Bulldogs host defending champs from Dillon

The defending state champions from Dillon travel to Whitefish on Friday for a showdown of two Class A powers picked to make a run at the 2015 title.

The Beavers — winners of seven state titles in the past 14 seasons — went 11-2 last year.

Returning standouts for the Beavers are All-State selection Nate Simkins (5-10, 140) at wide receiver, and senior Kyle Finch (6-3, 195) who was a Southwest A All-Conference selection at defensive end. Troy Anderson will take snaps as quarterback.

They are led by head coach Rick Nordahl.

“They are so well coached — that staff has been together for 20 years,”Whitefish coach Chad Ross said. “They do the simple things really well.”

Ross says the Dogs want to be even-keeled and not get too hyped for the showdown.

“Dillon is great, but hopefully we’re not taking one team more seriously than the others,” Ross said. “We’re excited to play them, but we’re taking the attitude of not getting too emotional for one single game. No one wins a state championship in September.”

The key for Whitefish is to keep turnovers and penalties to a minimum. Whitefish only had four penalties called against Havre, a trend Ross wants to see continue.

Ross expects a big turnout for the home opener at the Dog Pound, even with cool and rainy weather predicted.

“It’s a big game and there will be lots of excitement about it,” he said.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m.