Wildcats roll over Pirates on the road, 46-7

The Columbia Falls football team rolled over Polson Friday night on the road, 47-6.

Trip Ross had three touchdowns and Banyan Johnston threw for four in the lopsided game.

Johnston connected with Jory Hill for touchdowns of 56 and 44 yards and also threw to Hayden Strandberg for a 35-yard TD. The Wildcats put up 20 in the first quarter and were up 34-6 at the half. 

Ross opened the scoring for the Wildcats (6-1 overall, 4-0 Northwest A) with a 28-yard touchdown run. He then had a pick six on the defensive end.

Kris Davis also had a 3-yard TD run.

Johnston was 12 of 19 passing for 290 yards, while Ross rushed for 130 yards on 17 carries. 

The Wildcats had 450 yards of offense and 20 first downs, while their defense held the Pirates to 104 yards and forced three turnovers.

Hill also had his first attempt at an extra point kick. It was off the mark, however.

Coach Kelly Houle was pleased with the team’s performance against Polson, noting they started fast and had a 95-yard TD drive on their first possession.

“We’re executing the game plan and playing fast and physical,” he said.

Games like Polson allow them to get a lot of players into the game, so they get varsity experience.

The Cats travel to Libby this Friday to wrap up the regular season. If they win, they’d be perfect in conference play. As conference champs, they get a first-round bye in the playoffs.

As it stands now, they’d play the winner of the Hardin-Lewistown game at home Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.