Junior Kellan Reas celebrates incomplete pass. (Dane Mueller)
Sophomore Jace Hamilton lines up on defense against Laurel. (Dane Mueller)
Junior Liam Aldrich lines up on defense. (Dane Mueller)
Junior Evan Harrell prepares for the next play. (Dane Mueller)
Senior Sam Cooper runs on to the field in Laurel. (Dane Mueller)
The number two ranked Billings Central Rams travel to Laurel to take on the number four Locomotives in Yellowstone County’s most storied rivalry. The first half was highlighted by a kick return touchdown by junior Ayden Salter, causing Central to go into halftime leading 10-7. The second half was all Billings Central. Salter began the second half with an interception, which led to a touchdown run from Howie Martin. On Laurel’s next drive, senior Jack DeBourg intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Martin completed a 41-yard pass to junior William Snell to cap off the game. Billings Central wins 31-7.
“When I was playing, it wasn’t really a rivalry,” said offensive coordinator Colter Bethurem about his time playing against Laurel as a Ram, “because at that time, their football program was in a rough spot.”
As a coach, Bethurem’s view of the rivalry has changed. “As a coach, coaching against them for 20 years, over 20 games, you really learn the ins and outs of each other. The challenge of the game makes it fun and passionate, and the passion is what makes it exciting.”
Bethurem also said he sees a change in the players’ preparation for the game. “I see a greater sense of focus and excitement knowing what the game is, knowing the tradition implicated from the game, with their friends and family. Everyone wants to come out on top of this game.”
Billings Central looks toward their next game, a home game against the Sidney Eagles. The Eagles are 1-2 with a 27-20 win against Hardin last week.
