The Columbia Falls boys soccer team shot out of the gate on the road last week with two impressive wins against South foes.

The Wildcats dropped Hamilton 4-1 Friday and Stevensville 4-2 Saturday for two nonconference victories.

Whit Albrecht had a hat trick against the Broncs as the Cats out-shot Hamilton 15-4.

Brady Bell capped off the scoring for the Cats with an assist from Albrecht in the 71st minute. The game was tied at the half, but the Cats poured it on in the second half.

Keeper Talon Bates had six saves in the win.

Against Stevensville Bell scored a minute in and then Chance Pfiefle had a goal just before the half to put the Cats up 2-0 at the break.

Stevi would score early in the second,  but Albrecht had a goal at the 50-minute mark and Bell added an insurance goal on an assist from Eli Crockett 67 minutes in.

Stevi scored with six minutes left.

The Cats had 17 shots on goal compared to just five for Stevi.

Talon Bates had seven saves for Columbia Falls.

Coach O’Brien Byrd noted it’s a really young squad and the coaching staff didn’t really know what to expect.

“New look team as we are… really impressed,” he said. 

He noted the Cats dominated possession in both games and kudos to Albrecht.

“He came from deep midfield position to get those goals,” he said.

The Cats are on the road again this week with games against Livingston and Billings Central, two tough opponents from the East that they could very well see again in the postseason.

“Super excited to be really tested this weekend,” Byrd said.