Whitefish football sharpened up on all ends Friday as the team claimed a 41–6 victory against the Polson Pirates. 

Cole Moses ignited the offense with a 69-yard touchdown run, followed by a short-yardage score from the 1-yard line. Quarterback Luke Dalen then connected with Jordan Harmon on a 26-yard strike and later found Bear Barker for a 5-yard touchdown pass. By halftime, that brought them to a commanding 27–0 lead. 

Coach Brett Bollweg said he has been pleased with the team’s ability to improve every week, and that they were “clicking on all aspects of the game” on Friday.  

Key to the Bulldogs’ success was their defense holding the Pirates to third down. The Bulldogs also had some big conversions, both in the run game and the path game. 

Meanwhile, the Pirates struggled to find traction on the ground, managing 50 yards on 17 carries. 

Bulldog Moses ended the game with 121 yards on 11 carries, and three total touchdowns.

Jordan Harmon contributed 73 yards and a rushing touchdown, Dalen added 91 yards on the ground, and Vlad Shestak and Colt Moss chipped in with short gains, totaling 308 yards as a team.  

On passing, Dalen finished the night 13-of-22 for 168 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Eight different receivers caught his passes.  

Shestak led in yardage with 45 yards on two catches, while Harmon and Barker each brought in touchdown receptions. 

“We were able to get positive yardage in the run game consistently, which made a huge difference in the whole flow of the game,” Bollweg said. “Luke Dalen played a complete game on Friday, taking advantage of the opportunities he had.” 

Creed Scott, up front of the line, both offensively and defensively, was a “menace,” Bollweg said.  

“He’s becoming somebody we can trust with all parts of the game,” he said.  

It’s rival time this Friday. The Bulldogs host Columbia Falls and will have to bring their A-game to be ready to take on the Wildcats, Bollweg said.  

The implications of the matchup of the top two Northwest A teams will make the game all the more exciting. The Wildcats are 2-3 overall, 2-0 in region, while the Bulldogs are 4-1 overall, 2-0 in region.  

“We’re excited about the opportunity, and fortunate to be able to play a really good opponent ... it’s never a bad time play against Columbia Falls. Always a fun time,” Bollweg concluded.