Play now, play better later, when it matters more.

Nineteen Blue Hawk football players, joined by head coach Jared Koskela, traveled to Butte, America this past weekend to take part in the Montana Tech Small School football camp.

Koskela said although listed as a small school camp, several Class A schools were also there among the Class B 11-Man and 8-Man squads as well.

“We competed against some larger schools over there,” Koskela said Sunday evening in discussing the camp. “In fact we went up against Laurel this morning, and I think they went to the semifinals of the State A playoffs last fall.

“That’s something we normally would never have, getting a chance to go against teams like that,” he added. "It was fun, some good reps for both sides. We held our own, moved the ball, made some stops.

“They got by us in the end,” Koskela added, “but it was good for us.”

Although football season may seem a long ways away right now, Thompson Falls will open 2026 play at Cut Bank August 28. The Hawks’ first home game is with Whitehall September 4.

    PACKING THE PIGSKIN behind a wall of Blue Hawk blockers, a Thompson Falls player looks to gain yardage in Butte Saturday. A total of 19 Falls players participated in the camp this past weekend. (Courtesy photo)