Battle for the Bell: Montague vs. Whitehall
Each fall, the Montague Wildcats and Whitehall Vikings face off in one of Michigan’s most celebrated high school rivalries. Though the towns are separated only by a bridge across White Lake, this game divides neighbors and friends. At its center is a trophy that has become a lasting symbol: the Battle for the Bell.
Roots of the Rivalry
The rivalry’s official football series began in 1921, according to the MHSAA record book. Since then, the two schools have met 118 times through 2024, with Montague leading 64–52–2. These numbers mark it as one of the state’s longest-running rivalries. Every year, thousands of fans pack the stands to see which team will take home bragging rights.
The Bell and Its Origins
The winner each year earns the right to ring and display a red, white, and blue victory bell until the next game. Exactly who introduced the bell and when remains uncertain. Local tradition holds that Montague coach Jack Bendelow, who led the team from 1953 to 1969, believed the bell first appeared in 1955 when the schools battled for a conference title. While no official record names the donor or origin, the bell has since become the rivalry’s most visible prize.
Traditions That Unite the Towns
Beyond the game itself, the rivalry is known for its unique bridge coin toss. Players, cheerleaders, and fans from both sides gather on the bridge over the White River for a ceremonial flip of the coin. Music from school bands and cheers from crowds make it a community-wide celebration. Even in years when weather or COVID disrupted the ceremony, the tradition returned, proving its importance to both towns.
Recent Results
In recent years, Whitehall has controlled the series. The Vikings reclaimed the bell in 2021 with a 34–14 victory, their first win over Montague since 2014. They followed with commanding victories: 60–6 in 2022, 35–0 in 2023, and 42–7 in 2024. Each result is confirmed by local game reports and the MHSAA ledger.
More Than Just Football
For over a century, the Montague–Whitehall rivalry has been about more than scores and standings. The ringing of the bell, the roar of the crowd, and the gathering on the bridge all reflect how deeply this tradition is woven into community life. Even as the results shift from year to year, the Battle for the Bell continues to unite and define the White Lake area.
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