Keeping Score: Whitefish Bulldogs push to the playoffs

KEEPING SCORE PODCAST | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months AGO

In this episode of Keeping Score, host Luke Schmit of the Daily Inter Lake talks with Dalen and Moses at practice ahead of their playoff opener against Butte Central to talk about leadership, lessons learned, and the mindset driving this team’s postseason push.

The Whitefish Bulldogs’ offense runs through two standout playmakers — Luke Dalen and Cole Moses. Together, the duo accounts for the majority of Whitefish’s scoring and offensive production this season.

Dalen brings poise and versatility to the quarterback position, showcasing both strong arm talent and the ability to make plays with his legs. Moses complements him perfectly in the backfield — a quick, hard-hitting, and elusive running back who’s proven difficult for defenses to bring down.

This week, Butte Central travels to Whitefish for the opening round of the Class A playoffs. The challenge ahead won’t be easy for the Maroons — the Bulldogs have only lost twice this season. One defeat came in dramatic fashion, when rival Columbia Falls stormed back from an 18-0 fourth-quarter deficit on Whitefish’s Senior Night. The heartbreaking loss left the Bulldogs questioning whether they’d get another chance to play in front of their home crowd.

Instead of dwelling on that setback, Whitefish used it as fuel. The Bulldogs flipped the script, rallying from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun Bigfork on their Senior Night. Behind clutch performances from Dalen and Moses, Whitefish stormed back to win 22-21 — a victory that secured the No. 2 seed in the Northwest A division and, most importantly, guaranteed the seniors one more home game.

In interviews ahead of the playoff opener, both Dalen and Moses emphasized how much their teammates and community have meant throughout the season. Dalen spoke about the leadership and unity of this year’s senior class, and what the Bulldogs must execute to take down Butte Central. Moses reflected on his four years in the program and the pride he feels representing Whitefish on and off the field.

With leaders like Dalen and Moses at the helm, the Bulldogs enter the postseason confident, composed, and ready to make a statement.

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PHOTOS: Bulldogs come back to bite Bigfork, 22-21

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