Back for another shot at the title, the NorCal Grizzlies U19s are looking for a third straight Great Northwest Challenge Elite Division championship.
The Grizzlies open against a resurgent Washington team at 11:00 AM in Bozeman, Mont. and then take on Montana West in the afternoon.
On the other side of the bracket Utah and Colorado wait.
Despite having won the tournament the last two years and coming off a successful All Star State Championship vs Los Angeles and San Diego two weeks ago, in which they beat Southern California, the Grizzlies are careful about complacency.
"if you are comfortable you are vulnerable," said Program Director Adriaan Ferris. "Selection is never permanent. Every Grizzlies player should play with a chip on their shoulder because someone else is chasing the jersey you are wearing."
Head Coach Ray Lehner will call on returning standouts Thomas Parrott (flyhalf), O.C. Lehner (No. 8), Chris Liebbrandt (scrumhalf), and Rowan Hester (lock) to lead the 2026 team.
