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The Bulldogs show what number they are with the Class A State Championship plaque in hand after defeating Laurel 4-0. (Daniel McKay/Whitefish Pilot)
Dedicated Bulldogs fan cheer on their team all the way down in Laurel for the Class A State Championship. (Daniel McKay/Whitefish Pilot)
Ian Lacey nails the first goal of the game during the Bulldogs’ 4-0 state title win over Laurel . (Daniel McKay/Whitefish Pilot)
Joseph Houston hits a header off a corner kick during the Bulldogs’ 4-0 state title win over Laurel . (Daniel McKay/Whitefish Pilot)
Casey Schneider celebrates after scoring a goal during the Bulldogs’ 4-0 state title win over Laurel . (Daniel McKay/Whitefish Pilot)
The Bulldogs thank their fans after the Bulldogs’ 4-0 state title win over Laurel . (Daniel McKay/Whitefish Pilot)
For the second straight year, the Bulldogs are state champs.
Whitefish took down Laurel 4-0 in the state title match, aided by goals from four different players.
The Dogs got the scoring started with an Ian Lacey goal from straight out in the third minute to put Whitefish up 1-0 through the first half.
The scoring picked up in the second half.
Sam Menicke connected off a cross from Casey Schneider in the 55th minute.
Schneider broke loose for a goal of his own in the 75th minute, beating the Locomotives’ goalkeeper one-on-one to open the lead up to 3-0.
Joshua Gunderson added the final goal in the 78th minute off a penalty kick.
Head coach John Lacey said he wasn’t surprised with the defensive battle that made up most of the match.
“We knew Laurel was going to give us a fight,” he said. “We knew they were a senior heavy team, they were going to be proud on their own field, and they can play soccer.”
But his team stuck to what works, he said, and he couldn’t be more proud of his players.
“They’ve worked super hard. They haven’t trailed in a game for two years. Great senior leadership, just good guys, and we love playing and we love scoring. I’m really proud of them.”
This is the Dogs’ second straight championship and undefeated season, and the program’s seventh state championship overall.
Check Wednesday’s Pilot for more photos and a complete game story.