Bigfork’s playoff run ends with first-round loss to Hamilton

The Bigfork Vikings saw their season come to a close Friday night as Hamilton’s explosive offense proved too much in a 46-20 Broncs win during the Class A first-round state football playoffs.

Hamilton quarterback Cooper Weston led the way for the Broncs (8-1), throwing for 222 yards and a touchdown while adding two more scores on the ground. Bigfork (5-4) battled to the end but couldn’t overcome early turnovers and a special teams miscue that helped Hamilton build a 20-0 first-quarter lead.

The Vikings’ night started on the wrong foot when an errant snap on their first possession led to a safety. The Broncs capitalized on the ensuing drive, with Brandon Saltzman punching in an 11-yard touchdown run. Moments later, Jude Widmer broke loose for a 43-yard score after a long punt return by Jackson Lubke, giving Hamilton a commanding early advantage.

Bigfork found life late in the first quarter when Tayden West sprinted 26 yards into the end zone with 17 seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to 20-7. But on the ensuing kickoff, Lubke took it 92 yards for another Broncs touchdown — a momentum killer that stretched Hamilton’s lead to 26-7.

Hamilton’s passing game added to the damage in the second quarter when Weston connected with Kaeden Gum on a 32-yard touchdown strike. Weston finished the night completing 17 of 25 passes, spreading the ball efficiently while the Broncs’ ground game — led by Widmer’s 106 yards and two touchdowns — kept Bigfork’s defense under pressure.

The Vikings put together a strong third-quarter drive behind quarterback Cole Schmit, who hit Tamret Savik for a 45-yard gain before finding Austin Savik on a 30-yard touchdown strike to make it 32-14. But once again, Hamilton responded quickly, as Weston scored on a 9-yard keeper to extend the lead early in the fourth quarter.

Treker Hickey capped Bigfork’s scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run late in the fourth, his team-best 13th carry of the night. Hickey finished with 72 rushing yards, while West added another strong performance on the ground.

Schmit completed 5 of 11 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown, while Alex Ochs went 6 of 9 for 44 yards in relief. Both quarterbacks connected often with the Savik brothers — Austin caught five passes for 72 yards, and Tamret added four receptions for 73 yards.

Despite totaling 346 yards of offense, the Vikings couldn’t overcome three turnovers and a red-zone fumble that halted a promising drive early in the second half.

Gum led Hamilton’s receiving corps with five catches for 101 yards, helping the Broncs outgain Bigfork 412-346.

Though the playoff exit stings, Bigfork finishes the season at 5-4, highlighted by a strong stretch run in conference play and a balanced offensive attack that kept them competitive against some of Class A’s top teams.