Loggers football squad opens Hannah era with big win
Libby Loggers head coach Kyle Hannah runs a football practice Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, at the high school. The Loggers begin the season Friday at Stevensville. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
The Libby Loggers opened the Kyle Hannah era with a dominating, 40-0, win over Stevensville last week.
Junior quarterback Tristan Andersen completed 10 of 11 passes for 176 yards and five touchdowns. All six of the Loggers’ touchdowns came through the air. Ian Thom and Isaac Lamere caught two scoring passes each while Joel Goodman and Connor Benson each hauled in one.
“Tyler managed the game well and was pin point with his accuracy,” Hannah said. “It was exciting to get off to such a good start. We have some things to shore up, but we’ll get ready for Polson.”
Goodman had three catches for 79 yards; Lamere had four for 67.
But the win was tempered by a number of injuries to Loggers players.
Benson, a starter at middle linebacker and running back, suffered a broken leg.
Hannah said Benson could miss anywhere from five to nine weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
“Connor’s a true team leader, so to see his injury and the others just breaks your heart,” Hannah said. “It definitely takes some of the luster off the win.”
Gabe Kosters suffered a broken arm. Hannah said his return to the gridiron depends on the location of the cast.
“If the cast needs to include his elbow, he’ll be out longer than if it’s just his forearm,” Hannah said.
Ian Thom also suffered an ankle injury, but Hannah thinks he’ll return soon.
Hannah was very pleased with his defense, which collected three interceptions, including two by Aidan Rose and one by Boe Miles.
“We fumbled the opening kickoff and we played lights out, not letting them score on a short field and the rest of the game,” Hannah said.
Hannah also said sophomore Tristan DeShazer and freshman Quinton Cossins ran the ball well after injuries knocked out the starting backs.
Hannah also said the players seem to be picking up the schemes of new coordinators Dan Lucier (offense) and Josh Bean (defense).
The Loggers had 299 yards of offense.
Libby plays at Polson at 7 p.m. tonight. The Loggers beat the Pirates, 35-26, a year ago.
Polson was thumped by Bigfork, 38-3, in its opener.