Hamilton to host Whitefish in playoff opener

by Scott Sacry

The Hamilton football team begins the Class A State tournament on Saturday, November 5th when they host Whitefish at 12 p.m. Hamilton (9-0), the top seed and defending State Class A Champion, had a bye in the first round. Whitefish (7-3) defeated Havre 17-7 in the first round on October 29th. Whitefish is led by dual threat senior QB Fynn Ridgeway who has passed for 1684 yards and 15 TDs and has rushed for 1259 yards and 17 TDs on the season. 

Hamilton’s head coach Bryce Carver feels his team is in good shape going into the playoffs. “We’ve had two weeks to heal all the bruises and bumps,” said Carver. “I tell the kids that most of the other teams have already turned in their gear, so don’t take any second for granted. It sounds cliche, but we really have to take it one game at a time. There are only eight teams left. They will all be good, so we have to be ready every week.” 

Carver likes how his team finished the regular season. “I feel like we have played our best in the last two games against Columbia Falls and Libby,” said Carver. “I felt we were really locked in. It’s nice to be peaking at the right time. The guys are really starting to get it.”

Hamilton has had a lot of postseason experience in recent years. “We’ve been here before and it’s not a shock for us to be in the playoffs,” said Carver. “I feel we’ll be able to focus in and get the job done. We know what it takes to make it to the top. That experience gives us a great advantage.” 

Hamilton hosts Whitefish on Saturday, November 5th at 12 p.m. The winner will play either Dillon or Billings Central in the state semifinals the following week.