Whitefish Vs. Havre Preview: BNSF Series Renewed

The Railroad Rivalry is back on as the Whitefish Bulldogs host the Havre Blue Ponies to open the 2025 season.

We’ve got a special one tonight, a matchup that revives one of Montana’s most unique football rivalries: Whitefish vs. Havre, also known as the BNSF Series or Railroad Rivalry.

This rivalry began back in 2000, named after the BNSF Railway that links these two communities across the Hi-Line. What makes it extra special? The BNSF Trophy—a traveling award given to the winner of each matchup. It’s more than a game. It’s a matter of pride and history.

The rivalry paused for a few years after 2016, but in 2022, Whitefish reignited things with a 17–7 playoff win in Havre—bringing the trophy back west for the first time in years.

Last season, both teams proved they’re still forces in Class A football.

Whitefish finished 7–4, fueled by a balanced offense led by dual-threat QB Carson Gulick, who accounted for 28 total touchdowns. His favorite target, Curtis Thew, hauled in 13 scores. The Bulldogs closed the regular season on a five-game tear, and won a thriller over Bigfork in the playoffs before falling to Billings Central in the quarterfinals.

Havre, meanwhile, went 7–5– and made a strong postseason push of their own. The Blue Ponies dominated on the ground—rushing for nearly 300 yards in a playoff win over East Helena, then upsetting Frenchtown before narrowly falling to Laurel in the semifinals.

Hear from Head Coach of the Dawgs, Brett Bollweg, to preview tonight's contest.

So tonight, we get speed vs. power, tradition vs. pride—and a chance for one team to carry the BNSF Trophy into the new season.

Whitefish. Havre. Buckle up.

Catch the call live on 102.7FM & 1240AM Outlaw Country. Kick-off at 7pm.