Dogs rout Libby to earn No. 2 seed in football playoffs
Make the playoffs and host a playoff game.
The Whitefish football team can put check marks next to two of its season goals after a convincing 35-14 conference win Friday at Libby.
“We talked to the seniors about bringing back a winning tradition,” Whitefish coach Chad Ross said. “Getting into the playoffs and hosting a home game were two of our goals. We put them on the board and talked about them the first night we met as a team.”
With the victory over Libby, the Bulldogs wrapped up a No. 2 seed in the Class A state playoffs and will host Butte Central on Saturday at the Dawg Pound.
“The next goal is to go out and win a playoff game,” Ross said.
Whitefish scored on three passing plays and two runs in an all-around solid offensive performance.
“We wanted to show we could be a first-half team,” Ross said about posting 35 points in the opening half.
Running back Calub Thilmony found the end zone on a 5-yard run in the first quarter to start the scoring. He punched in another score on a 19-yard run in the second quarter.
Quarterback Luke May connected with senior receiver Sean Foley on three receiving touchdowns.
“Sean made some great catches,” Ross said. “He adjusted his routes and found the open spots. Luke has good field vision and Sean knows how to find the open space.”
May finished with 149 yards passing.
“Luke read the field well, stepped up in pocket and ran well,” Ross said. “He took control of the offense.”
The defensive unit held Libby scoreless until the fourth quarter when they gave up a pair of late rushing touchdowns.
Ross praised the play of junior Jack Streibich who made his presence felt with a few sacks and tackles for losses.
Whitefish finished the regular season 3-1 in league, 7-2 overall. Libby ended its season 0-4 and 1-8.
Whitefish 14 21 0 0 — 35
Libby 0 0 0 14 — 14
WF – Calub Thilmony 5 run (Nathan Boone kick)
WF - Foley 5 yard pass from Luke May (Boone kick)
WF - Foley 29 yard pass from May ( Boone kick)
WF - Thilmony 19 yard run (Boone kick)
WF - Foley 5 yard pass from May (Boone kick)
L – Nic Robertson 4 run (Jared Winslow run)
L – Robertson 5 run (PAT failed)