The Montague Wildcats have built a proud and storied tradition on the football field, a legacy packed with grit, heart, and championship moments. With the playoffs right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of the program’s most memorable seasons. From thrilling state championship runs to heartbreaking semifinal finishes, Montague’s football history is filled with unforgettable moments that define what Wildcat football is all about.
1992 — Early Years and First Final Appearance
Montague’s first modern-era state finals appearance came in 1992 under head coach Ken Diamond, a breakthrough season that changed the program’s course. Led by quarterback Pat Collins, who’d later guide the Wildcats to multiple titles as head coach, Montague battled through the playoffs with grit and precision, capturing the attention of the entire community. Though they fell short in the championship, that ’92 run proved Montague could stand toe-to-toe with Michigan’s best and set the foundation for the championship culture Collins would help build years later.
2008 — The Start of a Dynasty
The 2008 season marked the beginning of something special in Montague. Under head coach Pat Collins, the Wildcats turned a strong regular season into a storybook playoff run. Their balance on both sides of the ball — punishing defense paired with a dynamic offense — carried them through the bracket and into the state title game. That first championship didn’t just fill a trophy case; it lit a spark that would power the program for years to come.
2009 — The Perfect Season
If 2008 was the breakthrough, 2009 was the exclamation point. The Wildcats ran the table, finishing the year undefeated and capturing back-to-back state titles. Every unit clicked — the line controlled the trenches, the defense suffocated opponents, and the offense had answers for everything thrown its way. That team is still remembered as one of Montague’s finest ever, setting the standard for the culture and expectations that followed.
2010–2011 — Staying in the Hunt
Coming off two straight titles, Montague refused to fade. The early 2010s brought consistent playoff appearances, with each roster loaded with hungry returners from the championship era. The Wildcats might not have lifted another trophy during those years, but their playoff grit and program depth showed the foundation was built to last. The next generation was already learning what it meant to wear the blue and white in November.
2017 — Back Among the Best
After several seasons of rebuilding and retooling, Montague came roaring back in 2017. The Wildcats rolled through the regular season, capturing a conference title and proving that they were once again among the state’s top Division 6 programs. The blend of veteran leadership and young talent helped restore the championship energy that had defined the 2000s, and that year’s success laid the groundwork for what was coming next.
2018 — The Rise Continues
Montague carried that momentum right into 2018, posting another double-digit win season and another deep playoff run. Even when faced with adversity, this group showcased the toughness and discipline that have become trademarks of Wildcat football. Each playoff win felt like another reminder — Montague wasn’t just back; they were building toward something big.
2019 — Knocking on the Door
By 2019, Montague had become a familiar name deep in the postseason bracket. Led by junior quarterback Drew Collins, the Wildcats featured an explosive offense that could light up the scoreboard at any moment. Their playoff run took them to the state semifinals after an impressive regional-final performance, coming up just short of another Ford Field appearance. Though the season ended one step away from the ultimate goal, it was clear that the Wildcats were poised for another championship push.
2020 — Champions Once Again
When the 2020 season arrived, Montague put it all together. Despite the challenges of a shortened and uncertain schedule, the Wildcats were focused from the start. With Drew Collins commanding the offense and a senior-driven defense setting the tone, Montague stormed through the playoffs and finished the job at Ford Field, capturing the Division 6 state championship. It was the program’s third state title — and a perfect 12-0 season to match. That team embodied everything Montague football stands for: resilience, unity, and championship standards.
2021–2022 — A New Chapter Begins
After the 2020 high, Montague entered a new era under head coach Justin Dennett. The program stayed competitive and playoff-ready, continuing its streak of postseason appearances. While the next championship hasn’t yet arrived, the Wildcats remain a constant presence in late-season football, carrying on the culture built over two decades of success.
