Friday night’s home opener for the Wildcat football team proved to be the challenge that Coach John Thompson expected: stopping the option.
Butte Central’s senior QB Matt Ritter ran the option like few high school QBs can, leading his team to a 40-14 victory on Columbia Falls’ home field. After returning the 2nd half opening kickoff 96 yards for a score, the Cats were held scoreless for the remainder of the game.
The Cats go on the road to face Stevensville next Friday night, then travel to Ronan the following weekend before returning home.
An excited student section does a little half-time socializing as they wait for the Drum Line to kick into gear.
Junior quarterback Mackie Nolan (14) evades a tackle, while Nathan Woods (75, left) keeps a Butte defender off his quarterback
Just like playing out behind Ruder. Mackie Nolan (14) makes the throw, and …
…Steven Brennan (32) hauls in the catch over Central’s defensive back.
Lifetime friends, the Columbia Falls’ waterboys (Connor Bowman, Josiah Osborne) took a break for the action to pose in their team jerseys.
Josh Wilson (34) hangs in mid-air as he attempts to tackle Butte Central RB Gene Taylor (2). Chase Grilley (85) and Scott Palmer (30) pursue, hoping to help out. Wilson made the solo tackle, bringing Taylor down an instant after this photo was taken.