Wildcats ride into Billings on a roll
The Columbia Falls Wildcats are hoping the rust has settled in for Class As well-oiled football machine, the No. 1-ranked Billings Central Rams.
The Wildcats (6-3) take on the defending state champion Rams (9-0) at 1 p.m. today in the quarterfinal round of the Class A playoffs.
Other Class A games today are Dillon at Havre, Miles City at Polson and Hardin at Frenchtown.
Its a huge challenge and our kids like that challenge, Columbia Falls coach John Thompson said.
Theres a level of excitement among the kids. Theyre excited to still be playing.
While the Wildcats are riding into Billings on a wave of adrenaline after last weeks narrow 27-26 win over Corvallis, the Rams are jump-starting after a nearly two-week layoff. Billings earned a bye last week and the last game it played was a 14-8 win against Custer County on October 25.
It was the first game all season that the Rams didnt score at least 28 points, but it was also the clubs 21st win in a row. This season, the Rams have outscored opponents 326-95.
They dont make
mistakes. They just do all those things that make a team great, Thompson said.
The Rams have three strong running backs who bolster the offense. Kevin OBrien has over 400 yards rushing while Tyler Hawkins has 552 yards and eight touchdowns. But the teams work horse all season has been Aleksei Grosulak, who has nearly 1,300 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
On the other hand, Columbia Falls is fresh off a home playoff victory.
Last week, the Wildcats almost let one slip away against Corvallis at home and watched a 20 point lead evaporate in the third quarter. But the Wildcats fought back on both sides, scoring on an 8-play, 77-yard drive and then stuffing a Corvallis two-point conversion.
We could have folded, but as a team our guys found a way to win, Thompson said.
Stephen Baumgartner continued being one of Columbia Falls playmakers, tallying 157 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. The offensive line also provided quarterback Mitchell Wassam with a wealth of time.
Our line has done a great job, especially late in the season, Thompson said.
The Wildcats also kept their noses clean on penalties, committing only three for 25 yards.
When the two teams take the field today, it will be almost two years to the day since Billings Central lost its last game, a 21-19 nailbiter against Frenchtown on November 11, 2006.
Our goals coming into the season were make the playoffs, then win a home playoff game. Weve accomplished those, Thompson said. The next goal is to beat Billings Central.