Helena High Schools Earn Athletes of the Week

The Jefferson girls cross country team and Capital High football offensive line receive top local honors.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Running

Helena High Schools Earn Athletes of the Week

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Benefis has named the Jefferson girls cross country team and the Capital High School offensive line as its Athletes of the Week. Both squads were recognized for their dominant performances in recent championship and conference competition.

Why it matters

These awards celebrate local athletic excellence, highlighting the team-wide effort required to secure major state victories and offensive milestones in Helena athletics. The recognition underscores the impact of consistent, high-level execution across different sports.

The Jefferson girls cross country team secured the Class B state title by finishing 35 points ahead of Big Timber. Meanwhile, the Capital Bruins offense racked up 383 rushing yards on 64 carries, including scoring drives requiring as many as 18 plays.

The players

Jefferson Girls Cross Country Team

This high school team recently captured the Class B state championship.

Capital High School Offensive Line

This group of players is responsible for blocking and protecting the quarterback in football.

Benefis

This health system serves as the sponsoring organization for the local Athlete of the Week honors.

The details

The Jefferson runners Peyton Stearns, Emma Ahlers, and Piper Dawson earned All-State honors, with individual 5km times of 19:19, 19:22, and 19:43 respectively. The Capital Bruins line was honored for their blocking work that allowed two running backs to surpass 100 yards each during their game against the Butte Bulldogs.

The weekly selection covers the 2026-27 sports season.
The Capital Bruins football game against the Butte Bulldogs took place in October 2026.

Season Trajectory

These recognitions mark the culmination of a competitive season defined by the pursuit of the Class B state championship. The momentum gained from these honors often dictates the expectations and focus for teams as they navigate the remainder of the 2026-27 athletic calendar.

The Jefferson team win cements their standing as the top-ranked squad in their class for the current year. For the Capital Bruins, the high-volume rushing success provides a clear tactical template for the team to utilize in future games to control the clock and keep the defense off the field.

The takeaway

Consistent team coordination remains the most vital factor in achieving championship-level results across both cross country and football. Fans and students can look toward these programs as models for maintaining discipline and execution throughout a long season.