After an undefeated regular season and dominant playoff performances, Billings Central came within one game of repeating as state champions in 2025. From spring workouts to the grind of playoffs in the winter, the Rams knew they were ready for a deep playoff run. Through a strength program with Beartooth Performance, Billings Central Football had the strength and endurance to compete at a high level. In an 11-1 season, which ended on the lowest of lows, there were still plenty of highs.
Senior and Montana Tech commit, Howie Martin, looking on during the national anthem before the game against Frenchtown. (Aramis Rivera)
Billings Central began their season with a gauntlet schedule for their non-conference games. In week 1 they travelled to Dillon to take on the Beavers. After falling behind 20-7 in the first quarter, the Rams roared back in the next three and ended the game with a 64-28 win. They followed that up with wins at home against Havre, Frenchtown, and arch-rivals Laurel. The Rams doubled down on their state title victory from the last season, when they shutout the Locomotives.
With a perfect 4-0 start in non-conference play, the Rams entered Eastern A conference action with momentum. They carried their momentum into conference play, traveling to Miles City and Lockwood, and combining 91 points in two dominant wins. Against the Lions, Dickinson State commit Layne Alexander had his best game of the season, with 158 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. The Rams continued their win streak against Hardin, in Howie Martin’s best game of the year. Martin, who signed to play for Montana Tech following the season, threw for 261 yards and 5 touchdowns in a 63-0 victory.
Senior and Montana Grizzlies commit, William Snell, stiff arming a defending before running into the end zone for the opening touchdown against Frenchtown. (Aramis Rivera)
Billings Central followed up with another dominant home victory over the Sidney Eagles, who took second place in the Eastern A conference. Future Montana Grizzly William Snell hauled in five catches for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. In the last game of the regular season, against third-place Dawson County, the Rams had a monster game. They scored 10 total touchdowns against the Red Devils in a 67-13 victory to cap an undefeated regular season.
Moving on to the playoffs, the Rams secured a bye past the first round with a conference championship and moved on to play Hamilton in the second round. In a defensive battle, the Rams came out on top 27-7. Next up in the bracket was East Helena, who came into the semifinals with the best offensive production in Class A. The Rams were able to shut it down, forcing five interceptions and rushing for over 300 total yards in a 42-7 win.
Despite an undefeated regular season and two dominant playoff wins, the Rams’ season ended one game short of another championship. In a rematch with Frenchtown, Billings Central fell 31-21 in a hostile road environment, bringing a remarkable 11-1 season to a close. Although the loss ended their hopes of repeating, the Rams return several key contributors and will look to build on another successful season as they prepare for 2026.
