The GOAT game, an annual basketball spirit competition between three Missoula County Public High Schools, occurred on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. This year’s game was between the Hellgate Knights and the Big Sky Eagles.
Both schools competing are required to pick a theme for their school’s student section and halftime performance. This year Hellgate chose Star Wars: The Knights Strike Back. In preparation for this big event, a week full of Star Wars festivities and school spirit was brought to the halls of Hellgate.
The week started off on Tuesday with the spirit week theme of blackout, representing The Darkside. After school there was a girls basketball game at 5:30 and a boys basketball game at 7, both against Sentinel High School. This game had a huge turnout with a packed student section. Both games were very close, but the Hellgate girls took home the win.
Wednesday brought on lots of Hellgate pride with the spirit week theme of Red and Gold. A camera set up in the Hellgate library captured short clips of students sharing something that made them smile throughout their day. After school, the day concluded with a full run GOAT rehearsal in the Adams Center giving the Knights time to fully prepare their elaborate performance for Friday night.
Thursday had the theme of ‘anything but a backpack’ day, giving the students a fun opportunity to carry their school supplies in their own creative way. In preparation for the big day on Friday, Star Wars trivia was held at Office Hours where hot chocolate was also provided. This event had a big turnout, filling the Upper Commons.
When Friday, the day of the GOAT game, finally arrived, students showed up to school decked out in star wars gear and Hellgate’s GOAT shirts. A photoshoot set up at lunch gave students the chance to show off their spirited costumes. The school day ended with an GOAT assembly featuring spirit squad performances, a rousing game of musical chairs, a preview of the GOAT hype video, crucial info for the night’s events, and some on theme chants that student government and the cheer squad created for the big night.
Then it was time for the game Hellgate’s been waiting for since the 2024 defeat, Hellgate’s first defeat in GOAT history. The school-led pre-party got Hellgate students ready for a long night of cheering and chanting. The boys game featured Big Sky’s halftime show with the theme of Top Gun, and Hellgate Boys Basketball took home the win. Then it was time for the Girl’s game, Hellgate’s turn for the halftime performance.
After hours of practice throughout prior weeks, it was finally time to perform Hellgate’s Star Wars halftime show. With participation from the audience, the teachers, the band, the choir, the cheer team, the dance team, and the students, Hellgate pulled off an amazing performance bringing the crowd to their feet including many props, light effects, and an entire student written storyline.
The night ended in a devastating Hellgate defeat, the Big Sky Eagles taking home Gertie once again. Though this loss was taken to heart by many, the night was sure to make history. The school of Hellgate came together as one and pulled off an incredible night of school spirit and community.
