Capital High Football 1978

In 1978, after only six years in existence --- and in their first attempt in the playoffs --- CHS captured a State Title. In the regular season finale, they beat Anaconda 27-6 (Phil Hauck rushing for 226 yds.) to win the Clark Division; shutout Billings West 19-0 (the defense forced seven turnovers and held the Bears to only 124 total yards) in the semis; and then bested CMR at Vigilante Stadium, in the bitter cold and snow, for a 10-1 record and the crown. QB Bob Petrino drew first blood with an 80-yard jaunt down the sidelines. In the 2nd quarter, the Rustlers had first and goal at the five, but the Capital defense held, and four straight rushes left the ball inches from pay dirt. After CMR tied it up in the third 7-7, in the 4th stanza Scott Miller came back for a Petrino pass at Russell's 40, and rambled all the way to the five. Petrino then snuck it in on 4th and one. The kick failed, but they desperately held on --- opposing QB John Leister threw four incomplete passes into the end zone from the nine yd. line in the last 15 seconds --- to win 13-7.

Six Bruins were placed on the All-State 1st team; Bob Petrino (QB and Co-Outstanding Offensive Player), Mike Gillespie (TE), Tim Crennen (OT), Phil Hauck (RB), Ron Glueckert (DT) and Dan Frankino (DB). Offensively Petrino amassed 1,829 rushing and passing yards, and scored 22 TDs (11 rushing and 11 passing); and Hauck legged out 1,095 yds. Defensively Glueckert tallied 11 sacks; and Frankino and Eric Stebbins pirated seven enemy passes.

From the Last Chance Gulch Sports Glance by Curt Synness