Pirates on Top: Polson captures first-ever state soccer championship with sweep over Whitefish

For years, Polson boys soccer has dreamed of reaching the mountaintop. On Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, that dream finally became reality. 

The Pirates played with purpose, defeating Whitefish 4–0 in the Class A state championship — the school’s first-ever boys soccer state title and one of the most complete performances in program history. 

For Whitefish (13-3), one of the most consistent programs in Montana soccer, it was their first shutout loss of the season, a testament to the Pirates’ preparation and execution.  

The Pirates struck quickly, sending an unmistakable message. In the 13th minute, Afton Hatch buried a shot off a free kick from Roman Sawyer to give Polson an early 1–0 lead. Just two minutes later, Truman Sawyer added to the tally, finishing a feed from Dion Lichtenberg to make it 2–0. 

Those two goals in quick succession put Whitefish on its heels. The Bulldogs, led by offensive standouts Kyler Jonson and Jack Oehlerich, entered the match having combined for 40 goals on the season — but found themselves stifled by a disciplined Pirate back line that clogged every passing lane and met every challenge with intensity. 

By halftime, it was becoming clear that Polson could achieve something special. 

The Bulldogs and Polson were playing more physically — some of the contact resembled gridiron hits — but Polson held strong. In the 45th minute, Hatch struck again, this time finishing off another setup from Lichtenberg to make it 3–0. The dagger came in the 65th minute when Roman Sawyer found the back of the net off a beautiful passing sequence — a primary assist from Lichtenberg and a secondary assist from Jackson Bontadelli — to close out the scoring at 4–0. 

Goalkeeper Maddox Bird was tested often but never broke. He recorded eight saves against nine on-frame shots. Defenders Brody Kline, Donovan Beeks, Archer Russell and Ruger Ellis were equally vital, along with midfielders Cruz Lies and Edgar Vejez-Pete combining for multiple crucial deflections that denied Whitefish’s best chances. 

Polson finished with 23 total shots, 17 on goal, compared to Whitefish’s 16 and 9. The Pirates also earned six corner kicks and committed only eight fouls, showing both aggression and discipline. 

Saturday’s result ended decades of near-misses for Polson boys soccer. The Pirates had reached the state championship match three times before — 2002, 2011 and 2018 — but this was the year everything came together. And it came against the team that had beaten them in those previous three appearances, Whitefish. 

While Whitefish relied heavily on two prolific strikers, Polson spread the wealth, with all four goals in the title match coming from different offensive sequences — a reflection of the team’s depth and chemistry. 

The win was more than a championship, it was a statement of identity for Polson soccer. After years of building and believing, the Pirates finally stood alone atop Class A. 

State Championship Box Score 

Class A Boys State Championship – Nov. 1, 2025
Polson 4, Whitefish 0
At Polson
Whitefish — 0 | 0 — 0
Polson — 2 | 2 — 4 

Scoring summary
13’ – Polson: Afton Hatch (assist Roman Sawyer, free kick)
15’ – Polson: Truman Sawyer (assist Dion Lichtenberg)
45’ – Polson: Afton Hatch (assist Lichtenberg)
65’ – Polson: Roman Sawyer (assist Lichtenberg, secondary assist Jackson Bontadelli) 

Shots (on goal): Whitefish 16 (9), Polson 23 (17)
Saves: Whitefish 9, Polson (Bird) 8
Corner kicks: Whitefish 2, Polson 6
Fouls: Whitefish 12, Polson 8
Cards: Whitefish — Larkin (yellow), Rembaugh (yellow) 

    Polson Pirate Ruger Ellis battles a Whitefish Bulldog player for the ball during their championship game on Nov. 1. (Bob Gunderson Photo)

    Herd of Polson fans rushes onto the soccer field Saturday to congratulate the Pirates on claiming the State Class A championship. (Bob Gunderson photo)