Wildkats 'locked in' for semifinal against Laurel
It’s about the present, not what comes after.
That’s what the Columbia Falls Wildkats soccer team is focusing on as they approach today’s game against the Laurel Locomotives in the Class A semifinal at Columbia Falls High School.
The winner advances to the state title game. If the Wildkats win, they can tie the school record for the most wins in single season. Right now, the Kats are 13-1.
“These girls are prepared,” first-year coach Thomas Clark said. “They’re locked in mentally. They’re excited to battle.”
Laurel has had an impressive season in its own right, going 12-2 as the No. 2 seed in Eastern A. One of its losses was to Columbia Falls in September. It was also the only team to beat No. 1 Eastern seed Billings Central this year.
The Locomotives are a stingy team and have allowed just eight goals to Class A opponents.
Laurel lost to Billings Central in the 2018 final, won the state title in 2017 and has a host of championship experience to draw from.
“They are a really well coached team,” Clark said. “A very dangerous offense.”
The Laurel attack is anchored by sisters Mya and Morgan Maack and Maeson Cotter, all top Class A scorers. Mya Maack, a freshman, is third in scoring with 28 goals and 62 points. Morgan is a junior and has 16 goals. Cotter has 11 goals and 34 points.
“They’re one of those teams that you have to adjust your tactics for,” Clark said. They’re one of the top teams in the state. We are hoping to [play defensively] and beat them on the counter.”
Laurel beat Corvallis 4-1 last week in a quarterfinal game. Columbia Falls beat Stevensville 3-0.
Columbia Falls’ offense boasts a potent one-two punch on offense in senior Josie Windauer and sophomore Maddie Robison.
Windauer is the top goal-scorer in the state and is headed to the University of Montana in the fall. She’s scored 33 goals and counting.
“Josie is an unbelievable player,” Clark said. “Every single game, their game play is ‘We’ve got to stop Josie Windauer.’ She is a one-woman wrecking crew. It’s been incredible to watch her all year.”
Robison set a school record for assists with her 15th against Stevensville on Saturday.
“I think Maddie’s the best playmaker in the state,” Clark said.
The game kicks off at 4 p.m today at Columbia Falls High School. The winner goes on to the state final and will play the winner of Whitefish vs, Billings Central, set to play Saturday at 1 p.m.
“We’ve built a really special culture,” Clark said. “We’ve built something special that will hopefully make a difference on game day.”
Class A Soccer Semifinal
Friday
Girls
4 p.m. — Columbia Falls vs. Laurel
Saturday
Girls
1 p.m. — Whitefish vs. Billings Central
Boys
11 a.m. — Whitefish vs. Billings Central
3 p.m. — Frenchtown at Laurel