The Whitefish girls and boys soccer teams will compete for state titles after notching wins in the Class A semifinal round on Saturday at Smith Fields.

The girls outscored Laurel 1-0 and the boys won against Park, 3-1. 

While the Lady Bulldogs were tested by the Laurel Locomotives more than most opponents, the team remained calm and worked together to earn a spot in the championship match. 

The visitors brought a physical game and applied pressure in the first half, which ended 0-0.  

"Laurel had an aggressive style of play that focused on their defense,” Whitefish Head Coach Kelly Ordway said. “Whitefish dominated possession with poised distribution.” 

In the 50th minute, junior captain Sage Ordway slotted a penetrating pass to sophomore Adelle Flynn, who tapped it to sophomore Neva Sliman for a definitive finish in the far upper corner, and the only goal of the game.  

During another Whitefish offensive attack, Atley Bingham took a good strike that found the crossbar.  

"Center backs sophomore Barrett Clark and senior Delila Vine had another stand out showing," Ordway said. "It was a very cohesive effort and we couldn’t be prouder. This team is so deserving of their advancement to the state championship." 

The Park Rangers served the Bulldog boys their only loss, 1-0, during the first game of the season Aug. 28. With 14 matches under their belts, Whitefish stepped on the pitch full of confidence and with a sense of composure that comes with experience. 

Bulldog Head Coach Eric Sawtelle said the boys were on and ready for the game, resulting in a great team performance up and down the field. 

Park brought energy and a physical game that, at times, made for moments of frantic play, particularly late in the second half, but the Bulldogs adjusted, slowed the action and played their game. Sawtelle said Park is a very good team, and the Bulldogs were able to hold them off.  

"Our seniors made their last outing at Smith a special one — so proud of all of them and all of the work they have put in over the years," Sawtelle said. "When our boys play with purpose and intent like they did today — quick passes and finding the space — we are an absolute handful going forward." 

Sawtelle said Bulldog Luca Duffy embodied the "I will not be denied" attitude with his early effort and calm finish off a creative flick on from Graysen Rembaugh for the first goal. Fourteen minutes later, Roen Chisholm ripped a beautiful unassisted shot, and early in the second half, Rembaugh retained his composure, caught the Park keeper out of position and sank another goal. 

"Our midfield did a fantastic job in possession and took away their threat on transition," Sawtelle said. "Our defense has been our foundation — solid all year.  They were dominant, organized and composed again today."  

The Billings Central boys beat Polson, 1-0, and the Columbia Falls girls beat Billings Central, 2-1, to advance to the finals. 

The Class A state championship games are Saturday, Oct. 31.  

The Whitefish girls meet defending champion Columbia Falls at 11 a.m. at Smith Fields, and the boys travel to play Billings Central at Amend Park at 1 p.m. 

The Whitefish boys have played in 17 state championship games since 1991, winning 10 titles. The Dogs fell 4-0 to Polson in the 2025 title match, and lost in overtime to Billings Central in 2024. Whitefish last won the State A title in 2023, with a 1-0 win over Billings Central. 

The Lady Bulldogs have played in 12 state championship matches since 1991, winning three titles over that span. Whitefish's most recent State A title came in 2023 when the girls topped Columbia Falls 3-1. The rival teams also played for the 2001 title, with Whitefish coming out on top 1-0 for the school's first girls soccer championship. 

Reporter Julie Engler can be reached at 406-862-3505 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support.

    The Whitefish team returns to their half after scoring against Park on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Keller Sawtelle distributed from center midfield on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Barrett Clark beats a defender and heads up field on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Adelle Flynn expertly negotiates her way around a Laurel defender on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Coach Kelly Ordman greets the team after its 1-0 win against Laurel Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Glace Sliman challenges for the ball on Saturday in Whitefish's win against Laurel. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

 

    Rex Johnston dribbles past a Park defender at Smith Fields on Saturday. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)