Holly Bronchos Start Season with a Win at the U of M Big House
(HAS, Sept. 28, 2026)
HOLLY, Mich. — The Broncho Varsity Football team is off to a historic start to the season — including winning its first three football games for the first time in more than four decades and a thrilling come-from-behind victory at the University of Michigan’s “Big House.”
The team’s amazing season started with a 15-12 victory on Aug. 27 at the “Battle at the Big House” against Lapeer at the legendary University of Michigan Stadium. The Broncho Marching Band performed at halftime, and the cheer team performed on the sidelines.
The Bronchos made a huge turnaround after trailing 12-0 at the start of the fourth quarter. After a touchdown drive with just nine minutes remaining, the Bronchos took possession of the ball on the 30-yard-line. Quarterback Colton Curtis led the march down the field with senior Braylon Krancevic making a 5-yard touchdown. Senior Greg Montpas brought home the win with a 2-point conversion with 29 seconds remaining.
The team continued its winning streak with a resounding 42-7 win against Pontiac Notre Dame Prep on Sept. 3 and a 41-12 victory over Swartz Creek on Sept. 11. The team’s early 3-0 record was the first time the Bronchos won their first three games in 42 years. The winning run came to an end on Sept. 18 after a valiant effort against Linden.
“Words alone cannot express how proud I am of our outstanding Broncho football team that worked day and night over the summer to prepare for this historic season,” said Casey Lombard, athletic director. “All that hard work paid off this fall with a winning streak for the record books that began on the field at the Big House — one of the largest athletic fields in the world.”
The Broncho squad is led this year by captains Greg Montpas, Andre Givens, Aiden Hignite, Connor Lipiec-Coomer, Elliot Searles and Avery Chaffin and Coach Billy Keenist Jr. Under Coach Keenist’s leadership, the Bronchos have qualified for the Michigan High School Athletic Association Football playoffs three of the last four seasons.
During the Sept. 11 home game against Swartz Creek, the Holly community helped raise nearly $3,000 for the district’s athletic department through a test-drive event sponsored by Mazda. The event was a cherry on the top of a landmark early season for the Bronchos, Holly athletics and our community.
“Our Broncho football, marching band, cheer and dance teams have shown all of Michigan what Broncho Pride is all about,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools superintendent. “Together, they demonstrate teamwork, discipline and other key life skills that last students a lifetime on and off the field. We look forward to more exciting games and competitions from these outstanding Bronchos in the weeks ahead.”
