Football team solid on both sides of the line
Coach Jackson Schweikert has high hopes for this year’s Columbia Falls football team.
“I think they’re really good,” he said. “They should be the best team I’ve had since I’ve been here.”
Schweikert said it’s a solid squad on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Dakota Bridwell looks sharp. Having started since he was a sophomore, Bridwell this year has a command of the offense, Schweikert noted.
“He looks great,” Schweikert said, “The best he’s ever looked. He has complete control of what we’re doing.”
Schweikert said the team has eight receivers and four running backs, including returning starter Wyatt Green, who will get a lot of touches. Bridwell and Green have a tough offensive line in front of them — the Wildcats lost just one returning starter — center Blake Arneson to graduation.
Hayden Faulkner will take over the center position. Schweikert really likes the o-line.
“We’re not just big, we’re big and fit,” he said.
On defense, the Cats have a host of talent, including senior Trevor Hoerner, who has already verbally committed to play for University of Montana Grizzlies. Hoerner, an inside linebacker, is 6-4, 220 pounds. He’s joined by Colton McPhee, Bryce Fagerland and Stephen DeCamp. Hoerner will also see time as a slot receiver on offense.
The Cats will also look for good things from junior defensive end Logan Kolodejchuck.
“He’s one of the best defensive ends in the state,” Schwekert said. “He’s a special kid.”
In the defensive backfield, the Cats are anchored by safeties Austin Green and Ben Windauer.
Schweikert said the plan is to have most of the players play on one side of the ball. Only a few will play both.
The Cats open the season Friday at home against Corvallis. Game time is 7 p.m.
Their toughest game on the schedule is Dillon, who they play Sept. 30 at home. Dillon lost to Whitefish in the state championship last year and is always a tough team to beat.
In the conference, Polson should be tough this year. The Cats edged them in the playoffs last year, 9-6.