Defense and special teams combined to help the Columbia Falls Wildcats stifle the Polson Pirates Friday night and clinch a playoff berth with a 18-13 home win.
Highlights included an interception by Tanner Perry, a successful onside kick recovered by kicker (QB) Mackie Nolan, and a great defensive stand at the end of the game to clinch the win.
What confuses opposing defenses? (and occasionally photographers and videographers on the sideline) – The Columbia Falls backfield play action.
Ben Wells (37) sacks Polson’s Craig Bagnell as Coach Thompson looks on.
Jordan Thompson (5) goes airborne for a Mackie Nolan pass in the end zone, as Chris Alfiero (3) defends for Polson. The pass fell incomplete.
Kodie Kenfield (72) and Chase Grilley (85) continue to pester and pursue Polson’s Bagnell (10)
The ever-present Mitchell Wassam (13) and Stephen Baumgartner (20) corner Polson’s Tim Rausch in the backfield.
Mitchell Wassam (13) and Tanner Perry (12) pursue Pirate Ryan Kelley (86). Wassam ended up taking Kelley down just short of the sideline.
SD6 Superintendent Michael Nicosia takes a quiet moment to enjoy the home win as he watches the Wildcats shake hands with the Pirates.