'Big chip on our shoulder': Glacier High aims for another state championship run

KALISPELL, Mont. - The Kalispell Glacier football team is determined to return to the Class AA state championship game after doing so in 2023 before losing to Bozeman.
Bridger Smith, a senior receiver/cornerback for Kalispell Glacier, said, "We all got a big chip on our shoulder, we got a lot of young guys you know, they got to step up to the plate and they’ve been doing a great job so far. We want to win football games, but we want to win them in an orderly fashion. We want to have good character, good sportsmanship, all that good stuff.”
Junior quarterback Jackson Presley added, “Absolutely. It's been the main motivator but again we go one play at a time, one game at a time. So we got this win, now it's in the corner and we’re on to next week.”
The Wolfpack has started the season strong, going 4-0 and scoring over 40 points in its last three games. Including last season, Glacier has now won eight straight Western AA games.
Glacier's head coach, Grady Bennett, emphasized the importance of focusing on the present. “I talk to the guys every day about staying in the moment and all those little things that are cliche. But you know, we know it's about the process. It's about the day, you got to cherish every day because football is a tough sport. It's not fun to practice. It's hard. And so if you look too far down the road man it's going to get miserable for you. You just got to focus on every day and realize what a blessing that day is and really stay in that moment and make it special. And I think our kids do a great job of that,” Bennett said.
The team boasts significant talent, including Presley, who is the highest-rated quarterback recruit from Montana ever, and Smith, who recently committed to the University of Montana.
Presley shared, “All glory to God for being able, being committed to Boise State. In love with the coaches and just the place itself and super excited about it but we have a season ahead of us and we have a very special team and very excited to see us continue to grow.”
"I mean I'm super thankful. I’m blessed. I like to be humble about it, I like to just keep focus on high school ball. I'm not too worried about college yet, you know, my goal right now is just to become the best individual player, teammate I can be,” Smith added.
The Glacier Wolfpack will look to stay undefeated on Friday night against Hellgate.