CLARK FORK — Riding a strong defensive effort led by linemen Spencer Jeffres and Hunter Boudousquie, who combined for seven sacks, the Wampus Cats notched a convincing 32-12 win over longtime North Star League power Kootenai, one of the stronger wins in recent memory for the program.

The win showed the Wampus Cats (4-2, 3-1 WSL) are a player in the White Star League, and tonight marks a chance to match up with league power Deary (3-1, 2-0 WSL), which beat Clark Fork 58-8 last year, and see if they’re ready to contend for a state playoff berth.

Deary has beaten its last two opponents, Timberline and Lewis County, by the combined score of 130-16. Deary’s lone loss of the season came while playing up in class against Genessee.

The Wampus Cats boast a balanced offense, led by dual threat quarterback Wade Stevens, who has accounted for 15 touchdowns on the season. Dakota West and Drew Hammack are splitting carries in the back field, while Bryant Moore and Boudousquie stretch the wide open eight-man fields in the passing game.

Clark Fork head coach Brian Arthun said before the season if his team wants to grab one of the two White Star League state playoff berths, it will need to beat league powers Kendrick or Deary. Tonight marks the first chance, with Kendrick on deck next Friday.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at the field in Clark Fork.