Loggers football win big game over Polson, 31-20

The Libby Loggers continued to attack as the game went on, as they knocked off Polson 31-20 Friday night in their Northwestern A Conference opener.

Loggers head coach Kyle Hannah was very pleased with his teams' performance and the win.

"Friday night’s win was one of the best all-around performances Logger football has had in a long time," Hannah said. "It truly felt like a community win. The energy in the stadium was incredible — most places don’t see that kind of crowd unless a team is deep in the playoffs. I want to sincerely thank everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to come support the boys. Your presence made a difference."

Loggers senior quarterback Tristan Andersen played a key role in the victory, rushing for two touchdowns and throwing for two more. He capped Libby’s first drive with a 3-yard score and later added a 10-yard run in the fourth quarter that sealed the win. Andersen also connected with Isaac Lamere on a 20-yard touchdown pass and found Bransen Holzer for a 25-yard strike.

Holzer gave Libby an early spark with a 9-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, answering Polson’s opening strike. The Pirates had jumped ahead when Case Cox hit Eli Evenson on a 61-yard scoring pass. Libby led 13-7 at halftime and then 19-7 in the third quarter when Andersen found Lamere for a TD.

Polson hung tough throughout the contest, with Holden Emerson carrying much of the load. Emerson rushed for a 12-yard touchdown in the third quarter to cut it to 19-14. Libby responded with Andersen's scoring pass to Holzer to extend their lead to 25-14. The play was a big one as Andersen scrambled to make time before hitting Holzer on fourth down.

Emerson added a 5-yard scoring grab from Cox in the fourth, but Andersen sealed the game with a touchdown run in the fourth.  

Andersen hit 18 of 35 passes for 202 yards, two TDs and two interceptions. He also ran 15 times for 121 yards. Lamere was the top pass catcher with eight receptions for 78 yards and one TD. 

Holzer had another huge game. He caught seven balls for 65 yards and one TD. He also ran for a TD and completed a 42-yard pass on a trick play. His work on special teams was crucial as he returned a kickoff 67 yards and two punts 49 yards.

Overall, the Loggers gained 392 yards while the defense held the Pirates to 307.

Libby improved to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in league play, while Polson dropped to 2-2 and 0-1.

"This victory moves us one step closer to the playoffs," Hannah said. "To get there, we’ll need to win two of our next four games. Three of those opponents are projected to be among the top teams in the conference, so we’ll be stepping into each matchup as the underdog — but we’re ready for the challenge. If we can stay healthy and keep everyone available, we believe we can compete with anyone.”'

The Loggers play at Bigfork tonight. The Vikings are 0-1 in the Northwest Conference and 2-2 overall following a 27-13 loss to Columbia Falls last week.

    Libby's Bransen Holzer (20) celebrates a second-half touchdown with teammates Gabe Kosters (22) and Hunter Witmer (61) against Polson Friday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Logger Stadium. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    Libby's Ian Thom breaks free for a gain against Polson Friday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Logger Stadium. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)