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Columbia Falls shuts out Loggers in gridiron action, 49-0

by SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
The Western News | October 15, 2024 7:00 AM

The Libby Loggers football team had a night to forget Friday against Columbia Falls as the visiting Wildcats won, 49-0.

The Loggers stopped CFalls on its first possession as Joel Goodman sacked quarterback Banyan Johnston and forced a punt. Soon, Libby had to punt it and it was partially blocked.

The Wildcats scored on the next play when Johnston ran for a 37-yard TD.

On the next Loggers possession, Libby faced a fourth down and went for it, but a missed pass gave it back to the Wildcats.

Johnston wasted no time, throwing a 21-yard TD pass to Easton Brooks to make it 14-0.

After forcing another Libby punt, the Wildcats blocked it and Cooper Ross recovered it for a third TD and a 21-0 lead with 4:14 left.

Libby punted again on its fourth possession and Columbia Falls got the ball back at its 42. Not long after, Johnston hit Daniel Contreras with a 5-yard TD pass. Ross’ kick made it 28-0.

Following a Libby punt, Brooks caught his second TD pass from Johnston with 8:53 left in the first half. Ross kicked the point for a 35-0 lead and the running clock began, courtesy of the Mercy Rule.

Columbia Falls improved 4-2 overall and in Western A. 

Johnston was 9 of 12 passing for 166 yards and ran for another 58 yards. 

Libby quarterback Tristan Andersen threw for 96 yards, completing 10 of 19 passes with one interception. Goodman caught seven passes for 58 yards for the Loggers, who were outgained 269-109. 

Libby, 2-5 overall, travels to Browning Friday for a 7 p.m. game. The Indians are 2-5 overall and 1-5 in Western A. Last week, Bigfork beat them, 68-7.

Libby returns home for the season finale and Senior Night on Oct. 25, hosting Dillon.