Unbeaten Billings West Has Plenty of Reasons to Believe Entering Semifinals - MTN Sports

Billings West enters Friday the 13th with a 10-0 record, an offense averaging more than 38 points per game, and a defense that has allowed more than seven points just once all season.

MTN Sports reported this week that the unbeaten Bears are leaning on a balanced offensive approach and a strong defense as they prepare for a semifinal rematch against Gallatin.

“We definitely are making sure we distribute the ball. Make sure everyone gets the ball, spread out defenses,” Tyreke Jones, a West running back and defensive back, told MTN Sports at practice this week.

That offensive variety forces opposing defenses to pick their poison, but the defensive side of the ball has been equally dominant for the Bears.

“I mean, our confidence is through the roof. It’s not arrogance, it’s confidence. We can go out there as a team and get it done. We believe in our brothers, we do our 1/11th and everything will come together,” said Westdon Kelley, a West defensive back and wide receiver, according to MTN Sports.

Part of that success stems from an unusual practice philosophy designed to keep players healthy while preserving their physical edge for game night. Coach Rob Stanton said that the team limits contact during weekday practices.

“They’re physical, they love to hit. We don’t let them hit much during the practice, or during the week. And come game time, they’re thirsty for that,” Stanton told MTN Sports.

Coaches also face modern distractions when trying to review game tape with athletes accustomed to short-form video clips, requiring occasional reminders to stay focused in the film room.

Friday night’s matchup marks five weeks since West secured a 28-7 victory at Gallatin behind another suffocating defensive performance.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Friday at Sam McDonald Stadium at Daylis, where the Bears will look to keep their perfect season alive.

“(It’s been) so much fun, I can’t tell you. This could be my last week, of course, but just making sure I’m cherishing every moment,” Jones told MTN Sports.