Dogs get rematch with Belgrade on Friday

Whitefish hosts Belgrade on Friday night at the Dawg Pound in a rematch of last season’s quarterfinal playoff game.

Belgrade pulled down a Hail Mary touchdown pass in that game to escape with the 27-20 playoff win and eliminate the Dogs from the post season.

Yet, Whitefish coach Chad Ross says his team isn’t worried about what happened last year.

“They’re focused on this year and what we’re doing this season,” Ross said.

The Panthers finished 2013 with an 8-3 overall record. They have opened this season 1-1, suffering a 27-21 loss to powerhouse Billings Central last week.

Belgrade’s offense runs through senior All-State quarterback Brayden Konkol and a crew of talented receivers.

“They have better receivers than they did last season,” Ross said. “They’re a solid team.”

The Bulldogs are looking to continue their home winning streak Friday, having gone undefeated at the Pound last year.

“We’re excited to play at home,” Ross said. “The home crowd brings an excitement and emotion to the game. That will be a big boost.”

“It should be a great football game.”

Whitefish could be without three linemen after the injury bug hit the team at Browning. Ross says underclassmen will have to step up for the Dogs to be successful.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Bundle up — temperatures are expected to dip into the 30s.