to as the season gets underway.

“Ryan Sharbono and Lex Lafrombois are the two that most people will remember from last year,” Petersen said.

With more size, strong senior leadership, and depth at every level of the program, Petersen believes the Bulldogs have all the tools to contend—if the players buy in daily.

“I’m excited about this year and I think that if each of our kids is reliable, we can do anything this year,” he said.

    Mission's Ryan Sharbono moves the ball down the field during Friday night's 50-22 win over Charlo. (Christa Umphrey photo)