The Capital varsity football team from Helena, MT, will play against Billings West from Billings, MT, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Montana High School Football
Who: Billings West vs Capital
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: in progress
Bracket: 2024 Montana High School Football Playoff Brackets: MHSA – Class AA
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Billings West vs. Capital
The Billings West and Capital football teams will meet in a crucial playoff game on Friday, November 15. Both teams have been highly successful throughout the 2024-2025 season, and with their impressive records, this game promises to be an exciting matchup with significant playoff implications.
Team Overview
Billings West
- Montana Class Ranking: 4
- Overall Record: 9-1
- Region Record: 6-1
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 4-0
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Winning Percentage: .900
- Region Win Percentage: .857
- Points Scored (PF): 332
- Points Allowed (PA): 206
Billings West enters the game with a solid 9-1 record, including an undefeated 4-0 mark on the road. Their offense has been balanced, scoring an average of 33.2 points per game, while their defense has allowed 206 points this season. Their lone loss came in a non-conference game against Gallatin.
Capital
- Montana Class Ranking: 2
- Overall Record: 9-1
- Region Record: 7-0
- Home Record: 1-0
- Away Record: 2-1
- Neutral Record: 6-0
- Winning Percentage: .900
- Region Win Percentage: 1.000
- Points Scored (PF): 418
- Points Allowed (PA): 132
Like Billings West, Capital also boasts a 9-1 record, with their only loss coming in a tough matchup against Gallatin. Capital has been dominant, particularly in regional play, finishing with a perfect 7-0 region record. Their high-scoring offense averages 41.8 points per game, and their defense has been stingy, allowing just 132 points all season.
Team Scoring Averages
| Quarter | Billings West Average | Capital Average |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 11.6 | 12.4 |
| Q2 | 11.2 | 13.8 |
| Q3 | 4.2 | 11.6 |
| Q4 | 7.0 | 3.1 |
| Final | 33.2 | 41.8 |
Both teams have been explosive in the first half of games, with Capital averaging 26.2 points in the first two quarters. Billings West has also had strong first halves, putting up 22.8 points through the first three quarters. However, Capital has shown more consistency throughout the game, while Billings West tends to struggle in the third quarter, averaging only 4.2 points in that period.
Key Stat Comparison
| Stat | Billings West | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 133.3 | 166.0 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 293.0 | 229.5 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | 284.9 | 229.5 |
| Total Yards/Game | 426.3 | 395.5 |
| Tackles/Game | 34.0 | 62.8 |
| Sacks/Game | 1.5 | 2.1 |
| Points/Game | 19.6 | 36.6 |
Billings West relies on a more pass-heavy approach, with CJ Johnson leading the offense with 293 passing yards per game. However, Capital has been the more balanced team, with Merek Mihelish leading the charge both in the air and on the ground, averaging 242 passing yards and 73.6 rushing yards per game. Capital’s defensive unit has also been a standout, averaging 62.8 tackles per game and 2.1 sacks per game, while Billings West’s defense has been less aggressive, with only 1.5 sacks per game.
Key Players to Watch
Billings West
- Malachi Claunch: Rushing yards per game – 54.0
- CJ Johnson: Passing yards per game – 288.0
- Elias Bonner: Receiving yards per game – 88.0
Capital
- Merek Mihelish: Rushing yards per game – 73.6, Passing yards per game – 242.0
- Dylan Almquist: Receiving yards per game – 54.4
- Jackson McMillan: Tackles per game – 7.6
Billings West will rely on CJ Johnson to lead their passing attack, with Elias Bonner and Malachi Claunch providing support in the receiving and rushing game. Capital, on the other hand, has a dual-threat leader in Merek Mihelish, who excels in both the air and on the ground, while Dylan Almquist provides a solid target in the passing game. Defensively, Jackson McMillan will be a key player to watch for Capital, leading their unit with 7.6 tackles per game.
Common Opponents
- Butte
- Billings West: Won 28-27 (Away)
- Capital: Won 42-0 (Home)
- Helena
- Billings West: Won 26-19 (Home)
- Capital: Won 40-21 (Home)
- Skyview
- Billings West: Won 47-7 (Away)
- Capital: Won 48-8 (Home)
- Gallatin
- Billings West: Lost 39-21 (Home)
- Capital: Lost 35-28 (Home)
- Big Sky
- Billings West: Won 37-27 (Home)
- Capital: Won 35-7 (Away)
Both teams share similar results against common opponents, with each winning most of their matchups, although Capital has had more dominant wins. The Gallatin games are the only common losses for both teams, but overall, both squads have performed admirably against tough competition.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Billings West | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9-1 | 9-1 |
| Region | 6-1 | 7-0 |
| Non-Region | 1-1 | 0-1 |
| Head-to-Head | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Common Opponents | 4-1 | 4-1 |
| Home | 4-1 | 1-0 |
| Away | 4-0 | 2-1 |
| Neutral | 1-0 | 6-0 |
| Playoff | 1-0 | 1-0 |
Both teams have identical overall records (9-1), with Capital remaining undefeated in region play, while Billings West has a strong regional record of 6-1. However, Capital has been especially dominant in their neutral-site games (6-0), whereas Billings West has thrived on the road, going 4-0 in away games.
Conclusion
This playoff matchup between Billings West and Capital promises to be a thrilling contest between two high-powered offenses. Billings West will look to rely on their passing game, led by CJ Johnson, and solid play from their defense. Meanwhile, Capital will lean on the dual-threat capability of Merek Mihelish, along with their stingy defense, to control the tempo.
Both teams have proven themselves to be among the best in Montana, and with playoff positioning on the line, this game is sure to provide fireworks. With key players like Elias Bonner and Dylan Almquist set to make an impact, fans can expect a hard-fought battle that could go down to the wire.
