The Libby Loggers home football opener was a tough one on the gridiron against Hamilton, but also a memorable one for a number of reasons.

Libby native Joe McElmurry was presented a plaque and a stein by Libby athletic director Nik Rewerts at halftime for being named the 2026 Football Official of the Year by the Montana Officials Association.

The middle high school band showed off their new uniforms and instruments while the cheer squad presented the colors. Both units participated in recognizing the men and women who gave their lives in the terrorist attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

Funding from the LOR Foundation allowed the school to buy band uniforms, a marching baritone, two marching bass drum harnesses, and musical programs for the group.

In the game, a very youthful Loggers squad struggled, but never quit, against a Hamilton Broncs that is one of the best Class A programs in Western Montana. The Broncs were state champs in 2021.

The Broncs, coming off a 29-28 defeat to Whitefish, led the Loggers 28-0 after one quarter and 41-0 at the half.

Hamilton was a class act however in liberally substituting players and not running the score up.

Loggers junior Quinten Cossins led the team in rushing with 24 yards and senior Tristan DeShazer added 17 on the ground. Junior Porter Hollingsworth added 69 yards on kick returns.

DeShazer led Libby with eight tackles while Hollingsworth, freshmen Hudson Hannah and Noah Scofieldand each had five stops. Junior Easton Gilmore had a fumble recovery.

The Loggers (1-2) are off this week before traveling to Polson to take on the Pirates Friday, Sept. 25. Polson is also 1-2 after back-to-back losses to Lockwood (30-6) and Sidney (28-0). The Pirates won their season opener, 29-0, over Corvallis.

    Members of the Libby Logger cheerleading squad present the colors Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, before their game against Hamilton. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    Libby running back Quinten Cossins runs with the ball after a handoff from quarterback James Woody Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, during their game against Hamilton. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    Libby Logger Quinton Caulboy (56) tackles a Hamilton ball carrier with help from Quinten Cossins (21) and Noah Scofield (30) during their game Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)