Polson overpowered the Whitefish Bulldogs to win the boys soccer Class A state championship, 4-0, in Polson on Saturday. 

The Bulldogs ended the season with a 13-3-0 record, while Polson’s was 11-2-1. 

The Pirates appeared hungry and controlled the frantic tempo of the physical match. 

Whitefish fans are accustomed to seeing the Bulldogs begin games on the back foot and take time to find their rhythm, but on Saturday, that rhythm never came. They appeared to be giving chase and unable to settle into their style of play. 

The Pirates scored in the 13th minute off a powerful free kick that forced the Bulldog keeper to leap and make the initial save, but Pirate Afton Hatch headed in the rebound for a goal. 

Just two minutes later, Polson struck again off another free kick, which bobbled around in the box momentarily before finding the net, sending the teams to halftime at 2-0. 

Whitefish Soccer Head Coach Eric Sawtelle said they knew Polson's set pieces would be strong.  

“Credit to Polson. They played with great intensity throughout the match, made it difficult for us to find any kind of a rhythm and took advantage of their set piece opportunities,” Sawtelle said. “They deserved the victory.” 

Early in the second half, Polson posted a third goal when Hatch got his brace. The Pirates iced the cake 10 minutes later when a squeaker crossed the goal line to make the final score 4-0. 

“It was far from our best night of soccer, and it’s frustrating that our boys were unable to show their quality. We are a much better team than what we showed,” Sawtelle said. “It’s a really tough way to end a good season, but all we can do is move forward with a greater desire to get another chance to represent our community and compete for another title. I have no doubt our strong junior class will step up to the challenge.” 

Two seniors and team leaders, Kyler Jonson and Jack Oehlerich, spoke with maturity and eloquence after the match.  

“We didn’t have our best game, to be honest,” Jonson said. “Defensive marking, we were a little off.  

“They're a really good team,” he continued. “Their fans were hyping them up a lot, and I think it got into our heads a little bit.”  

Both players were part of the Bulldog team that played and lost in the championship game last year in Billings, an experience Oehlerich said motivated them during the season. 

“We were happy to get here. It's all good,” he said shortly after the final match. “When they got their chances, they took them, and we just didn’t have as much intensity as they did.” 

Sawtelle congratulated the team’s 11 seniors on “an amazing four-year journey with Bulldog soccer.” 

"They continued our strong tradition of hard work and high expectations, and they should be proud,” Sawtelle said. “They have created a strong foundation for success as they move forward in life; it will be tough to see them go.” 

The chemistry of 2025 Bulldog soccer team is undeniable. 

“I'm super proud of our season,” Jonson said. “I wouldn’t want a different team to have my last season with.” 

One third of the stands at Polson High School were filled with the green and gold of adult and student Bulldog fans who were transfixed from whistle to whistle and were heard shouting encouraging words to every Whitefish player. 

Sawtelle expressed gratitude for the community of supporters who traveled to Polson. Special thanks go to Bear Mountain Builders for sponsoring the student tickets and to Corwin Motors, PureWest and Parkside Credit Union for sponsoring the spirit buses.   

“The love and energy from the community was very special,” he added.

    The 2025 Whitefish Bulldog boys soccer team accepts the second-place trophy after the championship game against Polson on Saturday. Polson won the game, 4-0. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Bulldog Rowan Perkins extends a hand to a Polson Pirate after a collision in the state championship game on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Bulldog senior Kyler Jonson keeps an eye on the ball as a Polson Pirate brings the ball up field. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Bulldog captain Jack Oehlerich tries to find a way around a tough Pirate defense. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Whitefish Bulldog Griffin Johnson volleys a pass in the championship game against Polson on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Whitefish's Luca Duffy in possession at the game in Polson Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    The Bulldogs found themselves in unfamiliar territory, down 3-0 in the second half of the state championship game on Saturday in Polson. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Sophomore midfielder Judah Colt prepares to take a corner kick in the second half of the championship game on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)