Bulldogs bounce Lone Peak, now final-bound

WHITEFISH — No team has really challenged Whitefish so far in these playoffs and Lone Peak was no exception. The Bulldogs topped the visiting Bighorns 5-0 in their semifinal game at Smith Field and are back in the Class A boys soccer finals.

“Good win,” Whitefish boys coach John Lacey said. “Got to send our seniors off in their last (home) game, everybody on the pitch. So that was fun. It was a good game.”

Whitefish led 2-0 at the half with goals from Adam Healy and Townsend Reed. Preston McPherson, Sam Dow and Collin Lyman added goals in the second half. Ryder Elliott had two assists.

“We had great performances from everybody up top,” Lacey said. “Ryder Elliott's a special player. It's fun to watch him. I'm gonna miss my spot on the cooler to watch that guy. All in all, a great team effort, seniors really stood up today and did great. Collin Lyman got the last goal for us off the header. He's played a lot of great soccer out here over the years and I'm really happy for him to get that last one for us.”

Whitefish is back in the state final after getting bounced in the semifinals last fall. Before that, the Bulldogs won four consecutive titles.

“It feels great to be in the final,” Lacey said. “We want to play good soccer, we want to score goals. It's fun to do it here on our home field. We're looking forward to one more.”

Whitefish will go on the road to face Billings Central for the championship. The Rams defeated Corvallis 2-0 on Saturday.

Lone Peak 0 0 — 0

Whitefish 2 3 — 5

WF — Adam Healy 4:00

WF — Townsend Reed (Ryder Elliott) 11:00

WF — Preston McPherson (Charlie Hyatt) 60:00

WF — Sam Dow (Kyler Jonson) 74:00

WF — Collin Lyman (Elliott) 78:00

Shots — LP 4, WF 13. Goalie saves — LP 8 (Miles Romney), WF 4 (Ethan Bourque). Corner kicks — LP 3, WF 10. Fouls — LP 12, WF 9.