Bulldog football defeats Polson in homecoming game

The undefeated Whitefish Bulldog football team took down the Polson Pirates, 49-3, for the homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 2. This was the Bulldogs’ sixth win on an undefeated streak.  

The Dawgs did not have the start they were planning, but they quickly turned the trajectory of the game around and went on to win the game 49-3.  

Whitefish put up seven points in the first quarter and 14 in each of the final three quarters. The team totaled approximately 208 rushing yards – Dalen with 102 and a touchdown, Schwaiger with 62 yards and two touchdowns, and Rainford with 49 yards and a touchdown. 

Sophomore Brody Forthofer scored three of the team’s touchdowns, including an 85-yard kickoff return.  

Bollweg highlights the team’s defense, which forced two interceptions. 

“We missed a couple of opportunities early but nothing major,” Bollweg said. “Credit to our guys, they kept going, there was no panic or frustration.”  

This season, the team has seen leadership from all over the field, including a hefty amount from senior quarterback Luke Dalen, who Bollweg said “continuously makes a lot of plays for the team.” Last Friday, Dalen completed 8 of 17 passes for 173 yards.  

Seniors Vlad Shestak, Austin Alton and Sam Rainford, and juniors Braylon Dunn, and Leo Bungener have also demonstrated leadership for the team. 

Whitefish High School celebrated homecoming Sept. 28-Oct. 3.  

“It was really busy with all of the festivities, but that’s what makes the high school experience such a special one” Head Football Coach Brett Bollweg said.  

Bollweg was especially impressed with the community of Whitefish’s support at the game on Friday as they packed the stands. 

After Columbia Falls, the Bulldogs finish their regular season play on their home field with games against the Libby Loggers and Big Fork Vikings. The first round of the playoffs will be Halloween Weekend.  

“As much as we can, we want to just try to focus on ourselves,” he said. “If we can just keep getting ourselves a little bit better each week, it sure makes a difference. I’m just excited to see where we can take this thing” 

The Bulldogs play the Wildcats in Columbia Falls at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9. The full schedule can be found on the Whitefish High School Athletics page.  

Whitefish    7    14    14    14    -    49 

Polson        0    3    0    0    -    3 

W — Luke Dalen 49 run (Owen Aldridge kick good) 

W — Vance Schwaiger 5 run (Aldridge kick blocked) 

P — Roman Sawyer 28 field goal 

W — Brody Forthofer 85 kickoff return (conversion good) 

W — Forthofer 61 pass from Dalen (Aldridge kick good) 

W — Sam Rainford 7 run (Aldridge kick good) 

W — Forthofer 27 pass from Dalen (Aldridge kick good) 

W — Schwaiger 9 run (Aldridge kick good) 

    Whitefish High School senior running back Vance Schwaiger runs for a touchdown in the first half of a game against Polson at Memorial Field in Whitefish on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot)
 Casey Kreider   

    The Whitefish High School student section cheers during the homecoming game against Polson at Memorial Field in Whitefish on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Whitefish Bulldog wide receiver Vlad Shestak hauls in a pass and gets both feet inbounds for a first down against Polson at Memorial Field in Whitefish on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Whitefish Bulldog senior Sam Rainford gains yards against Polson at Memorial Field in Whitefish on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Whitefish High School Head Football Coach Brett Bollweg huddles with the team in a game against Polson at Memorial Field in Whitefish on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot)
 Casey Kreider