Whitefish looking to snap 36-year championship drought
The year was 1979. Jimmy Carter was president, disco was still alive and the Bulldogs were celebrating their first state football championship.
While Whitefish has made three State A championship appearances since then, a return to the top has remained an elusive dream for the last 36 years.
This Saturday, Whitefish will get another crack at bringing home the coveted State A championship trophy when they face football juggernaut Dillon at Vigilante Stadium.
Whitefish romped at Miles City 31-14, while Dillon topped Havre 43-8 on Saturday to advance to the title game.
Whitefish’s only blemish this season came in a 22-21 loss to Dillon in week 2. The Beavers won with a 2-point conversion on their final offensive possession at Whitefish.
“That game does come back into our heads,” said Whitefish coach Chad Ross. “They’re a great team, and if anything it gives us confidence that we can play with them.”
“They’re the same team now that they were when we played them, just better. They’re faster, they tackle better and fundamentally they’re the best we’ll play. They know their jobs and what they’re supposed to do.”
The Beavers’ key playmakers include junior quarterback Troy Andersen and All-State receiver Nate Simkins. Andersen threw for four touchdowns and ran for another in the semifinal win over Havre.
They are coached by Rick Nordahl, now in his third season.
Whitefish will counter the Beavers all-around game by playing smart, “and doing what we’ve done all season,” said Ross.
“We have to secure the football and do our jobs, and we’ll have a chance.”
Dillon brings a championship pedigree to the game that is nearly unmatched in the state. The Beavers have won three of the last four championships, and seven since 2000.
Whitefish’s last state final appearance came in 2001 in a 12-9 loss to Lewistown. The Dogs other appearances came in 1987, a 22-12 loss to Sidney, and in 1980, a 22-19 loss to Glasgow.
Whitefish last won the state title in 1979 in a 14-7 win over Powell County.
Ross says his team has talked about the 36-year championship drought and about bringing a winning tradition back to Whitefish.
“We talk about bringing back a winning heritage — it disappeared for a while,” Ross said. “They are a part of starting a new foundation to build on. We talk about the memories created in winning a championship — it will be remembered for a lifetime.”
Whitefish vs Dillon
Saturday, Nov. 21, 1 p.m., Vigilante Stadium, Dillon
Tickets $7 adults, $6 students. Pre-sale tickets available at WHS. Ticket booths at game open at 11:30 a.m.