The Class A Columbia Falls Wildcats are traditionally one of the best boys soccer programs in Montana, year-in, year-out contenders for State hardware, and the 2025 edition of the Wildcats are no exception to that rule.

Facing off with those powerful Wildcats in C-Falls Tuesday, coach Michael Scharfe’s young Thompson Falls-Plains Hawks fell 8-0 but certainly have nothing to hang their heads about.

Certainly not happy losing, Scharfe was pleased with the effort he saw from his boys. “I will say that I am so proud of our boys for coming out strong, being that our first two games we played better in the second half,” he said. “I was very impressed with how they played right out of the gate in Columbia Falls.”

Indeed, the Hawks played the Wildcats tough on their own turf through most of the first half, holding them scoreless with solid defense until about the 25th minute, Scharfe said, crediting assistant coach Cody Pallister for the strategy.

“We made some changes in our formation to be able to counteract Columbia Falls’ attack, get some pressure in our attacking third of the pitch,” Scharfe said adding that a limited number of substitutes also hampered the Hawks against the deep talented Columbia Falls team.

“With that being said we were able to regroup halfway through the second half,” he added, “and create some scoring opportunities.”

The Sept. 11 match with Libby was scratched due to lightning in the area Thursday and Scharfe said that efforts are being made to reschedule.

Up this week for the Hawks is a home match with Bigfork at Amundson Complex in Plains Tuesday and a road trip to another traditional Class A soccer power in Whitefish Thursday for a match with the Bulldogs.