As the sun sets on another season of Rustler football, the energy around C. M. Russell High School is anything but fading. With a win-lose record of 6–4 and a ticket to the playoff quarterfinals, the Rustlers are looking ahead, all in hope of making it to the state championship.
Some games? The victory felt cinematic. And others? Pure chaos on the field. Linebacker Peyton Fenner, senior leader, knows that feeling all too well. With highs like their 42–6 win against Butte and tough losses like their 16–3 loss in the last crosstown game of the season, the Rustlers have stayed committed to the grind. Fenner says that the key now is keeping the focus tight as they step into playoff territory.
“It was a hard-fought battle,” Fenner said as he reflected on the last crosstown game. “I put some blame on me for my leadership display, and also my personal foul that cost us and just not making sure everyone else was having fun.”
Through humility, it’s important to recognize what you do wrong in a game as well as what you do right, he said. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the action of it all, but it’s important to keep your head in the game.
“We had a lot of emotion going into the game, and in the end, we had strong emotions from the loss. It hurt, but we move on,” he said.
That’s been the mindset for CMR this season to keep things moving forward and play harder, Fenner said. But losses don’t matter. What really matters is what’s in front of them, and the next step they’re going to take.
“We’re focused on the next team we have in our sights,” he said.
As a senior, Fenner’s leadership has been a backbone for the Rustlers’ defense, but he credits the team for inspiring him through their effort and dedication.
“I’m always proud of their hard work. They love the game as much as I do, and seeing them bust their butts off in a game like this, no matter win or lose, makes me so beyond proud of my brothers,” he said.
For Fenner, football is more than just the scoreboard.
“Football has taught me to believe in myself and my teammates, and to be disciplined,” he said. “It pushes you to be the best version of yourself. It takes heart, soul, and grit to be successful in the game.”
As his final season in a Rustler uniform comes to a close, Fenner knows he’ll miss the family he’s built on the field, the long runs beside his teammates, the moments fueled by the Rustler Nation, and love for the game.
“I’m very proud of my brothers and my entire team,” he said. “We preach family on and off the field. I’m proud of every single individual in the program, from freshmen to seniors. This family means the world to me.”
For the next generation of Rustlers ready to carry the torch, Fenner hopes that the tricks he’s picked up during his football career are remembered for the newcomers.
“The gym is your best friend. Eat clean, study film, do your schoolwork, and work hard in the off-season,” he said. “Be ready for the next season, because it flies by fast. And enjoy the grind while you can.”
Even with the season’s ups and downs, Fenner and the Rustlers haven’t lost sight of their goals not just for the playoffs, but for the legacy they’re building.
“Our goals were to have a winning season and compete for the state championship. We didn’t meet every expectation, but we have two in our sights now and those ones matter most right now,” Fenner said.
In his own reflection of the team’s recent performances, he admits there could be a little fine-tuning to do.
“Our offense needs to regroup and be ready for our playoff game, and our defense just needs to be ready for anything coming at us. Other than that, a few clean-ups and we’re solid,” he said.
As they head into the quarterfinals, the Rustlers carry more than stats and records. They carry their hearts. They carry a family. And they carry the hope of one more chance to make their mark on Montana football.
According to: MaxPreps.com
Wins
08/29 – vs Capital Indians – W 28‑14
09/12 – vs Belgrade Panthers – W 38‑10 (OT)
10/03 – vs Billings Senior Broncs – W 25‑0
10/10 – vs Bozeman Hawks – W 27‑21
10/16 – vs Skyview Falcons – W 32‑8
10/31 – vs Butte Bulldogs – W 42‑6
Losses
09/04 – @ Sentinel Sons of the West – L6‑0
09/19 – vs Gallatin Blue Trojans – L 34‑7
09/26 – @ Billings West Broncs – L 40‑0
10/24 – @ Great Falls Bison – L 16‑3
