The Troy Trojans football team wrapped its 2026 season with a win last week against Thompson Falls and a winning season.

The Trojans, which played a junior varsity schedule this season after opting to not play varsity due to an extremely young team without much size, finished 4-3. One of those games, Sept. 18, was against Arlee’s varsity team and the Trojans won.

“Overall I would consider the season a success,” Trojans head coach Justin Young said. “I couldn’t be happier with the growth of each player and the team from the start of the season to the end. Every single one of the kids became more knowledgeable, more skilled and more confident in regards to football.”

Young said the team, which had a dozen players, gained three players after switching to a JV schedule. 

“These new players not only provided depth, but some much needed physicality,” Young said. “Every practice, the boys gave maximum effort and focused on the necessary nuances to become better players. With the hard work the boys put in, they progressed quickly in their knowledge and ability. By the time we played Arlee, the boys had demonstrated enough growth that we felt comfortable enough to play their varsity squad.” 

The Trojans roster of 15 included just two seniors, Mason Crowe and Braxton Pinnard. They proved to be key leaders. The roster also had eight freshman and five sophomores. There were no juniors.

“I focus on the leadership qualities that the team developed and displayed throughout the season, especially seniors Mason Crowe and Braxton Pinnard. The kids held each other accountable and made a commitment to bring the best versions of themselves daily. For that I couldn’t be prouder,” Young said.

Against Thompson Falls, the Trojans got big offensive performances by Crowe and sophomore Maddux Stow. 

Crowe had several big plays while scoring multiple touchdowns running and receiving. Stow had a big hand in the touchdowns, too, throwing and running for scores. Sophomore Ryker Pinnard caught a long TD pass and a 2-point conversion while freshman Brogan Burton ran for a 2-point conversion. 

Troy also collected wins at St. Regis and Clark Fork, Idaho.

Troy’s last season playing .500 football was in 2013. The Trojans moved to Class C, 8-man football, in 2017 and the hope then was they’d be more competitive.

But it hasn’t panned out. From 2017 to 2025, the Trojans have had three winless seasons and six with just one win. In those nine campaigns, the overall record is 6-71. Since 2004, Troy football teams are 38-150.

The Trojans last qualified for the state playoffs in 2009. They lost to Loyola Sacred Heart 14-6 in the first round. Troy's state appearance was its first since 1992. The Trojans won the state Class B title in 1991 with a 22-14 overtime win at Cut Bank.

    Troy's Mason Crowe (5) breaks free from a St. Regis tackler during their game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News FILE)