The Bulldogs jumped to an early lead against rival Columbia Falls on Friday, but the Wildcats had other plans and made a surging comeback to take the win 19-18.  

“I don’t see this as anything but a motivator,” Whitefish Coach Brett Bollweg said. “This is not a group that throws in the towel because of something hard.  

“That’s why I’m excited about these guys and what they’re going to do in the world, because at the end of the day, this field is a training ground for life -- things don’t go your way, and you’ve got to regroup and come back stronger. I have a ton of confidence that, because of the moral values and the character of the team, that they’re going to do just that.”  

Senior Bulldog Cole Moses started the game strong, rushing a 47-yard touchdown. Luke Dalen then ran for a 1-yard touchdown. Both PATs failed, but the Bulldogs still had a solid 12-0 lead before the end of the first quarter. 

The Wildcats held the Bulldogs at the 3-yard line as the game approached halftime. Kicker Tait Orme was able to bring in a 27-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Orme notched another 28-yard field goal, bringing the score to 18-0.  

In the fourth quarter, Columbia Falls had three successful drives from the Wildcats’ Easton Brooks, Jory Hill and Trip Ross, to bring the score in their favor, 19-18.  

“There is always things we can improve on,” Bollweg concluded. “That’s the nature of playing sports. At the end of the day, we didn’t do the things we needed to do in order to get the win, and that starts with myself. 

“None of our goals change at this point. Everything we are looking to accomplish is still out in front of us, and our guys have a lot to play for. I have confidence that the best is in front us.”  

The Bulldogs also honored seniors on Friday: John McLaughlin, Joey Priegel, Jordan Harmon, Cooper Akey, Tait Orme, Landon Norberg, Cole Moses, Colt Moss, Sam Nissen, Aaron Anderson, Johnny Calles, Walker Williams, Connor Cornutt, Sam Akey, Creed Scott and Anderson Barrile.  

“They’ve poured a lot into our program, and they will without a doubt leave it better than when they showed up. I’m honored to be their coach... the best part is, we still have a lot of time together,” Bollweg said.  

Whitefish is now 4-2 overall and 2-1 in region, while Columbia Falls leads Northwest A at 3-3, 3-0. The Bulldogs are on the road to play Libby this Friday.