Conference Champs: Cats go on 5-0 run to win Northwest A football title, get bye for playoffs

Two pick sixes, one by Kyler Voermans and another by Easton Brooks helped Columbia Falls football in a 50-26 win over Libby at home Friday night in a game that was a bit closer than the score would suggest.

With the victory the Wildcats win the Northwest A conference title and now have a first-round bye in the playoffs. After a 0-3 start in nonconference games to open the season, the Cats rattled off five straight victories in conference play.

Libby actually moved the ball well, but quarterback Tristan Andersen also threw three interceptions. Kyler Voermans had a 37-yard pick six in the first half and Easton Brooks had a 44-yard pick six in the second half.

Libby was down just 21-18 early in the third, but within a few possessions the Cats were up 36-18 and never looked back.

Brooks had three touchdown receptions on the game and Trip Ross ran for two touchdowns as well. Defensively, Ross accounted for one tackle and 22 tackle assists.

Ross ran for 148 yards on 17 carries. Jory Hill caught six passes for 109 yards for the Cats, and Brooks had eight catches for 61 yards. 

Cats quarterback Banyan Johnston was 17 for 26 for 232 yards. He also rushed for 22 yards.

All told, the Cats racked up 527 yards of offense.

Coach Kelly Houle was pleased with the balanced attack. 

The Cats have been taking care of the ball and using their skilled players to full advantage against opponents. 

They’ve also cleaned up the holding and procedure penalties that hurt them early in the season, he noted.

“We keep climbing. We want to be playing our best ball for the playoffs,” Houle said. “I’m proud of our kids going on that run.”

Andersen completed 24 of 37 passes for 307 yards and a touchdown. The Libby quarterback also ran 18 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns. 

Columbia Falls now has a week to prepare for the winner of the East Helena-Dawson County game.

The break will be good for the team as they can nurse a few nicks and work on their game plan.

East Helena thrashed the Cats at home, 40-8 earlier this year.

But the Cats are playing much better ball and have realigned their defense.

“Defensively we’ll be much, much better,” Houle said. 

The expectation is a rematch against East Helena. The Cats haven’t played Glendive.

Playoff games are on Friday nights this year, so the Cats will play Nov. 7.