Cats roll over Loggers
Runningback Dan Jones reaches for extra yards. (Chris Peterson photo)
Columbia Falls kick returner Devyn Rocker celebrated his birthday with a 98-yard opening kickoff return as the Wildcats thumped Libby last Friday 46-10 in their conference opener.
The Cats (2-3) played their most complete game of the season, racking up 477 yards in total offense. Runningback Nate Thompson continues to lead the Cats, running for 237 yards on 26 carries, including a 73-yard run for a touchdown in the first quarter.
The success at the running game also opened up the passing attack as junior quarterback Austin Barth had his best performance of the season.
He found wide receiver Kaleb Johnson for three touchdowns and Rocker on a 15-yard toss for a touchdown as well. The Cats also had a touchdown by runningback Dan Jones and Barth rushed for a touchdown on a three-yard keeper with two minutes left in the game. Barth finished the game with 152 yards passing.
On the defensive side, the Cats relentlessly harassed Libby quarterback Kelly May. They sacked him at least three times, Johnson intercepted him twice and Barth knocked down a couple of his passes. The Cats, meanwhile, had no turnovers.
Coach Bill Coleman was pleased with the team's performance.
"That's the way we should play," he said. "If we don't hurt ourselves, we're a good football team. We executed offensively the way we wanted to."
Coleman gave kudos to Barth.
"Austin did a great job … That's the way we need to play every night."
The Cats now face undefeated Polson away Friday night. Coleman was tight-lipped about any adjustments the team might make against the Pirates.
"We'll have a game plan for Polson," he said.
Both teams are sure to run the ball. The Cats lead the conference with an average 226 yards rushing per game, while the Pirates average 216 yards per game. Polson has an edge throwing the ball, however, averaging 184 yards a game behind the arm of quarterback Vince DiGiallonardo.
DiGiallonardo's also a threat to run the ball. Against Anaconda, he rushed for 106 yards. The Cats will have to get to him like they did May. Gametime is 7 p.m.
Libby 0 7 3 0 - 10
Columbia Falls 20 13 7 6 - 46
CF - Devyn Rocker 98 kickoff return (Austin Barth kick)
CF - Nate Thompson 74 run, (Barth kick)
CF - Kaleb Johnson 20 yard pass from Barth (kick failed)
CF - Johnson 81 pass from Barth (kick failed)
L - Phillip Nelson 5 run (Justin Thrailkill kick)
CF - Dan Jones 12 run (Barth kick)
L - FG Thrailkill 30
CF - Johnson 14 pass from Barth (Barth kick)
CF - Barth 3 run (pass failed)