Wildcats are young, but are very talented
Linemen runs drills during football practice Monday.
By CHRIS PETERSON
Hungry Horse News
The Columbia Falls football team lost a host of talent to graduation last season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be in the mix again this year come the playoffs in November.
The Wildcats have a great quarterback prospect in sophomore Banyan Johnston who is both big and athletic, just like his predecessor Cody Schweikert, who signed with the University of Montana Grizzlies at the end of last season.
Johnston saw playing time in the position last year, actually throwing a touchdown in the Wildcats’ playoff game against Corvallis. This season he’ll be under center for the duration, coach Kelly Houle noted.
The Cats also welcome back senior tailback Reggie Sapa, a gifted athlete. Sapa didn’t get much playing time, as he suffered a broken leg against Whitefish last year. He had a stellar baseball season, however and looks to be in top form heading into this football season
The line is anchored by veterans Lane Voermans and center Carson Reid, Houle noted.
The program also has a family from Colorado that recently transferred here. One of them is Cooper Ross, a talented athlete who should make his mark at wide receiver. Also look for good things from Jory Hill and Austin Dodson, as well as Jett Pitts, Nico Young, Bjorn Pederson and Easton Brooks.
They’re all young, but athletically very gifted.
The Wildcats open the season against Frenchtown at home at 7 p.m. Aug. 30. They’re then on the road against Browning and Dillon. Dillon might be worth the drive for Wildcat fans. The Beavers are a young squad, too and it should be a great rivalry game, as Dillon beat the Wildcats 36-35 in overtime for the state title last season.
Another game to circle on the schedule is the Sept. 20 game against Whitefish, as the Cats host the Bulldogs.