The Columbia Falls football team walloped Libby 49-0 on the road last week, marking their third shutout of an opponent in a row.

Sophomore quarterback Banyan Johnston threw four touchdown passes and ran for another score Friday.

Defensively, Cooper Ross recovered a blocked Libby punt in the end zone for a touchdown,

“Our defense is playing really well right now and our offense is catching up,” coach Kelly Houle said.

Johnston had a tough go early in the season, but since has rounded into form, as the offensive line has improved greatly, giving him time to throw and, perhaps as importantly, to take off if a play breaks down or he sees an opening to run the ball.

Johnston  was 9 for 12 passing for 166 yards and had 7 rushes for 54 yards. Austin Dodson had 10 rushes for 41 yards. Easton Brooks caught two touchdown passes, Ross had a TD catch and Daniel Contreras had one.

All told the Cats had 209 yards total offense.

Defensively, Contreras had four tackles and a sack, Ross broke up one pass, picked off another and Billy Joe West had four tackles and a sack. Dodson and Brody Tcakchyk led the squad with six tackles apiece and Lane Voermans had five.

Next up is Bigfork at home, a key matchup for the Wildcats.

Houle said the strategy will be to stop Bigfork’s running game and try to them throw the ball more.

The Vikings are 5-2 overall. If the Cats can get past the Vikings and Ronan (the last regular season game of the year) they’d secure third in the West and would host an opening round playoff game.