Bulldogs crush Blue Devils, improve to 5-1 record

The Bulldogs picked up a big win on the road last week, taking down Corvallis 31-7.

Devin Beale carried on last week’s momentum with five touchdowns in the game, four rushing and one receiving.

Beale took a pass from quarterback Fynn Ridgeway 62 yards on the opening drive for the first score of the game and followed that up with a quick 2-yard run later in the quarter to put the Dogs up 12-0.

Corvallis found the endzone in the second quarter, with Bryce Mann connecting on a 46-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 12-7 heading into halftime.

Whitefish held the Blue Devils scoreless in the second half, while Beale ran for touchdowns of one and two yards to extend the Whitefish lead to 31-7.

Beale ran for a total of 69 yards and racked up 81 yards passing on the day.

Ridgeway threw for 309 yards, one touchdown and two picks.

As a team, Whitefish dominated in total plays (70 to 46), passing yards (309 to 79), rushing yards (135 to 76) and first downs (20 to six). The Bulldogs defense also held Corvallis to 1 for 10 on third down conversions.

“Defensively we played great,” head coach Chad Ross said. “We held them to around 76 yards rushing and 79 in the air, and they had one long pass that was tipped by us. We played really well defensively.”

Ross said he’s been especially happy with the play of his freshman quarterback this year.

While Ridgeway was frustrated with his two picks during the game, Ross said what’s impressing him most is the way Ridgeway handles himself after.

“He was disappointed in himself. I think he’s playing great, but he’s disappointed because he wants to be perfect. He shows so much maturity for a freshman,” Ross said.

This week the Bulldogs will get a real test, hosting the Hamilton Broncs in a battle of two one-loss teams with plenty of momentum. That game will start at 7 p.m. at Memorial Field.

Last week the Broncs took down Columbia Falls 56-7, led by 219 passing yards and three touchdowns from quarterback Carson Rostad.

“They’re a really good football team,” Ross said. “We’ve got to find a way to stop Rostad. He’s the key to the game. If we can control him we’ve got a chance, if we don’t it’s going to be a long night.”

“This is really when you start figuring out how good you are as a football team,” he added.