Cats win home opener against the Blue Devils

Columbia Falls football fans were not disappointed at the opening game of the season. On a gorgeous Friday evening at home, the Wildcats defeated the Corvallis Blue Devils 14-6 in a nonconference Class A contest.

The Wildcats struck first as Parker Johnson scored on a 9-yard pass from quarterback Austin Barth in the second quarter. The following extra-point attempt was blocked, giving Columbia Falls a 6-0 lead at halftime.

Corvallis tied the game at 6-6 on a Tyler Berner 2-yard run in the third, but was unable to take the lead as the Wildcats blocked the Blue Devils' extra-point kick.

Columbia Falls took the lead for good in the fourth quarter when Brendan Windauer ran in a score from 4 yards out with just over 4 minutes left. Barth connected to Josiah Osborne for the two-point conversion and a 14-6 lead.

Johnson had a big night, finishing with eight receptions for 95 yards. Playing both ways, he also had an interception. Colin King also had an interception for the Wildcats. Barth connected on 12 of 20 passes for 145 yards. Keeping the Wildcats' ground game rolling, Daniel Jones had 90 yards on 22 carries.

Corvallis had a big and physical team that tried to run over the Wildcats, Columbia Falls coach Bill Coleman said.

"Outstanding defensive game," Coleman said. "We held them to 77 yards rushing, 217 yards total offense. I'm very pleased with the way we played on defense."

Corvallis 0 0 6 0 - 6

Columbia Falls 0 6 0 8 - 14

CF - Parker Johnson 9 pass from Austin Barth (kick blocked)

C - Tyler Berner 2 run (kick blocked)

CF - Brendan Windauer 4 run (Josiah Osborne pass from Barth)