Cats beat Blue Devils, 27-20, in season opener
The Columbia Falls football team made a lot of mistakes in its season opener against Corvallis on Sept. 1. But the Wildcats tightened down the defense in a big way during the second half, and two rookie quarterbacks played well in a 27-20 win against the Blue Devils away in Corvallis.
“Overall, I’d give us a B for the first game,” coach Jackson Schweikert said.
That’s a high mark considering the boys had to learn a completely new spread-offensive system under their new head coach.
Schweikert used two quarterbacks in Jared Trinastich and Ty Morgan. Morgan scored three touchdowns for the Cats on short yardage runs near the goal line, while Trinastich had the bulk of the passing plays. Officially, he was 23 of 30 for 263 yards, but he actually threw for 100 more yards that were called back on penalties, Schweikert noted.
“You couldn’t ask more from a quarterback,” Schweikert said. “He did an exceptional job.”
Schweikert said he was also pleased with the defensive effort. Corvallis is a power running team, and the Cats held the Blue Devils to negative yards rushing in the second half.
The Cats were down 20-15 at the half but scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to put the game away. Zach Darling did a nice job running the ball and had the team’s other touchdown.
Dyllon Parker and Colin King did well as wide receivers. Trinastich spread the ball around effectively, hitting six different receivers while the offensive line gave him time — Corvallis had just one sack.
The Cats have some things to work on. They had four turnovers and too many penalties. They face a tough Stevensville squad this Friday away. Stevensville is a throwing team with two big tight ends, Schweikert noted.
Columbia Falls 27, Corvallis 20
Columbia Falls 0 15 12 0 – 27
Corvallis 8 12 0 0 – 20
CV – Tanner Palin 6 run (Palin run)
CF – Ty Morgan 6 run (Colin King pass from Jared Trinastich)
CV – Blake Sylvester 54 pass from Brandon Butt (run failed)
CV – Taylor Sylvester 27 pass from Butt (kick failed)
CF – Morgan 4 run (kick good)
CF – Zach Darling 6 run (2-pt conversion failed)
CF – Morgan 8 run (kick failed)