The Bozeman High Hawks opened their season Friday night at Van Winkle Stadium with a 28-14 win over the Butte Bulldogs before a crowd that filled the home bleachers and spilled onto the track.

Senior quarterback Tyler Jensen completed twelve of eighteen passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns. The offensive line, which returned three starters, gave him time to survey a secondary that Butte rotated throughout the second half.

“We knew they’d stack the box after last year’s playoff run,” said head coach Mark Delaney, who is in his sixth season. “The line gave Tyler a clean pocket most of the night. That’s all you can ask.”

The new video board — funded by a bond measure that passed by fourteen votes — displayed replays, sponsor messages, and a rotating graphic reminding fans that clear bags are now required. A hot dog and soda cost nine dollars. A foam finger costs eighteen.

“I remember when a family of four could get in, eat, and park for twenty bucks,” said Darrel Pruitt, class of 1989, standing near the portable toilets by the visitor gate. “Now the parking pass alone is fifteen. But the team’s good. So you pay.”

Traffic backed up on Rouse Avenue forty minutes before kickoff. Several drivers honked at pedestrians crossing against the light. The pedestrians moved at the same pace they use on Main Street in July.

The Hawks host Helena Capital next Friday. Season tickets sold out in June. Single-game seats appear on the secondary market for three times face value.

“We’re just happy to be here,” said Jensen, wiping grass from his jersey. “Even if the Gatorade tastes like the water from my grandpa’s well.”

The scoreboard operator forgot to start the play clock on the opening drive. No one in the press box noticed until the second quarter.