Bulldogs selected for All-State football

Four standout seniors on the Whitefish football team have been selected to the Class A All-State team.

Earning defensive honors were inside linebacker Calub Thilmony, and cornerbacks Sean Foley and Dave Rizzolo. Senior Gage Smith earned offensive honors at tackle.

“From the beginning of the season, these guys brought the attitude of hard work,” Whitefish coach Chad Ross said. “They put in the time on the field and in the weight room. It paid off.”

The four also piled up Northwestern A All-Conference honors.

Rizzolo was selected as defensive most valuable player for his work at cornerback where he led the state with seven interceptions.

“He was a shut down kind of corner we could trust to defend the pass and fill in on the run,” Ross said.

Smith earned first-team All-Conference at tackle and second-team honors at inside linebacker.

“A lot of coaches said he was the best lineman in the conference,” Ross said.

Smith is looking at playing for Carroll College, joining his brother Maxl Smith, and former Bulldogs Daniel Simmons and Mac Roche.

Thilmony earned first-team All-Conference at inside linebacker and second-team honors at fullback.

“Calub has loved football forever,” Ross said. “He put in the hard work to get where he’s at. He’s hard-nosed and a great team leader.”

Thilmony tallied 372 yards as fullback and scored seven touchdowns. He was offered a scholarship to play at the University of Montana Western in Dillon.

Foley earned first-team All-Conference at slotback, cornerback and return specialist.

“Coaches saw Sean as an all-around athlete and a threat at multiple positions,” Ross said.

Foley led the team with 571 yards receiving and picked up 339 yards rushing with 11 offensive touchdowns on the season. He also had four interceptions, including two pick-six scores.

Foley is being recruited by both the Montana State University Bobcats in Bozeman and the University of Montana Grizzlies in Missoula.

Bulldogs earning All-Conference second-team selections were Luke May at quarterback, Brady Harwood at defensive end, Jack Streibich at outside linebacker, and Walter Holliday at safety.

Honorable mentions went to Brian FauntLeRoy at safety, Chris Park at outside linebacker, Harwood at tackle, Aaron Torgerson at guard, and Chaffin Ross at center.