(Editor's note: Scores will be updated throughout Friday night.)
COLUMBIA FALLS – It was the week’s marquee matchup in Class A, with two undefeated and ranked teams – Northwest conference rivals Polson and Columbia Falls – squaring off Friday night.
In the end, No. 4 Polson rallied from three-score deficit to upend No. 5 Columbia Falls in a thriller, 32-31.
The Wildcats scored on their opening drive, as quarterback Cody Schweikert kept the ball for a 10-yard touchdown run. Polson answered quickly when QB Jarrett Wilson connected with Brock Henriksen with a 25-yard TD pass.
With 5:41 remaining in the second quarter, Kai Golan drilled a 29-yard field goal to put Columbia Falls ahead 10-7. The Wildcats extended their lead near the end of the first half when Schweikert hit Mark Robison with a 21-yard TD pass. That made the score 17-7.
Columbia Falls extended things further in the third quarter as Schweikert threw a 46-yard TD bomb to Alihn Anderson for a 24-7 advantage. But Polson answered on the final play of the third when QB Jarrett Wilson fired a stroke to Tommy Sherry in the back of the end zone to bring the Pirates within 24-14.
Columbia Falls then fumbled, and that led to a 17-yard TD run by Wilson. The point-after try was missed, but Polson got back within 24-20. The Wildcats responded with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Schweikert to Jace Hill, but Polson answered again on a 9-yard TD throw from Jarrett Wilson to Trent Wilson, making the score 31-26 with 5:34 left.
Polson then recovered an onside kick, and Jarrett Wilson hit Henrikson with a 36-yard touchdown pass. A two-point try was unsuccessful but the Pirates had their first lead at 32-31. Polson’s defense then held Columbia Falls on fourth down, and the Pirates were able to run out the clock to cap a comeback win after being down 24-7.
Other Class A scores:
Billings Central 38, Laurel 3 (highlights below)
Dillon 47, Butte Central 14 (highlights below)
Hamilton 43, East Helena 0 (highlights below)
Havre 26, Glendive 12
Libby 42, Browning 6
Miles City 54, Livingston 0
Sidney 47, Hardin 12
