Loggers fall to Columbia Falls in high-scoring season finale

The Libby Loggers came out swinging Friday night but couldn’t slow down Columbia Falls’ offensive surge, falling 50-26 in a Northwest A football showdown that featured plenty of fireworks on both sides of the ball.

For the Loggers, junior quarterback Tristan Andersen kept Libby in the fight, throwing for 307 yards and one touchdown on 24 of 37 passing while also rushing for 99 yards and two scores. Andersen’s aggressiveness helped the Loggers move the ball efficiently, though Columbia Falls’ defense capitalized on three interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns.

Senior receiver Bransen Holzer was Andersen’s top target, hauling in eight receptions for 157 yards, while Isaac Lamere caught seven passes for 65 yards and a touchdown.

Libby (4-4 overall, 2-3 Northwest A) closed out a competitive regular season marked by offensive growth and several breakout performances

Wildcat receiver Easton Brooks proved nearly unstoppable, scoring four touchdowns, three on passes from quarterback Banyan Johnston and another on an interception return. His scores covered 14, 14, 44 and 16 yards, helping Columbia Falls (5-3 overall, 5-0 Northwest A) secure the conference title and a first-round playoff bye.

Johnston finished 17 of 26 for 196 yards and three touchdowns through the air, while running back Trip Ross added 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, scoring the game’s first and final touchdowns. Jory Hill also had a strong night with six receptions for 109 yards.