Clark Fork to host Warriors in state playoffs

CLARK FORK — Clark Fork heads to Kootenai on Saturday for the first round of the 1A Division 1 playoffs, looking to make some adjustments and avenge a loss two weeks ago when the two teams met to decide home field advantage.

In that game, Clark Fork quarterback Mike Martin threw the ball a whopping 58 times in the 24-14 loss. Warriors (7-1) coach Doug Napierala is bracing for another aerial onslaught in the game, a classic match-up of run vs. pass-oriented attacks.

"Oh boy, it's tough," Napierala said. "The last two weeks in practice (Kootenai had a bye last week), there's been a lot of pass coverage and throwing in things to try to get pressure and disrupt him (Martin). If we keep bringing pressure and disrupt things, it'll help our cover guys."

Martin completed 17 of 58 passes for 368 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Cats (7-2). After watching film of the game, Cats coach Brian Arthun believes offensive protection will be the key to the game.

"They blitzed on 37 of 45 plays, and they have four or five different blitzes," said Arthun of the Warriors' defense. "We worked on picking up the blitz this week. We need to mix in a little more running to keep them honest. They were just teeing off on our linemen with the pass rush."

Senior Matt Bellville will be counted on to provide some punch in the running game. Arthun said some dropped balls hurt them in the previous meeting, and that yards after the catch will be key when Martin distributes the balls to Austin Martin and Drew Wilkinson, his primary receiving threats.

Sophomore Jake Hall has joined junior Ben Shannon to give Kootenai a 1-2 running punch. Hall has rushed for 755 yards and nine touchdowns, Shannon for 712 yards and 10 TDs. Wilkinson will spearhead a Cats' defense that has gotten stingier as the season has progressed.

"The big thing is tackling well," said Arthun. "Last time we did a good job of containing Shannon and Hall, but quarterback Colton Willms had more than 100 yards on the ground."

The winner of Saturday's game could possibly host the winner of Salmon River and Garden Valley, who also meet Saturday in a first round game. Arthun said his team is pretty loose and doesn't seem uptight for a playoff game.

"We felt like we beat ourselves in a lot of ways," said Arthun. "We feel good about our chances, like we can compete with them."

Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at Kootenai High School.