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As the fall season winds down, we celebrate the dedication and success of all our Butte Central student-athletes who gave their best this fall. From exciting volleyball matches to strong cross country finishes, our Maroon teams have made us proud—and the season isn’t over yet. Football is still going strong in the playoffs, and our community is behind the team every step of the way. At the same time, winter sports are gearing up for another great season. Basketball, wrestling, swimming, and more are ready to take the spotlight as our athletes prepare to compete with pride and passion. Be part of the excitement—pick up your Maroon Athletic Pass today and show your support all season long. Grab your BC team gear and pack the stands with maroon and white energy. Let’s finish the fall strong and roll right into a winning winter. Go Maroons! Team Stores Lady Maroon Basketball https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/UByWjDhr2R Maroon Swimming https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/q13W3fChAQ Maroon Athletic Passes ButteCentralSchools.org

Butte Central Senior Jack Nagle Photo Credit BN0 Photography Following a thrilling 38-27 win over the Dillon Beavers last Friday night the BC Maroons are back in the Class “A” Playoffs. The victory earned the BC Boys the third seed from the Southwestern “A” Conference. They will travel north to face the Whitefish Bulldogs, who finished second in the Northwest “A” Conference. Game time is 7:00 pm. on Friday night. The playoffs will mark the 25 th  time the Maroons have made the playoffs in the Coach Peoples era. “I extremely proud of the hard work of our players and coaches this season,” said Peoples. “Our team was determined Friday night and it’s a tribute to our team culture and winning mentality.” With the win the Maroons moved to 5-3 in the season. Friday’s match-up will feature two strong Class “A” Programs. The Whitefish Bulldogs are 6-2 on the season and feature a strong running attack. The Bulldogs defeated Bigfork 22-21 last weekend to earn the second-place conference seeding. The Maroons and Bulldogs have met three times in the playoffs. The Maroons defeated the Bulldogs in 2003 in Whitefish and the Bulldogs returned the favor in the 2013 quarterfinals. In 2014, the Maroons traveled to Whitefish in the Class semi-finals and came away with a big win to advance to the State Championship game. The game was played in sub-zero conditions. The Maroons will travel to Whitefish on Thursday evening to prepare for the game. A team rally and send off is planned for 5:30 at the MAC. Maroon families boosters and supporters are invited to join in the event. Fans are asked to line Mercury and Montana Streets to honk and cheer for the team. The game will be broadcast live on KOPR Radio and the NFHS Network. Go Maroons!

By Josh M. Peck, Butte Central Foundation Butte Central Maroons Football – 2025 Season Feature For more than eight decades, Butte Central Catholic High School has stood as one of Montana’s proudest small-school football programs — a source of identity for the Butte community and a symbol of what dedication, teamwork, and faith can achieve on the field. The maroon banners hanging high above the Maroon Activities Center tell the story. Butte Central has captured ten Montana State Football Championships, earned in 1942, 1945, 1952, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1981, and 1985. Each title reflects a generation that carried the torch of excellence — players who practiced on frozen fields, coaches who demanded fundamentals, and fans who never wavered. Those banners aren’t decoration; they’re a promise that every new Maroon squad belongs to a legacy. Beyond those titles came countless divisional crowns and playoff appearances. Through the 1970s and ’80s, Butte Central became synonymous with postseason football in Montana. The program’s playoff runs often forced larger schools to reckon with a smaller roster that played with unmatched heart. Even in leaner years, the Maroons’ resilience kept them in the mix for the Southwest A Division — a reputation built on toughness and faith that continues today. That lineage isn’t just history; it’s the blueprint for the 2025 Maroons. Every early-morning lift in the weight room, every offseason film session, every freshman encouraged by a senior traces back to that championship DNA. The current roster trains under the same values that defined past greats: humility, hard work, and faith in one another. Recent graduates helped re-energize that culture, showing younger players that progress starts long before the opening kickoff. For generations, the name Peoples has been the heartbeat of Butte Central football. Head Coach Don Peoples Jr. continues that legacy with calm authority and unshakable belief in his players. He builds from faith, fundamentals, and family — values that outlast any scoreboard.Beside him is his brother, Coach Doug Peoples, the Maroons’ Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator. Doug’s fiery energy and deep knowledge of the trenches drive the team’s tempo. He’s tough on the kids because he believes in them — demanding precision, effort, and accountability. Players often joke that no one sees the field the way Doug does from his booth vantage point, but later they’ll tell you how much they appreciate his honesty and passion. Doug’s son, Ryan Peoples (#1), serves as senior quarterback and captain — calm in the pocket, measured in the huddle, and respectful of the game he’s grown up inside. His demeanor reflects both Peoples brothers: Don’s composure and Doug’s intensity. Watching proudly from the stands, Danny Peoples, Don’s son and Ryan’s cousin, cheered the team through Senior Night and even joined the fun by attempting the TDS Halftime Kick — a lighthearted moment that reminded everyone how deep the Maroon bloodline runs. THE 2025 BUTTE CENTRAL FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF Head Coach: - Don Peoples Jr. Offensive Staff: - Doug Peoples — Offensive Line / Run Game Coordinator - Eyston Lakala — Offensive Line - Dion Williams — Running Backs - Tom Peterson — Receivers Defensive Staff: - Richie O’Brien — Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers - Bryan Holland — Defensive Line - Scott Mansanti — Defensive Backs - Tuto Stagnoli — Film Coordinator Support Staff: - Coach Hollywood — Team Operations / Water Distribution / Sideline Support Together, this group represents a unified vision: disciplined, physical, fundamentally sound football built on mutual respect and constant improvement. --- The modern Maroons stand on the shoulders of giants. The 2014 Maroons reached the Class A State Championship behind quarterback Danny Peoples and a defense that played with fearless heart. The 2019 team, led by quarterback Thomas McGree and Ryan Moodry, a senior running back in 2017, fought through adversity to secure a postseason berth that rekindled belief in BC’s statewide relevance. Many of today’s seniors were grade-schoolers watching those teams, dreaming of their own Friday nights under the lights at Bob Green Field. This resurgence didn’t begin in August; it began in the weight room, where accountability became the daily standard. Coaches emphasized strength, conditioning, and attention to detail, while assistants added film study and position-specific instruction that helped the players adapt to the speed of modern Class A football. Head Coach Don Peoples Jr. tied it all together — steady, patient, and precise. The Maroons opened the year at Lockwood, where early mistakes proved instructive. They followed with hard-earned wins over Ronan and Corvallis, showing flashes of the balanced team they were becoming. Though losses to Frenchtown and Hamilton stung, each week revealed progress — sharper communication, improved line play, and growing belief that something special was building. Senior Night vs Dillon – A Decade in the Making On October 24, 2025, Senior Night arrived at Bob Green Field with crisp air, packed bleachers, and ten years of pent-up hope. The opponent: Dillon Beavers, who hadn’t lost to Butte Central since 2014. From the opening drive, the Maroons looked different — focused, physical, and prepared. The offensive line, anchored by the McCarthy twins, Danny and Bobby, along with freshman Hayden Salmonsen, handled Dillon’s front with maturity beyond their combined years. Their cohesion gave Ryan Peoples time to operate, spreading the ball between Gigi Fantini and Jack Nagle for early scores. Under center, Ryan Peoples delivered one of his finest performances of the season, commanding the offense with confidence and poise. He read Dillon’s coverage with precision, spreading the ball to every level of the field and keeping the Beavers guessing. Gigi Fantini proved again why he’s among Class A’s most dynamic two-way athletes — sure hands on offense, relentless pursuit on defense, and a spark every time the ball came his way. Lining up beside them, Josh Sutton played with grit and awareness, making key downfield blocks and clutch defensive stops that kept momentum firmly in Butte Central’s favor. Together, they embodied the balance of brains, toughness, and heart that defined the Maroons’ win. Senior lineman Colt Hassler watched from the sideline, headset on, coaching younger players through reads and protections. Injured veterans Berkeley Lakala and Stew Keane stood nearby — each one still vocal, still part of the fight. By halftime, the Maroons led behind a balanced attack and a defense that swarmed every Beaver possession. Jack Nagle handled special teams flawlessly — five for five on PATs and a field-position-changing punt average near forty yards. In the second half, Dillon rallied, but Central answered every punch. When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 38–27 Maroons, and a wave of maroon and white poured onto the turf. It wasn’t just a win; it was release — ten years since the last victory over Dillon, six years since the last playoff berth, and a living reminder that Butte Central football still stands for family, faith, and fight. When the scoreboard at Bob Green Field finally went dark after the 38-27 win over Dillon, the cheers echoed long after the crowd had gone home. For the first time since 2019, the Butte Central Maroons were heading back to the Montana Class A State Playoffs — a reward for years of work that began long before this season’s opening kickoff. Under the Montana High School Association (MHSA) system, the top teams from each regional division — Southwest, Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast A — advance to a single-elimination state bracket. The higher-seeded programs host the first round, followed by semifinals and the state championship. For the Maroons, that means a first-round road trip to Whitefish, a program known for physical defense and efficient execution. The Whitefish Bulldogs bring speed on the edges, size in the trenches, and a quarterback who likes to stretch the field. But they’ll meet a Maroon squad defined by emotion, chemistry, and belief. Ryan Peoples, the senior captain, continues to lead with a steady hand, while Gigi Fantini provides explosive plays that can flip momentum in a heartbeat. Jack Nagle’s leg remains a major weapon — his ability to control field position often sets the tone. The McCarthy twins, Danny and Bobby, have become the backbone of both lines, bringing power and endurance that wear opponents down. Freshman Hayden Salmonsen adds youthful energy and toughness beyond his years. Defensively, the Maroons rely on communication and discipline — principles drilled daily by Coach Richie O’Brien and his staff. Injured veterans Berkeley Lakala and Stew Keane remain engaged on the sideline, coaching younger teammates, their presence a reminder of how this team defines leadership beyond the field. The Maroons’ season has become a story of connection — of families, alumni, and even those who can’t always be there in person. Some cheer from the stands, some volunteer at the gate, and others follow every score from work, home, or even lockup — all proud of the unity and perseverance this team represents. Butte Central football has always been bigger than the roster. It’s faith, resilience, and shared purpose stitched into maroon and white. Around the state, coaches describe this opening-round game as one of the most balanced matchups of the postseason. Expect a physical, methodical contest that could come down to a single possession. The consensus among observers? Butte Central 28, Whitefish 24 — a tight battle decided by special teams, clock management, and the grit that defines every Maroon drive. Plans are already underway to help fans make the trip. Parents, boosters, and alumni are coordinating a charter bus to Whitefish so students and supporters can bring that unmistakable Butte Central noise to northwest Montana. Anyone interested in helping fund or join the bus is encouraged to contact the Butte Central Foundation. Every seat filled means another voice echoing “Go Maroons!” when the team takes the field on October 31. Whether they’re traveling to Whitefish or cheering from home, everyone who wears maroon knows the truth: this season is already a victory of spirit. The playoffs are the next step in a journey built on family, faith, and fight — the very heartbeat of Butte Central football. The 2025 Butte Central Maroons Football Family Every number on this year’s roster tells a story of pride, teamwork, and perseverance. The senior leaders — #0 Jack Nagle (FS/WR, 6’2”, 190), #1 Ryan Peoples (QB, 6’2”, 180), #3 Keltan Keane (C/WR, 5’8”, 150), #7 Tony Stajcar (S/WR, 5’10”, 170), #65 JJ Taylor (DT/T, 6’0”, 190), and #67 Colt Hassler (DT/G, 5’10”, 240) — set the tone through toughness, sportsmanship, and leadership on and off the field. Junior standouts #2 Joshua Sutton (C/WR, 5’11”, 170), #4 Grady Button (C/WR, 5’10”, 145), #8 GG Fantini (LB/WR, 5’11”, 185), #9 Cade Kelly (C/WR, 6’2”, 175), #18 Carsen Gillis (WR, 6’0”, 165), #20 Danny McCarthy (DE/RB, 6’1”, 180), #51 Robert McCarthy (DE/T, 6’1”, 180), #53 Burkley Lakkala (LB/T, 6’2”, 190), #63 Gunnar O’Brien (LB/G, 5’11”, 190), #64 Zander Matison (C/WR, 5’11”, 145), and #69 Jack Nylund (DT/T, 6’2”, 210) were the backbone of both sides of the ball, pushing the team’s energy and execution week after week. Sophomores and freshmen filled vital spots and gave their all every practice: #10 Henly Mansanti (LB/RB, 5’11”, 165), #11 Treigh Hollow (S/WR, 5’9”, 145), #12 Teghan Sparks (C/WR, 5’8”, 135), #15 Palmer Kellicut (DE/WR, 5’11”, 170), #17 Noah Sutton (C/QB, 5’10”, 150), #19 David Sandoval (S/WR, 5’9”, 135), #21 Connor Hardy (C/WR, 5’10”, 135), #23 Jaxon Hiatt (C/RB, 5’11”, 160), #25 Maurice West (LB/RB, 5’10”, 170), #28 Hugh O’Brien (LB/RB, 5’11”, 150), #36 Calvin Salmonsen (LB/WR, 5’9”, 160), #40 Roman Taylor (LB/WR, 5’9”, 165), #59 Hayden Salmonsen (DT/C, 5’10”, 210), #77 Grady Boyer (DT/T, 6’1”, 210), and #79 Shamus Peck (C/WR, 5’10”, 160) — a group whose effort and spirit shaped the program’s future. Special recognition goes to freshman Shamus Peck, who stepped onto the gridiron for the very first time this year. Through hard work and a team-first attitude, he earned Scout Player of the Week, representing what Maroon football is all about — dedication, growth, and pride in every rep. Together, these young men formed one family — a small roster with enormous heart, every player contributing to the return of Butte Central football to the postseason stage. From the first practice to the playoff berth, they embodied the school’s proud tradition of Faith, Family, and Fight. Senior Night Recognition Before kickoff, Butte Central honored its senior athletes across multiple fall sports. On the football field, six seniors — Jack Nagle, Ryan Peoples, Keltan Keane, Tony Stajcar, JJ Taylor, and Colt Hassler — were recognized for their leadership and commitment to Maroon football. The ceremony also celebrated Butte Central golfers Will McGree, Kelton Berger, and Xander Strand, whose consistency and sportsmanship represented the school throughout the fall season. While the Maroons had no senior cross country members this year, the community recognized senior volleyball standouts Araka Stajcar and Izzy Lopez during their home match this past Saturday, October 25. The combined celebration reflected not only athletic achievement, but the family spirit that defines every Butte Central program. Editor’s Note All statistics and game details were compiled from Butte Sports, SWX Montana Local Sports, and input from Butte Central Catholic High School coaching staff. Text © 2025 by Josh M. Peck and the Butte Central Foundation.

Mrs. Czehura's fifth-grade class had an unforgettable experience during their dry ice science experiments! Students were filled with excitement as they watched the dry ice transform from a solid directly into gas, creating clouds of fog that drifted across the tables. Using the proper safety protocol and tongues, everyone got the chance to take part in hands-on activities like making bubbling potions, observing sublimation, and exploring the effects of temperature change. The classroom was buzzing with curiosity as students made predictions, tested their ideas, and saw real science happen right before their eyes. Through these experiments, the class learned valuable lessons about the states of matter, chemical reactions, and the importance of safety in science. More than that, the experience showed how learning can be fun and interactive—helping students see science as something they can touch, see, and understand. The dry ice experiments sparked a sense of wonder and encouraged deeper questions about how the world works, inspiring everyone to think like real scientists.

🎉 Butte Central High School Update!  🎉 We’ve wrapped up the first quarter  and are diving into the second quarter  full speed ahead! Semester tests will be December 17–18 , right before Christmas break. Our Fall sports  seasons are finishing strong — cross country, golf, volleyball, and football athletes have represented BC proudly! 💪 🏐 Girls Volleyball  heads to Corvallis for a play-in game on Thursday, October 30th at 6:00 p.m. 🏈 Boys Football  travels to Whitefish to face the Bulldogs on Friday, October 31st at 7:00 p.m. Good luck to our Maroons as they finish the season! ❤️⚔️ #GoBC #MaroonsPride

Butte Central Thanksgiving dinner, also known as the LaVerne Combo Thanksgiving Dinner, is an annual heartfelt community event hosted by Butte Central Catholic High School. This year's dinner will be held on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025, at 5 PM in the Butte Central High School gymnasium. The event focuses on providing a traditional Thanksgiving feast for the elderly and homebound of Butte, including local seniors, the developmentally disabled, and others in need who might otherwise go without a holiday meal. The meal is entirely free, funded by donations, and prepared and served by the student body, faculty, staff, and friends of the school. The menu features classic Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, stuffing, vegetables, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. For those who cannot attend in person, delivery is available at no cost by arrangement through the school's office. Reservations for dining in or meal delivery must be made by calling the Butte Central High School office at (406) 782-6761 by Thursday, November 14th, at 4 PM. This tradition is cherished for its spirit of community service and generosity, providing not just food but also companionship and warmth during the holiday season to those who need it most in the Butte community

The Butte Central Maroons will return home this Friday to face the Dillon Beavers in a key Southwestern A contest. The winner of the game will earn the 3 rd and final playoff birth from the Conference. The game will also be senior night for BC players Keltan Keane, JJ Taylor, Jack Nagle, Colt Hassler, Tony Stajcar, and Ryan Peoples. “Our guys have worked hard to earn a chance to make the playoffs,” said head coach Don Peoples. “I’m confident that they will be ready to play against an outstanding Dillon team.” The Maroons enter the game with a 4-3 record and the Beavers sport a deceiving 2-6 record. The Beavers have played one of the toughest schedules in Montana and all six of their losses are to teams that have already qualified for the playoffs. The Maroons have defeated Hardin, Ronan, Corvallis, and Stevensville to earn four victories. The Beavers have victories over Corvallis and Stevensville. The winner of the game will travel to the 2 nd seed in the Northwestern A next weekend. The Maroons will enter the game featuring one of the top passing offenses in Class A. QB Ryan Peoples has thrown for 1,270 yards and 15 touchdowns. His TD total is 2 nd among Class A’s twenty-four QB’s. Maroon receivers Joshua Sutton (440 yards) and GG Fantini (323 yards) are both in the top 10 in receiving yards. Treigh Hollow, Jack Nagle, and Henley Mansanti are also top targets for the Maroon passing game. Maroon fans are urged to come out and cheer on the team Friday night. The game has been tabbed a “White Out” and supporters are urged to dress in white BC swag. Game time at Bob Green Field will be 7:00 p.m. The Maroon Walk into the stadium will be at 6:10 p.m. and team prayer will be at 6:15 p.m. Maroon families, fans, and supporters are invited to join in the team prayer. Food vendors will begin serving food at the stadium at 5:45 p.m.

Each October, Butte Central Grade School proudly joins schools across the country to celebrate Red Ribbon Week , an annual event promoting safe, healthy, and drug-free lifestyles among young students. Throughout the week, the school was alive with color, conversation, and positive energy as students participate in themed dress-up days , creative classroom activities, and special guest presentations. Themed Dress-Up Days To keep the message engaging and fun, Butte Central hosted a different dress-up theme each day: Monday – Say no to Drugs wear Red! Tuesday – Be A Hero! Dress like a Super Hero ​ Wednesday – “Team Up Against Drugs” : Everyone wore their favorite sports gear. Thursday – "Too Cool and Bright" Wear Neon and Sunglasses ​ Friday – "Scare Away Drug" Wear your Halloween Costume These spirited days helped students express creativity while reinforcing daily conversations about making positive decisions. Inspiring Speakers and Activities Red Ribbon Week at Butte Central also featured motivational speakers from the local community, including representatives from Butte Cares , law enforcement officers, and health educators who shared practical advice on avoiding drugs and building self-confidence.​ Classrooms engaged in hands-on activities such as a door decorating contest , where each class created a visual display about living drug-free, and the “I Pledge to Be Drug-Free” wall , where every student signed their name as a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.​ A Community-Wide Effort The success of Red Ribbon Week at Butte Central shows the power of community partnerships. By combining education, creativity, and fun, the school reminded everyone—students, teachers, and parents alike—that living drug-free is not only a personal choice but a way to strengthen the community. With enthusiasm and inspiration filling every hallway, Butte Central Grade School once again demonstrated that the puzzle of a safe, successful future starts with healthy choices—one piece at a time.

Every year, Butte Central High School proudly hosts a Blood Drive in both the fall and spring. This fall’s drive took place on October 20, 2026, in the campus gym. Students Danny McCarthy, Jack Nylund, Alex Morey, Jackson Mulcahy, and Marquis Abad assisted by signing in donors, distributing water and snacks, and supporting participants throughout the event. Students who donate or volunteer are eligible to receive graduation cords and a certificate recognizing their service. Donation options include whole blood donation , which provides one pint containing red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, and Power Red donation , which collects two units of red blood cells while returning plasma and platelets to the donor—a vital option for O, A-, and B- donors. Blood donations play a critical role in saving lives both locally and beyond. This fall, we collected 14 donations , primarily from staff and students. Looking ahead, our goal is to increase participation by encouraging more parents and community members to get involved. For more information Contact Tiffany Ostenburg tiffany.ostenburg@buttecentralschools.org

Faculty of Butte Central Catholic Schools with Bishop Vetter at the CEC conference October 16, 2025 By Israel Aguilar This Catholic educators conference brought together teachers and school leaders for a day of professional development centered on Catholic educational values and practical teaching strategies. The day began with a keynote address by Sister Mary Agnes Greiffendorf, from Aquinas College, Nashville, titled "'Lost, All Lost in Wonder': Seeing Our Educational Vocation Anew," which set the tone for reimagining the calling of Catholic education. Following the first rounds of sessions, we were privileged to be present for a beautiful Homily Provided by Bishop Vetter. Following Mass and lunch, the conference featured two rounds of concurrent breakout sessions covering diverse topics: Pedagogical Approaches : Sessions explored active learning techniques for middle and high school classrooms, Socratic pedagogy, the role of oral language development, and sacramental imagination in teaching. Faith Integration : Presenters addressed the integration of faith and reason in STEM education, Catholic social teaching, bringing Scripture to life, and fostering sacramental culture in schools. Student Development : Topics included supporting middle school students' academic growth and holistic development, with a special focus on the De La Salle Blackfeet School's approach. Curriculum : A dedicated session presented St. Patrick's Middle School curriculum model. Sister Mary Agnes led an additional breakout for school leaders on fostering sacramental culture, while presenters from institutions including the University of Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education, Carroll College, and various diocesan schools shared their expertise. The conference concluded with a closing plenary session.

The Elks Lodge Hoop Shoot Contest will be held Saturday, November 8 at the Maroon Activity Center. The registration deadline is Tuesday, November 4. The age groups are 8 and 9 years old, 10 and 11 years old, and 12 and 13 years old. The shooter’s age group is determined by their age on April 1, 2026. There are separate contests for boys and girls. The competition will start at 10am. The detailed schedule will be published after entries are finalized. To enter, call or text Don Foley at 406-490-8668 or email him at  dfoley71@yahoo.com . Include the shooter’s name, gender, school, birthday, and parent/guardian contact information when registering. More general information about the Elks Hoop Shoot program is available at  https://www.elks.org/hoopshoot/ . Rules Summary 1.      Each shooter gets 25 free throws, split between two rounds. This will be 10 in the first round with up to 5 warmup shots, and 15 in the second round with no warmup shots. 2.      All shooters will use a 28.5-inch ball, except for 12-13 Boys, who will use a 29.5-inch ball. 3.      The 8-9 age group will shoot from a line 4 feet in front of the free throw line. 4.      A shooter has ten seconds to shoot the ball after the line judges give it to them. 5.      Age groups are determined by a players age on April 1, 2026. So, all shooters must be born between April 2, 2012 and April 1, 2018. 6.      Age group winners will advance to the district contest in Dillon in January.