Bulldogs fall to rival Cats in powerhouse matchup

The rivalry between the Whitefish Bulldogs and the Columbia Falls Wildcats continued last Tuesday when the teams met at Smith Fields. The Cats came out on top, 4-2. 

“Overall, I am happy with the collective effort of the boys,” Whitefish Head Coach Eric Sawtelle said. “We knew this was going to be a difficult game and the boys stepped onto the field and gave everything.” 

The game featured end-to-end action and all the excitement that the community has come to expect when these two powerhouses meet. 

Columbia Falls’ Maxwell Everett opened the scoring with a goal in the 7th minute, which was quickly answered by a Logan Bingham goal for the Bulldogs. Ten minutes later, the Cats posted another score when Everett netted his second goal of the game off an assist by Harris. The score was soon tied again when Elijah Adams-Griffin took a pass from Griffin Jonson and scored. 

The match was knotted 2-2 going into halftime. 

Early in the second half, Everett scored again, giving him a hat trick, one of several he’s notched this season. The final goal of the game came in the last minute and belonged to the Cats’ Bruno Felijo who bent a free kick around the Dogs’ defensive wall and found the upper near corner of the goal. 

Although Sawtelle said his team was disappointed with their inability to finish some opportunities and a failure to defend counterattacks, he was pleased with the play of the midfield and said they controlled much of the game. 

“They have a lot of speed up front that caused us problems,” Sawtelle said. “We are going to build on this performance and are very much looking forward to the next time we play them. I have no doubt our boys will put in the effort to get to where we want to be.” 

THE BULLDOGS went to Thompson Falls to meet the Blue Hawks on Saturday and came out on top, 7-1. 

“We played well today; it was a strong collective performance,” Sawtelle said. “The boys did a good job staying patient in possession and finding space by switching the field of play.” 

Whitefish took an early lead with goals by Kyler Jonson and Logan Bingham coming before the eighth minute. 

Sawtelle said Bingham had a strong performance and controlled the midfield. Both initial goals were assisted by senior Griffin Gunlikson, who continued to rack up the assists. Jonson scored again before halftime for a 3-0 score at the break. 

Before earning his hattrick, Jonson set up Jack Oehlerich who scored in the 43rd minute. The Bulldogs’ players who came in off the bench contributed to the win. 

“Tyler Larkin scored his first varsity goal off of a nice cross from Jack Oehlerich, who also scored today,” Sawtelle said. “Reid Alexander got his first goal of the season finishing off a lovely cross from Preston McPherson.” 

Bulldog junior midfielder Ben Dow was also credited with two assists. 

“The defense played very well all game, but we failed to keep a clean sheet by not being able to clear a ball bouncing around the top of the penalty area and Thompson Falls were able to capitalize,” Sawtelle said. “Overall, I am happy with the effort and mentality of the boys today.” 

Whitefish plays Libby at home at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. They will meet Bigfork at Smith Fields on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 3 p.m. 

Sept. 17, Columbia Falls v Whitefish Shots: Columbia Falls 6, Whitefish 8. Keeper saves: Columbia Falls, Rafe

Rosche 9, Whitefish, Charlie Dow 6. Corner kicks: Columbia Falls 2, Whitefish 6. Fouls: Columbia Falls 4, Whitefish 8. Yellow cards: Columbia Falls 2, Whitefish 2.

Sept. 21, Whitefish v Thompson Falls 

Shots: Whitefish 11, Thompson Falls 2.  Keeper Saves: Whitefish 1, Thompson Falls 4. Corners: Whitefish 5, Thompson Falls 1. Fouls: Whitefish 4, Thompson Falls 4.

    Bulldog Griffin Johnson sends a pass into the box. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Bulldog junior midfielder Kyler Jonson crosses the ball while Wildcat Connor Zumwalt defends. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)