Get ready for a showdown of Montana's top high school football talent! The 79th Montana East-West Shrine Game is just around the corner, and the rosters are officially out. But here's where it gets exciting: this isn't just any all-star game—it's a tradition that dates back to 1947, all while raising funds for a noble cause. Yet, some might argue whether the game's impact on players' futures outweighs its charitable mission. What do you think?
The 2026 edition, set for Saturday, June 20, in Butte (likely at Naranche Stadium), promises another thrilling matchup. Each team boasts 41 players, including international talent with one player from Canada. And this is the part most people miss: while the game is a platform for young athletes, it also highlights the dedication of coaches like Hunter Chandler of Gallatin High School (East team) and Grady Bennett of Kalispell Glacier (West team). Chandler has consistently led his team to the Class AA semifinals, while Bennett secured the state title in 2025—his second championship after 2014. But does coaching success at the high school level truly translate to Shrine Game victories?
The East-West Shrine Game is more than just football; it’s a lifeline for the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington, where orthopedic and burn care is provided regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Over the past decade, the game has contributed over $1 million to the hospital. But here's a controversial thought: while the charitable impact is undeniable, should more focus be placed on expanding the game’s reach to benefit even more families? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Last year, the West team clinched a 14-7 victory in Great Falls, marking their fifth consecutive win. However, the East still leads the all-time series 41-37. Will this year’s East squad turn the tide? Only time will tell.
For those eager to dive into the details, here’s a breakdown of the 2025 rosters and alternates. And this is the part that sparks debate: with so much talent on display, which players will stand out and potentially earn college or professional opportunities? Check out the full rosters below and share your predictions!
East All-Stars
Centers: Max Spangler (Havre), Ty Steinmetz (Bozeman)
Guards: Tommy Lewis (Havre), Kingston Oe (Laurel), Andrew Linder (Glasgow)
Tackles: Carson Ross (Gallatin), Tyton Larsen (Billings Central), Brandon Schoenen (Great Falls), Bradon Healy, Jr. (Havre)
Tight Ends: Logan Humphrey (Bozeman), Merek Fisher (Billings Skyview)
Wide Receivers: Wesley Ehret (Belgrade), Elias Bonner (Billings West), William Snell (Billings Central), Drew Etcheberry (Great Falls CMR), Grady Neilson (Glasgow)
Running Backs: Curtis Fox (Laurel), Aiden Salter (Billings Central)
Quarterback: Howie Martin (Billings Central)
Defensive Tackles: Peyton Fenner (Great Falls CMR), Parker Warner (Billings Senior), Darwin Spotted (Gallatin)
Defensive Ends: Colter DeVoss (Great Falls), Jace Bantz (Grass Range), Deisel Zallar (Gallatin), Cooper Axtman (Scobey)
Inside Linebackers: Hunter Lee (Great Falls CMR), Layne Alexander (Billings Central), Charles Beach (Calgary, Alberta)
Outside Linebackers: Sam Talbot (Gallatin), Peyton Cicero (Billings West)
Cornerbacks: Evan Hughen (Bozeman), Bobby Gutzman (Gallatin), Gavin Schwend (Billings West), Deagan Lehfeldt (Billings Senior)
Safeties: Dawson Hammond (Malta), Kougar Kappel (Red Lodge), Rylan Jennings (Billings Senior), Khye Gamas (Glasgow)
Punter: McKay Shobe (Lewistown)
Kicker: Tanner Vick (Power-Dutton-Brady)
West All-Stars
Centers: William Astle (Kalispell Glacier), Everett Stumpf (Hamilton)
Guards: Sam Akey (Whitefish), Body Templeton (Missoula Sentinel), Derek Opitz (Helena Capital)
Tackles: Maverick Diede (Kalispell Glacier), Brody Bulette (Polson), Brayden Ricci (Frenchtown)
Tight Ends: Cooper Dighans (East Helena), Kade Robinson (Missoula Sentinel)
Wide Receivers: Hudson Luedtke (Butte), Brody Duchein (Florence), Brody Galle (Anaconda), Easton Brooks (Columbia Falls), Parker Link (Missoula Hellgate)
Running Backs: Asher Knopick (Kalispell Glacier), Cole Moses (Whitefish), Peyton Lorenz (Helena)
Quarterbacks: Jackson Presley (Kalispell Glacier), Ryan Peoples (Butte Central)
Defensive Tackles: Brady Toner (Manhattan), Holland Jantzen (Bigfork)
Defensive Ends: Evan Pyron (Missoula Hellgate), Henry Griffin (Frenchtown), Bridger Alexander (Florence)
Inside Linebackers: Brit Linder (Helena Capital), Aaron Anderson (Whitefish), Konnor Klimpel (Frenchtown)
Outside Linebackers: Jack Robinson (Kalispell Glacier), Treker Hickey (Bigfork), Blake Williams (Missoula Big Sky), Cole McInnis (Calgary, Alberta)
Cornerbacks: Brady Williams (Missoula Big Sky), Cameron LeProwse (Missoula Sentinel), Riley Shulte (Helena)
Safeties: Rudy Hess (Missoula Sentinel), Mitch Verlanic (Butte), Cormack Batt (Missoula Big Sky), Cal Marceau (Missoula Big Sky)
Athletes: Vince Paffhausen (Missoula Hellgate), McCoy Townsend (Darby)
Alternates
East: [Full list of alternates]
West: [Full list of alternates]
For more information, visit www.montanaeastwestshrinegame.org. Let the debates begin—who’s your pick to shine in Butte?
