Hungry Horse News

Columbia Falls running back Brodie Tkachyk made the most of senior night, rushing for 102 yards and four touchdowns on 19 carries as the Wildcat football team trounced Ronan 45-8 at home Friday.

The senior had rushing touchdowns of 2, 3, 11 and 1 yards. Senior Cooper Ross also had a 6-yard rushing touchdown and junior wide receiver Easton Brooks also had a great night with a 19-yard TD catch and 5-yard TD catch.

Quarterback Banyan Johnston was 11 of 18 for 115 yards and one TD pass. Johnston left the game late in the first half on what looked like a knee injury, but he was able to walk off on his own power. Senior Reggie Sapa filled in the second half and is a more than capable backup if need be.

Sapa was 6 for 6 passing for 49 yards in the second half. 

Johnston will be evaluated this week to determine if he can play in the first round of the playoffs against Corvallis Friday night at home. Game time is 7 p.m.

Tkachyk was the back up to Sapa at running back, but after Sapa got banged up a bit, they decided to give Tkachyk a shot and he’s proven himself. He’s not a big back, but he’s quick and has a knack for slipping through holes in the line.

All of this offensive success comes down to the offensive line giving the skill players the time to set up plays and they’ve done an admirable job, coach Kelly Houle said.

“The last two or three games they’ve really come together,” he said. “I’m pleased and proud how well the o-line is playing ... When we can run the ball it sets up everything else.”

The defense had another stellar game, forcing two Ronan turnovers. Tkachyk had seven tackles and a sack to lead the squad; Ross had six tackles and a fumble recovery and Hayden Strandberg, who has really elevated his game, had four tackles and an interception. Jaden Persinger also had a nice game with four tackles and an interception.

The Cats held Ronan to 209 yards total offense, most of which came on a couple of long pass plays.

With Corvallis, the Cats will try to stymie the Blue Devils running game. The Blue Devils rely heavily on quarterback Adyn Mayn, so slowing him down will be paramount. He averages 173 yards throwing per game with 18 touchdowns and 5 interceptions on the season, according to MaxPreps stats.

Corvallis is 5-3 overall, while the Cats come into the matchup at 6-2.

Kris Davis rumbles for extra yards against Ronan.