Mitch Verlanic was an All-State safety for the Butte High Bulldogs this past football season. Last week, he was picked to play for the West Side in the 2026 Montana East-West Shrine Game in Butte.

He would be a steal if a college team took a chance on him, but so far, the coaches have not been calling. Montana Western did, but Mitch plans to be an engineer.

I’ve been watching Butte High football for a long time. I watched as a fan, as a writer and as a parent. Mitch is one of the best defensive players I have seen play for the Bulldogs. He isn’t going to wow you with his size on the roster, but he is ever bit as big as Colt Anderson.

This past season, Mitch unleashed the fury for the Bulldogs, chalking up 104 total tackles. That includes 77 solo tackles. He just has a nose for the ball. He is super smart, as is evident with his 4.0 GPA and 31 on the ACT.

He also works harder than most. He did not miss one morning weights workout in his four years playing football for the Bulldogs. 

After two seasons not playing hoops, Mitch returned to the Butte High basketball team this season. He and classmate Cayde Stajcar were heavily recruited by teammate Hudson Luedtke, and so far the Bulldogs are undefeated.

Hopefully the college coaches come around, too. With his combination of ability, smarts and instinct, I would bet anything that he will be a star at the next level if he is given a chance.

Listen in to this episode as Mitch talks about playing football, lifting weights and spending so much time watching film. Listen as he talks about what it is like to play with a great player like Luedtke — on the gridiron and on the hardwood.

Listen to hear why he is Mitch on the football roster and Mike in basketball.

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The episode is also available YouTube.