Wampus Cats ready for the playoffs

CLARK FORK — It's hard not to be overconfident heading into the state playoffs against an opponent you crushed 50-0 just a couple of weeks ago.

Nevertheless, Clark Fork coach Frank Hammersley and the Wampus Cats football team will be ready for anything the Mullan Tigers try to conjure up Friday.

"We are not looking past Mullan," said Hammersley. "They have some good players and you never know what could happen."

In their last game, which ended after just three quarters due to the 45-point rule, Clark Fork senior quarterback Clayton Hewitt rushed for 120 yards, while Brian Young finished with 87 yards

"We are going to go in with the same game plan," said Hammersley. "We are pretty satisfied with what we've done this year on offense and defense."

The undefeated Wampus Cats (7-0) have only had to play two complete four quarter games this season, while finishing off opponents early in the remaining four games — if your are doing the math — Post Falls Christian didn't even bother playing Clark Fork and gave up a forfeit.

This year, the North Star League was separated into two classes for post-season competition. In the 1A division I (schools with a class sizes over 150 students), Wallace plays Genesee Saturday. In the 1A division II (schools with an enrollment under 150 students), the Wampus Cats play Mullan (4-5) at 7 p.m. Friday in Clark Fork.

"Our spirits are high. The kids are looking forward to this game and this is something we've been shooting for since the beginning of the season," said Hammersley. "We figured if we could win the league and be healthy at the end of league play, we could probably do some real good things in the playoffs."

The winner between Clark Fork and Mullan will then play the winner of Saturday's game between Notus (8-1) and Horseshoe Bend (8-1) next week.