No clear favorites in Northwest conference

The Northwestern A conference is shaping up to be competitive again this fall, but there are no clear favorites.

Whitefish finished the 2012 season 3-6 overall and 1-3 in Northwestern A conference play ahead of winless Libby. Whitefish head football coach Chad Ross says the Dogs can compete with anyone and that expectations are high.

“We can be really good,” Ross said.

Polson is an early favorite after dominating the league in 2012 with an undefeated record. The Pirates averaged 30 points a game last season, while holding opponents to about seven points.

Ross says they’ll be good, but maybe not as dominate.

Frenchtown finished last year 3-1 and made the playoffs behind the league’s best running game. The Broncs tallied nearly 3,000 yards rushing last year.

Columbia Falls went 2-2 in 2012, but could be formidable with about 70 kids coming out for the team this year. The Wildcats had the second-best passing attack last season with quarterback Jared Trinastich returning. Running back Zach Darling also returns after leading the team in rushing with 586 yards.

“Columbia Falls is the dark horse front runner,” Ross said.

Libby is hoping to build on a disappointing 0-4 league record last year and appears to have a strong line on both sides of the ball.