Hawks, H-Men to remain in 8-Man

The fact that Thompson Falls and Plains will remain rivals in Western Conference 8-Man football for at least two more seasons was the biggest news for Sanders County fans, but there was plenty of other decisions made during the Montana High School Association’s latest regular board meeting.

Also hoping to decide how best to move forward during the pandemic of 2020 along with other more usual business, the MHSA executive board met via Zoom conference November 30.

One of the biggest topics of conversation during the Zoom meeting was the recent record number of COVID-19 cases in Montana, and how the MHSA would respond should the situation change in the coming weeks. The MHSA is analyzing how other states are dealing with the issue, looking for possible models to move forward.

MHSA executive director Mark Beckman indicated the current COVID-19 situation in Montana would be consistently reevaluated over the coming weeks as the delayed winter sports seasons are just about to begin. The first day of practice is set for Dec. 7, swimming and wrestling will be allowed to begin competition Saturday, Jan. 2, and basketball games can be played starting Tuesday, Jan. 5.

Multi-team events will not be allowed and postseason sites and tournament formats for wrestling and swimming will be determined at a later date. The all-class wrestling tournament normally held in Billings could be split into separate sites, at least for 2020.

Whether fans can attend or not will be determined in consultation with local health departments.

In other business of the board, Great Falls Central was moved down to Class C from Class B. Central will maintain its 8-Man football program with the switch, moving to Class C for competition in all other sports beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.

As described earlier, Thompson Falls and Plains will remain in the Western Conference for 8-Man football, while Lodge Grass, Lame Deer and St. Labre were approved to remain in Montana’s 8-Man Eastern Conference.

In other motions approved by the MHSA Monday, Harlem was allowed to drop down to 8-Man football from Class B, and West Yellowstone from 8-Man back down to 6-Man football. East Helena High School was approved to change conferences, moving to the Southwestern A from the Southeastern A.

West Yellowstone will be placed back in the Western Conference for 6-Man football. Hot Springs, Noxon, Gardiner, Valley Christian and White Sulphur Springs are the other Western Conference 6-Man teams.