Butte High football player Brady Walsh and Bulldog volleyball player Ellie Yates are this week’s Leskovar Honda Athletes of the Week.

Walsh takes home the boys’ honor after an electrifying performance in Butte High’s 22-21 Homecoming loss to undefeated Missoula Big Sky Friday night at Naranche Stadium.

The 6-foot, 160-pound senior receiver returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown moments after the Bulldogs held their Silver B’s ceremony. In the third quarter, Walsh outran the Eagle defense for a 78-yard touchdown reception to put the Bulldogs on top 21-15.

The receiving touchdown was the second of the season for Walsh, who averaged 23.1 yards per reception as a junior.

Yates receives the girls’ honor for her defensive play for the Bulldog volleyball team, which beat Missoula Big Sky in four sets Tuesday in Missoula. The 5-6 senior libero registered a team-best 25 digs in that victory.

On the season, Yates leads the team with 134 digs. She also carries a 92 percent serving rate and a 2.1 serve receive average. She has served six aces and set 20 assists.

Butte High coach Shane Jorgenson calls “though as nails” Yates the “backbone” of the Bulldog defense.

Since the beginning of 2023, Leskovar Honda, home of the non-commission sales staff that always has your back, has teamed up with the ButteCast to honor the finest student-athletes from the Mining City to encourage more children to get up, get out and try all kinds of sports and activities.

Photos of Walsh and Yates are courtesy Alycia Holland Photography.