The Charlo Vikings marked homecoming week with spirited events, a bonfire and tough competition against strong defensive teams. 

Principal Jeff Buck said the week’s activities included a car push around the track, blind volleyball and a balloon fight. Students also participated in themed dress-up days, such as patriotic day and dress like a soccer mom and barbecue dad. 

On Friday afternoon, firetrucks, classic cars and Viking-boat floats paraded through town. Each grade showed school spirit with posters and cheers in support of the Vikings as they prepared to face the Seeley-Swan Blackhawks and the Noxon Red Devils. 

“Homecoming in Charlo is a huge deal. Both sides of the street were filled today,” Buck said. 

Buck said the third-grade float won the elementary division, while the seniors took first in the junior and high school division. The parade also featured the homecoming court riding through town in classic cars and a fire pickup. 

The Vikings kicked off their homecoming football game Friday night against the tough Seeley-Swan Blackhawks.  

“We kind of went into the game week going, let's just go ahead and go, like, man-on-man and just drive,” said Reese Cox, the athletic director and football coach.  “Let's put as much beef up front as we can and drive the ball and see what we can do.”  

Cox explained he is really proud of the front boys for driving the ball and they really showed they can play some football. But the number one team in the division's tough defensive line overwhelmed them, handing Charlo a 52–12 loss.   

“They showed a lot of toughness and a lot of grit. We still got simple errors that we've got to fix,” Cox said. “I was very proud of them. Good showing for homecoming. Didn't get the win but got to see something we haven't seeing from our boys lately.”  

Cox said they had good game attendance, selling about 125 tickets, which amounts to around $1,000.  Leah Cahoon and Tasker Brown were crowned homecoming queen and king during halftime and after the Friday night lights the Vikings continued their homecoming celebration with a bonfire.  

On Saturday evening, the Lady Vikings volleyball took on the Noxon Red Devils. Lady Vikings varsity took the win with (25-21, 25-14, 25-17), and JV also won their match earlier that day. 

"I'm really proud of the girls and the work they are putting into practice and games," said varsity head coach Katie Cahoon. "They work hard, and they stay positive." 

    Viking senior Kenyan DuMont pushes through the Blackhawk defensive line on Sept. 19. (Emily Messer/Leader)
  

 The Class of 2026 float, themed after the rock band KISS, wins the middle and high school float division. (Emily Messer/Leader)

 The Classes of 2035 and 2038 feature a “Fishin’ for a Victory” float with kids casting from metal boats. (Emily Messer/Leader)

 Hayes Harris tackles his younger brother Holden Harris as the Charlo Vikings play the Seeley-Swan Blackhawks. (Emily Messer/Leader)