The Whitefish boys soccer team topped Hamilton 3-0 in a quarterfinal match last week to send the Bulldogs to the State A semifinals. 

Senior Jack Oehlerich scored a brace in the first half, and Kyler Jonson added one in the 41st minute. The Bulldogs outshot the Broncs 15-7. 

“I am happy with the way the boys approached the game,” said Whitefish Head Coach Eric Sawtelle. “Although our touch and passing were off the first 10 minutes, we settled in and did a good job maintaining possession and dictating the pace of the game.” 

The Whitefish defense was, once again, composed and confident. They limited Hamilton’s chances repeatedly. The Bulldog offense was patient and thoughtful about their shot selection. 

"We continue to grow as a squad, and everyone that came onto the pitch today brought a good balance of focus and intensity,” Sawtelle said. “We had some nice spells of possession and switching the field of play that generated opportunities, and we need to keep improving with that. 

“It’s a special time for all of our seniors as they know very well their time playing together is limited,” he said. “I am very proud of the way they are all contributing and leading the team in these challenging and intense matches.” 

The Bulldogs earned another 80 minutes together on the pitch. They’ll play Stevensville in the semifinals on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. at Smith Fields. 

Earlier in the week, the Whitefish boys played a must-win play-in game against Bigfork to earn their spot in the quarterfinal. They showed up and got the job done, with a 3-1 win. 

Bigfork struck first when Quinn Kerr scored in the 9th minute. Before halftime, Jonson scored a brace and added one in the second half for a hat trick. 

“After a frustrating game against Bigfork two weeks ago, I was proud of the way our boys approached the match this afternoon,” said Sawtelle. “Even after going down a goal early on in the match, our boys showed a degree of maturity and composure that should be commended.” 

Sawtelle said the Bulldogs were more assured while in possession. They switched the field of play comfortably without forcing it. 

“Several players were asked to perform different roles, and everyone that stepped onto the pitch, once again, had a positive impact on the game,” Sawtelle said. “Rowan Perkins brought a lot of composure in the defensive center mid position, and Wyatt Carlson worked tirelessly through the middle of the pitch.  Luca Duffy also added a lot of energy to the wing. Ben Nelson was a solid presence in goal and made a couple of critical saves.” 

Lady Bulldogs soccer season ends, but the future is bright 

The Lady Bulldogs lost a close match against Bigfork, 1-2, thereby ending their successful season. Seven freshmen players started the game, so the future is bright for Whitefish girls soccer. 

“Bigfork came in hot offensively, and Whitefish’s defense held up strong,” said Whitefish Head Coach Kelly Ordway.  

Early in the game, Whitefish senior Anna Guzman sent in a powerful shot from outside the 18 that hit the cross bar. 

Bigfork scored off a corner kick in the first half. They netted another in the second half when they were granted a short range direct free kick in the 42nd minute. Whitefish’s Neva Sliman sank a penalty shot to get the Lady Bulldogs on the board with just minutes left to play. 

“Whitefish pulled out the reserve tanks and had Bigfork on their heels for the final 25 minutes, with another shot hitting the cross bar and several other very close strikes,” Ordway said.  

In the 81st minute, a Bigfork foul in the box gave Whitefish a penalty kick.  

“Freshman Neva Sliman maintained ice cold composure with booming stands, placing her shot in the bottom corner,” Ordway added. “It was a championship level match that, unfortunately, met at the play-in.” 

    Whitefish's Jack Oehlerich and Henyi Barbieri come together with the Bigfork keeper in mid-air at Smith Fields. (Julie Engler/Whitefish PIlot)
  

    Bulldog Luca Duffy calmly moves through the midfield. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Whitefish's Rowan Perkins prepares to take a free kick in the game against Bigfork last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Bulldog senior Gavin Sibson skies for a header against Bigfork. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)