Defending league champion Twin Bridges, state runner-up Sheridan, Victor, Superior and Charlo should all contend for the four playoff spots out of the West come November.
But as wide open as the league race may be, there remains near-unilateral agreement about one thing: In eight-man football, all roads still pass through Drummond.
“They have such good tradition ... ,” Burke said, discounting any notion that high graduation may have put Drummond on the verge of a down year. “Football is important to them.”
Granted, many of the architects of the Trojans' 2007 title - their fourth in five years - are gone now. Drummond returns just two starters from a team that suffered its first regular season loss since 2001 last October before rebounding to take the playoffs by storm.
Senior tight end Levi Coughlin and junior quarterback Neil Mannix are the main holdovers. At 6-foot-5, 240-pounds, Coughlin may be the best college prospect for the Trojans, who generally send at least a few kids out on football scholarships.
His presence will be felt in the trenches when Drummond works its option offense and he makes a big target for Mannix the few times per game the Trojans go to the air.
Mannix begins his second year as signal caller, but Drummond will have to find suitable replacements for potent offensive weapons like tailback Tel Reynolds, fullback Casey Clark and wide receiver Parker Rohrer.
A trio of senior running backs in Jordan Tubbs, Talon Voss and Josh Goodrich will compete for time, as will junior Eric Bergerson.
League-wide - where Drummond, Twin Bridges and Sheridan are likely the top three - there is little doubt the Trojans will find some combination that works.
“Drummond is the state champ, so you've got to tip your hat to that outfit,” said Twin Bridges coach Rob Lott. “They might not be as dominant as they have been, but they don't rebuild, they just reload.”
It was the Falcons who spoiled the Trojans' perfect season with a 37-12 defeat last year. Twin Bridges rolled to its own 7-0 record before getting burned by Sheridan in the first round of the playoffs.
Lott's lot was also stung by graduation, losing four-year starting quarterback Heath Hansen as well as all-state running backs Joe Sandru and Ben Ashcraft.
A group of four returning seniors will bring experience to the Falcons. Wide receiver Clay Pierson and tailback Pete Anderson will be the primary ball handlers. Center Johnathan Ashcraft and guard Clark Vial are both two-year starters up front.
Junior Jake Schmit will go under center to replace Hansen and guard Luke Banks will take his place alongside Ashcraft and Vial.
“My five seniors, all of them are solid football players,” Lott said. “They've been in the playoffs a couple of years and they understand what it takes to be successful. Our fortunes are going to depend a lot on how the younger players develop.”
Lott said less experienced guys like Robert Walsh, Jacob Vial and Tony Degel will have to do a lot of the heavy lifting for Twin Bridges this year.
In Sheridan, Burke will move junior Casey Crippen into the quarterback position after the graduation of Joe Ingram. Tyler Rowberry, a three-year starter on defense, will now also likely pick up starting running back duties.
Two-year all-state pick Tanner Rowberry returns as tight end and linebacker.
Both coaches said the early exit Sheridan showed the Falcons from last year's playoff run has stoked the flames of a fierce rivalry between the two teams, which are just nine miles apart.
“Actually, saying ‘fierce' is a huge understatement, if you catch my drift,” Lott said. “Think Cat-Griz. It's about the same.”
“Sometimes it's friendly and sometimes it's a little bit heated,” concurred Burke. “At this point, it's as mean-spirited and bitter as it's been since I've been here.”
The two teams meet up in week five. Right out of the gate, Sheridan hosts Drummond on Friday. Twin Bridges opens against Arlee the same night.
Western C Capsules
Alberton
Coach: Jacob Griffin (Rocky Mountain, 2003), second year, 4-4 at Alberton.
Last made playoffs: 2004, lost in first round.
Returning starters: 4 offense, 4 defense.
Playmaker: RB/LB James Wemple, 5-9, 165, sr. The all-conference running back brings speed to the Panthers' backfield.
Players to watch: QB/DB Cody Hoose, 5-11, 155, sr.; OL/LB Jerry Brovold, 6-2, 210, sr.; RB/LB Blain Mystrol, 5-9, 190., sr.
Outlook: A second year under Griffin and a good number of starters back should give Alberton a chance to improve on last year's record. Hoose is a four-year starter at QB, while Wemple and Mystrol have a chance to put up some yards running behind a line led by Brovold.
Arlee
Coach: Scott Palmer (UM-Western '05), second year, 2-6 at Arlee.
Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense.
Playmaker: QB Wyatt O'Neill, sr. O'Neill is a good athlete and good leader for the Warriors. He'll be important to Arlee's chances for success.
Players to watch: DE/HB Ethan Willoughby, sr.; DE/G Leon Wieder, st. LB/C Daylon Martin, Sr., DE/WR/K Trevor Rice, sr.
Outlook: The Warriors enter their second season of 8-man after dropping from Class B. Arlee graduated a ton of size from its lines, but a good summer in the weight room has Coach Palmer hoping for good things.
Charlo
Coach: Steve Love (UM-Western, 1996) fifth year, 22-13 at Charlo and 35-29 overall.
Last made playoffs: 2006, lost in first round.
Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense.
Playmaker: OL/DL Josh Sharbono, 6-3, 250, sr. The Vikings return a lot of experience on the offensive and defensive fronts and Sharbono is biggest of the bunch.
Players to watch: QB/LB Clay Hoyt, 6-1, 160 sr.; OL/DL Matt Faroni, 5-11, 187, sr.; OL/DL Latham Blevins, 5-11, 175, sr.; OL/DL Houston Blevins, 6-3, 215, jr.
Outlook: Coach Love likes his seasoned linemen, but says the Vikings will have to solidify and improve lineups at the skill positions to compete. In a division packed with talent, Love said Charlo needs to play mistake-free football.
Drummond
Coach: Jim Oberweiser (Montana, 1977),
Last made playoffs: 2007, won state.
Returning starters: 2 offense, 2 defense.
Playmaker: Levi Coughlin, the Trojans' 6-foot-5, 240-pound tight end may well be the best college prospect on the team. He'll help out a ton blocking for Drummond's option attack and is a big target the few times per game the Trojans go to the air.
Players to watch: QB Neil Mannix, 6-0, 185, jr.; FB/LB Josh Goodrich, 5-9, 165, sr.;
Outlook: Despite the graduation of a host of team leaders, the rest of the conference expects Drummond to be its old self again. Mannix is talented and experienced as just a junior this season. He Coughlin give the Trojans a good base to build upon.
Lincoln
Coach: Shane Brown (MSU, 2002), four year, 3-20 at Lincoln and overall.
Last made playoffs: 1998, lost in semifinals.
Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense.
Playmaker: RB/LB Tel Menard, 6-0, 175, sr. Even with an undersized offensive line, Menard has the kind of ability that has already earned the respect of defenses around the conference.
Players to watch: QB/LB Caleb Cyr, 5-9, 195, sr.; RB/LB Jacob Schau, 6-0, 185, sr.; TE/LB Caleb Gardner 6-1, 160, sr.; G/DT Travis Williams, 5-10, 185.
Outlook: Despite a competitive league race, its a safe bet Lincoln gets more than one win this year. Coach Brown likes the team speed and his senior leadership, but worries depth will be an issue, with only 13 kids out for the team.
Noxon
Coach: Greg Misner (Olivet College (Mich.), 2004), first year.
Last made playoffs: 1999, lost in first round.
Returning starters: 4 offense, 5 defense.
Playmaker: QB/LB Jason Allen, 6-0, 170, sr. Allen was school defensive player of year last year from his linebacker position.
Players to watch: RB/S Jessy Hay, 5-7, 125, sr.; RB/LB Bryant Eaton, 5-8, 175, so.; FB/LB Caplen Weare, 5-10, 170, jr.; FB/LB Clay Smith, 5-5, 160, jr.
Outlook: Misner takes over as head coach after being the only “co-coach” in the conference last year. After a winless 2007 the Red Devils will be young, but have more numbers out than the past several seasons. Misner said he hopes team speed can translate into a potent option attack.
Philipsburg
Coach: Ray Hess (UM-Western, '93), sixth year, 17-23 at Philipsburg.
Last made playoffs: 1997, lost in first round.
Returning starters: 3 offense, 5 defense.
Playmaker: RB/CB Noel Croft, 5-6, 150, sr.
Players to watch: RB/LB Dayton Poser, 5-11, 165, sr.; CB Trent Vick, 5-9 165, sr.; G/NT Doug Brown 6-0, 280, jr.; C/T Jason Brown, 5-10, 240.
Outlook: With nearly all starters back on defense, the Prospectors figure to be improved on that side of the ball. With Doug and Jason Brown anchoring the lines, they should be strong up front as well.
Sheridan
Coach: Ed Burke, (UM, 1989), 11th year, 64-36 overall.
Last made playoffs: 2007, lost to Drummond in championship game.
Returning starters: 2 offense, 2 defense.
Playmaker: LB/TE Tanner Rowberry, 6-0, 210, sr. A four-year starter (both ways), Rowberry was all-state the last two season.
Players to watch: LB/QB Casey Crippen, 6-1, 165, jr.; DL/C Pat Clark, 5-9, 180, jr.; LB/RB Tyler Rowberry, 5-9, 170, jr.; DL/G Josh Bodda, 6-0, 220, jr.
Outlook: Look for Crippen to shine after the graduation of all-state QB Joe Ingram. The Panthers don't have as much depth as last year, but are still contenders for the top spot.
Superior
Coach: Dan Lucier (UM-Western, 1981) 23rd year, 132-62 at Superior.
Last made playoffs: 2006, lost in Class B quarterfinals.
Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense.
Playmaker: K Yim SrinbenjaKul, 5-8, 150, sr. First team all-conference last year and one of the best kickers in the class. He gives Superior an unusual weapon for Class C.
Players to watch: WR/DE Tyler Stenberg, 6-3, 165, sr.; QB Travis Stroot, 5-10, 140, sr.; DT/C Brian Labbe, 6-1, 300, sr.; FB/LB Drew Walen, 5-8, 170, sr.
Outlook: A good amount of returning talent will make Superior no pushover. The Bobcats have 2nd-team all-staters in Stenberg, Stroot and Labbe. Walen was honorable mention.
Twin Bridges
Coach: Rob Lott (UM-Western, 1982), 11th year, 49-36 at Twin Bridges, 74-46 overall.
Last made playoffs: 2007, lost to Sheridan in first round.
Returning starters: 4 offense, 4 defense.
Playmaker: C/LB Jonathan Ashcraft, 5-9, 180, sr. A good all around athlete. He'll pack a punch for the Falcons.
Players to watch: WR/CB Clay Pierson, 6-3, 200, sr.; G/DE Clark Vial, 5-9. 170, sr.; Pete Anderson, 5-10, 180, sr.
Outlook: Last year's divisional champs suffered a heartbreaking loss to Sheridan in the first round of playoffs. They lost some key contributors and Coach Lott said a lot is riding on how quickly the youngsters develop.
Victor
Coach: Eric Schaefer (Idaho), sixth year, 19-20 at Victor.
Last made playoffs: 2007, lost in first round.
Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense.
Playmaker: QB/LB Gatlin Lamb, 6-0, 185, sr. A returning starter as Pirates signal caller, Lamb was 2nd-team all-conference last year.
Players to watch: FB/NT Cody Fishback, 5-7, 190, sr.; TE/LB Saxton Coorough, 6-1, 190, sr.; RB/LB Xavier Morigeau, 6-0, 185, jr.; G/DE Alex Sabo, 6-1, 185, sr.
Outlook: Morigeau showed flashes of brilliance as a sophomore, while Fishback was all-conference on both sides of the ball. Victor could be the sleeper pick to win the league if they get some big breaks in big spots.
Western C football data
2008 forecast
1. Drummond (4) 76
2. Twin Bridges (4) 75
3. Sheridan (1) 64
4. Superior 57
5. Victor 53
6. Charlo 45
7. Alberton 40
8. Arlee 32
9. (tie) Lincoln 19
Noxon 19
11. Philipsburg 15
2007 standings
Overall League
W L W L
Twin Bridges 7 1 7 0
Drummond 10 1 6 1
Victor 6 2 6 1
Sheridan 8 3 5 2
Superior 5 3 5 3
Charlo 4 4 4 4
Alberton 3 4 3 4
Arlee 2 6 2 6
Philipsburg 1 6 1 6
Lincoln 2 6 1 6
Noxon 0 8 0 7
Western C football schedules
ALBERTON PANTHERS
Sept. 5 Victor
Sept. 12 Twin Bridges
Sept. 19 at Superior
Sept 26 at Sheridan
Oct. 3 Bye
Oct. 10 Noxon
Oct. 17 Lincoln
Oct. 24 at Philipsburg
ARLEE WARRIORS
Sept. 15 at Twin Bridges
Sept. 12 Superior
Sept. 19 Sheridan
Sept. 26 at Simms
Oct. 3 Noxon
Oct. 11 at Lincoln
Oct. 17 at Philipsburg
Oct. 24 at Drummond
CHARLO VIKINGS
Sept. 5 at Superior
Sept. 12 Sheridan
Sept. 19 Bye
Sept. 26 at Noxon
Oct. 3 Lincoln
Oct. 10 Philipsburg
Oct. 17 at Drummond
Oct. 24 at Twin Bridges
DRUMMOND TROJANS
Sept. 5 at Sheridan
Sept. 12 at Victor
Sept. 19 at Noxon
Sept. 26 Lincoln
Oct. 3 at Philipsburg
Oct. 10 Twin Bridges
Oct. 17 Charlo
Oct. 24 Arlee
PHILIPSBURG PROSPECTORS
Sept. 5 Bye
Sept. 12 at Noxon
Sept. 19 at Lincoln
Sept. 26 Victor
Oct. 3 Drummond
Oct. 10 at Charlo
Oct. 17 Arlee
Oct. 24 Alberton
LINCOLN LYNX
Sept. 5 Noxon
Sept. 12 Bye
Sept. 19 Philipsburg
Sept. 26 at Drummond
Oct. 3 at Charlo
Oct. 10 Arlee
Oct. 17 at Alberton
Oct. 24 at Superior
NOXON RED DEVILS
Sept. 5 at Lincoln
Sept. 12 Philipsburg
Sept. 19 Drummond
Sept. 26 Charlo
Oct. 3 at Arlee
Oct. 10 at Alberton
Oct. 17 Superior
OCt. 25 at Victor
SHERIDAN PANTHERS
Sept. 5 Drummond
Sept. 12 at Charlo
Sept. 19 at Arlee
Sept. 26 Alberton
Oct. 3 Twin Bridges
Oct. 10 Superior
Oct. 18 at Victor
Oct. 23 Belt
SUPERIOR BOBCATS
Sept. 5 Charlo
Sept. 12 at Arlee
Sept 19 Alberton
Sept. 26 at Twin Bridges
Oct. 3 Victor
Oct. 10 at Sheridan
Oct. 17 at Noxon
Oct. 24 Lincoln
TWIN BRIDGES FALCONS
Sept. 5 Arlee
Sept. 12 at Alberton
Sept. 19 Victor
Sept. 26 Superior
Oct. 3 at Sheridan
Oct. 10 at Drummond
Oct. 17 Bye
Oct. 24 Charlo
VICTOR PIRATES
Sept. 5 at Alberton
Sept. 13 Drummond
Sept 19 at Twin Bridges
Sept. 26 at Philipsburg
Oct. 3 at Superior
Oct. 11 Rocky Boy
Oct. 18 Sheridan
Oct. 25 Noxon
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