Carrying a strong mentality and a consistent record, the Bulldogs were hopeful entering the Class A football quarterfinals against East Helena Friday.  

Yet, the Vigilantes proved to be tough opponents and came out on top, 41-20, to end Whitefish's postseason run. 

East Helena got on the board quickly and carried the advantage throughout the game. Vigilante Leo Longcake scored twice in the opening quarter on short touchdown runs.  

Bulldog Sam Rainford then broke free for a 49-yard touchdown run at the end of the first quarter, cutting the deficit to 14-6 after a missed PAT.  

In the second quarter, East Helena extended its lead as Bearek Shuman punched in a 2-yard rushing touchdown, giving the opponents a 21-6 advantage.  

"There were some big turnovers in the first half that put us behind and put us in a situation where we're playing catch up the whole game," said Whitefish Coach Brett Bollweg.  

Longcake added his third rushing touchdown on a 1-yard run midway through the third quarter; the PAT was missed.   

The Bulldogs hung on as Luke Dalen connected with Jayke Thew on a 17-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit to 27-13 entering the fourth quarter. 

In the fourth, Shuman had a 39-yard touchdown run early in the quarter. Dalen then scored on an 11-yard rushing TD, making it 34-20. With 3:51 on the clock, Shuman struck again with a 10-yard TD run to seal the game for East Helena.  

Bollweg said East Helena moved the ball well and executed their game plan. The Bulldogs weren't able to make enough plays consistently to be in a position to win, he said. 

"A big credit for our kids, they never stopped playing hard. They never quit. They never put themselves in a situation where they weren't going to finish the right way," he said. "Even in unfortunate situations they continue to fight. It's a great testament to their character as players and as people."  

The Bulldogs ended their season with a 9-2 record following a fantastic final send-off for Memorial Field having demolished Dillon in the first round of playoffs. The only in-season loss the Bulldogs had was a hard-fought game against Columbia Falls, 34-31. 

Last year, the Bulldogs ended their season 8-3, falling 23-20 to Frenchtown in the semifinals. 

Several younger players gathered experience this year and will look to pave the way next year as the first team to play at the new Bulldog athletic complex.  

The consistency and hard work that this class of Bulldogs put in day in and day out was remarkable, Bollweg said. 

"They were a very steady group," Bollweg said. "They came ready to work every day and didn't get caught up in the emotional aspects."  

After Friday's win, the Vigilantes (8-1) move on to play Hamilton in the semifinals. In other Class A games, Columbia Falls beat Hardin 35-22 and Sidney beat defending state champion Frenchtown 33-7. Sidney will host Columbia Falls in Friday's other semifinal game.