Vikings battle, but late surge lifts Columbia Falls past Bigfork, 27–13

Bigfork traded punches on the road Friday night, but a fourth-quarter burst by Columbia Falls turned a tight Northwest A game into a 27–13 setback for the Vikings on the Wildcats’ homecoming.

Bigfork answered an early Columbia Falls touchdown with its best drive of the first half, leaning on the ground game to steady the night. Treker Hickey churned out tough yards between the tackles and quarterback Cole Schmit used play-action to keep the chains moving. On fourth-and-goal from the 2, Schmit floated a strike to Tayden West for the equalizer and a 7–7 score late in the first quarter.

Special teams swung momentum the Vikings’ way minutes later. Tight end Austin Savik slipped behind the defense for a 52-yard catch, and Quinn Kerr drilled a 44-yard field goal for a 10–7 Bigfork lead with 7:04 left in the half. Columbia Falls responded before intermission, edging back in front 13–10 on a red-zone connection.

The third quarter turned into a defensive grind. Bigfork’s front held firm on multiple short-yardage snaps and forced punts, while Kerr tied it 13–13 with a 29-yard field goal in the final minute of the period.

Columbia Falls finally broke through with seven minutes remaining, turning a quick screen into a 46-yard touchdown and adding a late 3-yard run to seal it. The Wildcats’ passing game proved the difference, finishing with three touchdown throws and several explosive gains that flipped field position.

Schmit went 11 of 20 for 107 yards and the scoring toss to West. Hickey paced the ground game with 16 carries for 67 yards, and Savik’s 52-yard grab highlighted the receiving effort. Kerr was perfect on his two field-goal attempts (44, 29) and added an extra point.

Bigfork (2–3, 0–1 Northwest A) returns home next week looking to rebound against Libby.