MONTAGUE – Feels like just five short seasons ago Montague hoisted up a state championship trophy. That’s because it was, but since then the Wildcats’ hold a (19-23) record and three straight losing seasons. In the mix of all of this Montague still somehow has made the playoffs in all of those years.
That marks ten straight playoff appearances including a state championship. Before departing ahead of the 2021 season, Pat Collins was at the helm leading these historic Montague teams.
Current head coach Justin Dennett has brought a new brand of football to Wildcat nation.
2021 was Dennett’s first season, he led them to a (8-4) record and a district title. Since then, it’s been rough sledding for the Cats’. Just 11 wins across three seasons and zero wins against rival Whitehall. In Montague’s defense, however, these past few seasons Whitehall has been a contingent division four state champion contender.
This season has been full of ups and downs including a 70-point performance.
The emergence of sophomore Devlin Dean may have been Montague’s brightest spot.
The Wildcats’ opened on the road against Forest Hills Eastern. The game resulted in a 48-7 route in favor of FHE. Junior QB Eli Peterson got the start for most of the season, he went 11-23 for 100 yards and a TD in the opener.
Montague’s best win came early in the season against WMC rival Oakridge. Senior Ryver Jarka put the league on notice with his 137-yard game. The defense came to play early and stopped Oakridge in the redzone. Montague knocked off Oakridge 14-7.
They would then win against Orchard View in week three, followed by three straight losses to Whitehall, Ludington and, North Muskegon which set them back to (2-4, 2-2).
In what was a must-win game to keep its season alive, Montague hosted Fremont in a game that resulted in a shootout. Dean put on a clinic scoring five touchdowns and 341 yards. Fremont didn’t hold back either, posting close to 700 yards. After trailing 63-48, Fremont would mount a comeback to put them down just one possession. Montague would then mustard up another touchdown which would seal the deal to win 70-64.
The Cats’ finished the season with a loss at Manistee and a convincing win over Ravenna.
Montague traveled to Newaygo in the first round of districts. Heading into the half, the Wildcats’ faced a manageable 6-3 deficit. Although after a stutter in Newaygo’s offense, they found its feet and became unstoppable in the second half. Newaygo knocked off the Cats’ 30-17.
Final Season Results
- Week 1 – Forest Hills Eastern defeated Montague 48-7
- Week 2 – Montague defeated Oakridge 14-7
- Week 3 – Montague defeated Orchard View 55-14
- Week 4 – Whitehall defeated Montague 42-7
- Week 5 – Ludington defeated Montague 35-34
- Week 6 – North Muskegon defeated Montague 36-8
- Week 7 – Montague defeated Fremont 70-64
- Week 8 – Manistee defeated Montague 35-32
- Week 9 – Montague defeated Ravenna 42-7
- Pre-District – Newaygo defeated Montague 30-17
If you are interested in more of our content, head to our website at catchmarksports.com, our YouTube, or our Facebook page!
