Football team has high hopes for season
Quarterback Cody Schweikert hands the ball off to Reggie Sapa last season. The tandem will make their mark this year in Class A football. (Chris Peterson photo)
The Columbia Falls football team should be one of the top squads in Class A again this year, with a host of talent at skilled positions, including senior quarterback Cody Schweikert who recently made a verbal commitment to play for the University of Montana Grizzlies.
“I think we have a chance to be one of the best teams we’ve ever had in Columbia Falls,” said coach Jaxon Schweikert, now entering his 12th season. “We have a lot of kids who have played a lot of football for us.”
Returning key players include Jace Hill, Chance Miller, Lane Hoerner, Mark Robison, Alihn Anderson, Reggie Sapa and sophomore Blaise Cronk, just to name a few.
Carson Reed will be stepping up at center, replacing Trey Rice, who graduated last year.
“He’s been one of our most pleasant surprises,” Schweikert said.
Cody Schweikert is a dual threat at quarterback, with a great arm and the ability to run.
Anderson, Sapa and Cronk will all share duties at running back and Hill, Robison, Miller and Hoerner are all excellent receivers.
On the defensive line, look for good things from Lane Voermans and Tristan Crane. Hunter Hoerner is a college-level linebacker as well.
Billy Gustafson, Adler Water and Miller should also be solid on defense. Hill and Anderson are top-notch corners and Robison and Sapa and safeties.
The Cats are a fast team, but not overly big this year.
They’ll also get Kai Golan, one of the top soccer players in the state, back as a place kicker. Robison and Sapa will take up the kick return duties.
All told, the roster has about 60 players.
Teams to beat this year include Dillon, Hamilton and Lewistown to name a few.
Lewistown won the state title last year as it ran the table. The Wildcats lost to them in a tight game in the playoffs last season on the road, 14-6 in a brutal wind that limited the Wildcats’ passing game.
The Cats open the season the road against Frenchtown, which is expected to be a good team this year. Their home opener is Browning Sept. 1, but the game to circle on the schedule is Sept. 8 when they play Dillon at home.