They're young, they're playing hard, but they certainly had a tough start to their season. The Columbia Falls boys soccer team lost to Park County High School Friday at home 4-0 and followed that up Saturday with a loss to Belgrade, 6-0.

The match against Livingston was a bit closer than the score would suggest. The Rangers only outshot the Cats 14-13, but the Rangers' strikes found the back of the net.

Against Belgrade, it was all Panthers, as they outshot the Wildcats 25-2. Keeper Brandon Karberg had a valiant effort in the net, but if he blocked one shot, there was a Panther there to knock in the rebound.

Coach O'Brien Byrd said he was pleased with the boys' progress over the weekend. He noted Belgrade is the top team in the state and the Wildcats held them scoreless for the first 20 minutes.

"I'm extremely impressed with the guys," Byrd said.

The Cats are a very young squad. The team only has one senior and started three freshmen against Belgrade. Still, Byrd said he has confidence the team will improve as the season progresses. The first four games are nonconference games where they can work on technique.

"The effort and heart is there," he said. "They never stop clawing and scratching. I'm beaming with pride."

They're on the road this week against against Laurel Friday and Billings Central Saturday.

"These (nonconference) games are opportunities to improve," Byrd said.