The timing, Kyler Kossman said, was perfect: He was headed into this senior year of high school, his sister Brynn was going to be a freshman and a younger brother would be just starting middle school.

So Kyler traded the Orange and Black of Lincoln County High School in Eureka for the Orange and Black of Flathead High.   

“We were just kind of looking for a change of pace,” he said this week from Butte, where he’s preparing for the 79th Annual Montana East-West Shrine Game. “It was a good opportunity to up the competition.” 

It paid off. The 6-foot-4, 275-pounder melded nicely into Flathead’s offensive line and while the Braves had two wins — the Class B Eureka Lions won nine games in 2023 and seven in 2024 — he enjoyed the level of play. 

“I knew the competition was very good,” he said. “Lots of guys who were playing at the next level. A lot more kids like that; a lot more consistency through and through.” 

For first-year Flathead coach Mac Roche, the appearance of Kossman was a nice bonus. 

“I didn’t get here until the beginning of June last year,” Roche said. “That’s right when school was finishing up, and Kyler transferred in. I got to see him in summer workouts and I was, ‘Oh my gosh. He’s a mammoth.’ ”   

Roche, a Whitefish High graduate tasked with building up the Braves program, would love a dozen Kossmans for a couple reasons. 

“One, his work ethic,” he said. “That kid loves throwing weight around. But also his feet — to be that big and be that quick. For somebody with that frame, he moves very athletically. “It was a bonus to come in and be able to have him and put him at right tackle and also throw him in there on the defensive line.” 

Kossman was named second-team All-Western AA for his efforts, and his size and skill attracted colleges. He chose Dickinson State in North Dakota, a Frontier Conference program. 

“They’re getting an absolute gem,” Roche said of the Blue Hawks. “We were a little bit late recruiting-wise, just because he was here one year. His ceiling is so high. I really, really believe he’s going to go to Dickinson State and have a tremendous career.” 

This was all good, and then came the bonus: Three weeks ago, Kossman’s phone rang and it was West coordinator Jeff Hartwick. An alternate when the Shrine Game rosters came out on Christmas Day, Kossman now had a spot if he wanted. 

“He said, ‘I’ll give you a day to make up your mind,’ “ Kossman said. “It took me an hour. Take every opportunity where you find it. 

“It’s been challenging with 3-a-days and stuff, but it’s been great. I’m meeting a lot of new guys. There are a lot from the Valley and even more from Missoula and other places.” 

He’s one of seven O-linemen on the West side and will play right tackle. 

“I’m really glad he’s a part of it,” Roche said. “As good as he is as an athlete, he really is a better person and I just couldn’t be happier for him, to represent us in the West.” 

Game is televised 

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Saturday for the Shrine Game, at Naranche Stadium, and it will be televised on Montana Television Network, including KPAX. 

The telecast begins at 6 p.m. with a fundraiser telethon to benefit the Shriners Children’s hospital in Spokane. 

The West head coach is Tyler Murray, who led East Helena to the Class A playoffs the past two seasons and was recently hired as offensive line coach at Montana Western, his alma mater.  

Kossman is one of six late additions to the West roster. Others are: Bailey Corrette, who gives State A champion Frenchtown four players on the squad; Derek Brovold of Seeley-Swan; Adam Guajardo of Missoula Big Sky; Hank Hagenbarth of Dillon; and Hagen Paddock of East Helena. 

Three Glacier High products dropped out of the game: Quarterback Jackson Presley, Jack Robinson and Maverick Diede. Derek Opitz and Brit Linder of Helena Capital also opted out of the game, as did Missoula Hellgate’s Parker Link. 

Running back Asher Knopik and center William Astle remain to represent the Wolfpack on the roster, which also includes linebacker Treker Hickey and defensive tackle Holland Jantzen of Bigfork; receiver Easton Brooks of Columbia Falls; and linebacker Aaron Anderson, guard Sam Akey and running back Cole Moses of Whitefish 

The West All-Stars have won the last five Shrine Games.