Friday night football preview

Friday's match-up with rival Columbia Falls (5-3, 2-1) is sure to pack the stands at the Wildcats' home field Oct. 23.

Playoff births and positioning are on the line for both clubs in the annual grudge match — as well as bragging rights.

"There are a whole bunch of scenarios about who could be the one-, two- or three-seeded team in the playoffs," Bulldog coach Patrick Dryden said. "I'm not going to get into that. We just know that if we win, we're in."

Dryden said Columbia Falls is a well coached and balanced team that uses their speed effectively.

Look for Whitefish to utilize both their running game and high-powered passing game.

"We have to do what we do best," Dryden said. "We have to run the ball to set up the pass, and pass the ball to open up the run."

Dryden said he'll work with the team this week on keeping their emotions in check.

"Last year, we got too pysched up for the game and came out too nervous," he said. "I think our approach will be a little more business-like."

Columbia Falls is third in the league in passing yards — averaging 139 yards a game through the air — and fourth in the league on the ground.

Their league-leading pass defense is allowing only 116 yards per game through the air, and the 'Cats' run defense is just as potent, allowing 133 yards a game.

"Defensively, they're very athletic," Dryden said. "They use their speed well."

Columbia Falls is averaging 19 points a game.