Wildcats cruise past Polson, Bigfork dominates Ronan, and county rivals battle across the region

It was a rough Friday night for Lake County’s high school football teams, as Columbia Falls, Superior, Seeley-Swan, and Darby all handed local squads decisive losses.

Columbia Falls 46, Polson 13

The Polson Pirates struck early but couldn’t sustain momentum as Columbia Falls’ offense erupted for 46 points in a decisive win.

After Trip Ross opened the scoring for the Wildcats on a one-yard plunge, Case Cox connected with Holden Emerson for a touchdown to tie it 7-7 midway through the first quarter. From there, Columbia Falls’ passing attack took control. Quarterback Banyan Johnston threw three touchdown passes—two to Ross and one to Caleb Mee—and ran in another himself.

Ross was unstoppable, finishing with 151 rushing yards on 23 carries to go along with a touchdown reception and two short runs. Columbia Falls racked up 489 total yards, including 267 through the air from Johnston.

Polson’s offense found flashes of success late, as Cox hit Luke Horner for a 56-yard touchdown in the fourth. Running back Daniel O’Roake added 114 yards on the ground, but turnovers proved costly as Columbia Falls intercepted three passes.

Bigfork 56, Ronan 0

The Vikings’ defense led the charge in a shutout over Ronan. The Vikings improved to 5-2 overall (3-1 in conference) with the win, while Ronan dropped to 0-8. Bigfork continues to look like a serious postseason contender.

Superior 52, Arlee 6

The Arlee Warriors faced one of their toughest tests of the season in a 52-6 road loss to a high-powered Superior squad.

The Bobcats (6-2) exploded for 24 points in the first quarter and never looked back. Quarterback Phin Cataldo scored on a 37-yard run before connecting with Landon Richards on a 33-yard touchdown pass. Turner Milender added three rushing touchdowns, including runs of 29, 39, and 24 yards.

Arlee avoided the shutout in the fourth quarter when Keelan Dupuis threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Dean Moran.

Seeley-Swan 44, Mission 8

Mission matched undefeated Seeley-Swan early, but the Blackhawks’ deep rushing attack eventually took over in a 44-8 defeat for the Bulldogs.

Seeley-Swan’s Kolten Zurmuehlen gashed the Bulldogs for 185 yards on 14 carries, part of a 339-yard team rushing performance. Quarterback Blake Irwin efficiently guided the offense with 50 passing yards and no turnovers.

Mission tied the game 8-8 in the first quarter but couldn’t maintain drives against the Blackhawks’ physical defense. The Bulldogs slipped to 5-3 on the year.

Darby 48, Charlo 14

Charlo’s defense had no answer for Darby’s McCoy Townsend, who turned in one of the top performances in Class C this season.

Townsend rushed for 225 yards and five touchdowns, adding two conversion runs for good measure as the Tigers rolled to victory. Jordon Browning added both a rushing and receiving touchdown for Darby, while Kylie Colton chipped in defensively.

Charlo found the end zone twice but couldn’t match Darby’s firepower, falling to 2-6 on the season. 

    Darby Tiger Jordan Browning moves the ball as Charlo Viking Karson Cox attempts to catch up during their home game on Oct. 17. (Emily Messer/Leader)
  

    Charlo Viking Ecko Edwards is tackled by Darby Tiger Colter Bennett on Oct. 17. (Emily Messer/Leader)