Capital High Shuts Out Butte to Clinch Playoff Spot

Helena's Capital High School secured a home playoff game after defeating Butte High 20-0 on Friday.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration showing two football players in navy and crimson colliding mid-game, capturing the intensity of a defensive play. — Capital High School secured a home playoff game after shutting out Butte High School 20-0 at Vigilante Stadium on Friday night. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Capital High School relied on a powerful running game to shut out Butte High School 20-0 at Vigilante Stadium. The win helps Capital secure a home game for the upcoming first round of the Class AA playoffs.

Why it matters

The victory ensures Capital High School will host a playoff matchup after a strong finish to the regular season. Coaches emphasized a ground-heavy offensive strategy to overcome adverse weather and field conditions during the contest.

Capital High recorded 343 rushing yards on 68 attempts, converting 10 of 19 third and fourth down tries. Butte High was limited to just 90 rushing yards and one successful conversion on eight third and fourth down attempts.

The players

Capital High School

This Helena-based secondary education institution maintains a competitive football program currently holding a 6-3 overall record.

Gavin Starcevich

He is a primary running back for the Capital High football team who surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this regular season.

Butte High School

This institution operates a football program that concluded its regular season appearance at Vigilante Stadium.

The details

Gavin Starcevich led the offense with 160 rushing yards on 33 carries and three touchdowns, pushing his season total past 1,000 yards. Justin Derby added 138 yards on 22 carries while Keanen Green contributed to the defensive effort with an interception.

Capital played Butte High School on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Capital High School will host Great Falls High next week in the Class AA playoffs.

Season Trajectory

This win secures a home game for Capital High School, significantly altering their path through the Class AA playoffs. The victory shifts momentum for the Helena team while relegating Butte High to a road game as the No. 5 seed.

Capital High School will host Great Falls High at home for the first round of the playoffs next week. Butte High will travel to play Bozeman next week as the No. 5 seed in the tournament.

The takeaway

Focusing on a reliable ground game proved successful for Capital High under challenging weather conditions. Establishing a consistent run-heavy offense provides a strong foundation for managing game clocks in postseason play.