One yard separates Columbia Falls’ Trip Ross and Sidney’s Aaron Schmitz heading into Friday’s Class A football semifinal.

Ross has rushed for 1,187 yards this season, while Schmitz has 1,186. Now, both are one win away from playing for a state championship. 

The Wildcats (8-1) travel across the state to face undefeated Sidney (10-0) at 7 p.m. The winner advances to next week’s championship game against Hamilton or East Helena. 

Schmitz, a junior, has scored 21 rushing touchdowns, while Ross, a senior, has 19. The Eagles also have another threat in quarterback Gradin Sukut, who has added 733 yards on the ground. 

Sidney’s rushing attack was on display in last week’s 33-7 quarterfinal win over defending champion Frenchtown. Schmitz ran for 180 yards and two TDs while quarterback Aiden Anderson added 114 yards and two scores, including an 82-yard run. 

Columbia Falls coach Kelly Houle said the Eagles’ offensive line and ability to make the most of their athletes stood out. 

“They know what they have athletically, and they take good advantage and coach to that,” Houle said. “It’s very similar to what we do.” 

Columbia Falls earned its semifinal berth with a 35-22 victory over Hardin. After entering halftime tied at 14, the Wildcats scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter to reach their first semifinal since 2023. 

Houle believes his team is still getting better. 

Back in August, he said the Wildcats were weeks ahead of where they stood at the same point last season. Three months later, that progress hasn’t slowed. 

“The one thing that’s really impressed me about this team is they just keep climbing,” Houle said. “There’s little things that they do better and better each week.” 

Houle pointed to significant improvements along the offensive line, along with Ross’ growing patience in following his blockers. He also said the Wildcats have avoided major injuries and will enter Friday at full strength. 

First, though, they have to get there. 

Columbia Falls leaves Thursday, with a practice scheduled at MSU-Northern in Havre before spending the night in Glasgow. The Wildcats will hold a walkthrough Friday morning before completing the 544-mile trip to Sidney, where they’re expected to arrive around 4 p.m. 

It’s familiar territory for the program. Columbia Falls traveled to Sidney for playoff games in 2016 and 2017, winning the latter semifinal 17-0 before capturing its first state championship. 

Houle said that history hasn’t been a major talking point. Instead, the focus has been on keeping his players rested and making Friday feel like any other road game. 

“When you get there, it’s just the same,” Houle said. “You’re going to play a football game.” 

For a team that has spent the season getting better, Houle believes the biggest test now is whether the Wildcats can trust the work they’ve put in. 

“Which team believes the most? Which team has the most confidence and courage?” Houle said. “Which team can get out there and execute a game plan?” 

Reporter Luke Schmit can be reached at 406-758-4441 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.