Both Columbia Falls High School and Whitefish High School lost in the first round of the A football playoffs Saturday. Beacon contributor Mark Riffey covered the first home playoff game in Columbia Falls in more than three decades where the Wildcats fell 24-0 to Hamilton. Whitefish was also ousted Saturday by Frenchtown 35-7. On Friday, Glacier fell to Missoula Big Sky 52-10. Flathead High School heads to the state tournament following a loss to Helena Capital.
In college action Saturday, the Griz beat NAU 21-16 to stay unbeaten. Kalispell native Lex Hilliard had a solid game with 146 yards on 32 carries. Montana State lost to Northern Colorado, which may be the worst team in the Big Sky Conference. Rocky edged Eastern Oregon. And Carroll College wrapped up yet another Frontier Conference football championship. For more prep highlights check out our high school pages.