Troy football one win from playoff berth
<p>Sean Opland on the carry vs. Bigfork Oct. 3.</p>
As one area high school team prepares for their first playoff contest, another enters the weekend hoping to a clinch a postseason berth of their own.
Here is a look at the weekend prep sports schedule.
Troy football
The Trojans travel Friday to Thompson Falls (1-1, 1-6) for a 7 p.m. kickoff with a playoff berth on the line. A win against the Blue Hawks would clinch the Trojans (2-1, 3-3) second place in District 7-B.
Coach Brendan Miller said he needs his team to avoid the letdown that can often follow an emotional victory like the homecoming win Troy earned last week against Eureka. The 27-26 win gave Troy the tiebreaker against the Lions, who are currently ranked third in district.
Junior running back Sean Opland recorded 232 yards on the ground last week. Look for another monster game on the road.
Libby soccer
After claiming third place in the Northern A conference, the Loggers travel Saturday to Corvallis for an 11 a.m. contest. The Blue Devils (8-0, 11-1) are the top team out of the Southern A conference. The Loggers got hot at the right time of the season and enter the playoffs with a streaking international student. Walter Briones recorded eight combined goals and assists in the last two games.
Libby football
The Loggers (0-2, 2-5) travel Friday to Columbia Falls (5-1). Coach Neil Fuller continues to look for his next quarterback as the offense remains grounded. Sophomore Braydan Thom went 6-of-12 passing against Polson last week, impressing Coach Neil Fuller with his ability to run the offense. With the playoffs out of sight, the Loggers will look to lay the groundwork for next year. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Libby volleyball
The Lady Loggers (2-2, 6-2) host Kalispell on Saturday. Libby is off to a strong start, but stumbled at the annual Missoula Invitational last weekend. After a five-set Tuesday win in Thompson Falls, the girls appear back on track. Libby hosts the divisional tournament this year and remains hopeful to advance to state.
Libby cross country
Libby’s runners will wrap their regular season Saturday when they travel to Columbia Falls for the divisional tournament.