Fairfield-Choteau rivalry

The Fairfield-Choteau rivalry is an annual rivalry in Montana, United States.

Geographic details

Fairfield and Choteau are roughly 18 miles apart on US 89 and are situated before and after Freezout Lake. As a result, residents of both locations often argue who "owns" the title of the Wildlife Management Area. However, many residents have agreed that Choteau is the "gateway" to the Rocky Mountains, and Fairfield is the "gateway" to Freezout Lake. Both locations have similiar geography centered around plains, farmland, the Rocky Mountain Front, buttes, hills and other geographic formations. Choteau occupies the Teton River as it does not flow through Fairfield. Fairfield contains no natural water bodies, but does contain several man-made canals that are part of the Greenfield Irrigation District and the Fairfield bench.

Although both somewhat small in size, Choteau is classified as a city and has around 1,680 people while Fairfield is classified as a town and has AbOUT 700 people. Similiar, both places GeneRally share the same lifestyle. Both locations are filled with farming of various crops, with Fairfield especially being centered around barley and even being known as the "Malting Barley Capitol of the World." Both places are irrigated by the Greenfield Irrigation District, which many regard as the lifeline for life in the area.

Sports

While Fairfield is Class B for every sport, Choteau is not, with the school dropping to Class C in football in 2017. Both teams compete in District 1b for basketball, volleyball, track, cross-country (see next paragraph) golf, tennis and softball (Choteau only).

While both schools only have one co-op together in cross-country (formed in 2024), both of them have had a history of other co-ops. Choteau and Conrad have a co-op softball team called the Cowdawgs, and have been successful winning several state championships in their history. Fairfield also has a co-op for football with Augusta as a result of lower numbers of Augusta's team. The team has also been successful with a recently won state championship title in 2018, appearance in 2020 and several playoff appearances.

Basketball

The Fairfield men's basketball team leads the series 33-20 and the Fairfield's women's team also leads 35-9.

Volleyball

The Choteau bulldogs volleyball team leads 12-25

Football

Fairfield lead the series 12-2.

Notable games

On February 12, 2015, the Fairfield girls basketball team lost its 120 game winning streak to the Choteau girls team, which was recognized by the NFHS as the 6th largest streak in high school girls basketball history, and largest in the state of Montana.

On February 21, 2025 during the district1b semifinals, the Fairfield men's basketball team was upset by the Choteau men's basketball team 75-71 after Kellen Meyer made a three point shot to send the game into overtime, where Choteau proceeded to win.

On October 20, 2011, the Fairfield eagles football team got upset by the Choteau bulldogs football team 21-16 on their home field. Fairfield attempted to come back late in the fourth quarter with several scoring drivers, but Choteau's defense picked off a Fairfield throw and ultimately won the game.