Clark Fork falls in league opener against Kootenai

CLARK FORK - Kootenai continued its roll through the North Star League, riding the talented senior trio of Ben Shannon, Kolten Willms and Dakota Amy to a convincing 46-0 win in North Star League football action Friday night in Clark Fork.

 Shannon ran for three touchdowns, Willms threw for three touchdowns and Amy caught two touchdowns and delivered a number of big defensive plays to lead Kootenai. The Warriors (4-0, 3-0 NSL) built a 38-0 lead in a decisive first quarter, and after a scoreless second quarter the game ended due to the mercy rule on the first drive of the 3rd quarter.

"They're definitely the class act of the North Star League," said Clark Fork coach Brian Arthun, still believing that his young team is showing improvement. "I still feel like we have a shot at getting into the playoffs."

It was a festive night for Clark Fork (0-3, 0-3 NSL), which had a packed house as the new bleachers, press box and track were unveiled, solidifying the scenic venue as one of the best in the state.

Cody Bowers had a big hit on a fourth down play to get the inexperienced Cats their first stop of the game. Chase Lowther, Chaunce Nesbitt and Howard Katzenberg also had some nice hits. Arthun also had high praise for Russian exchange student Victor Walker, making his second start at safety after just recently seeing football for the first time.

"He's coming up and making some big hits," said Arthun, who'd hoped to give the home crowd a good show but realized he was facing a solid team. "Tough when you have to play the best team in the league in your first home game."

Clark Fork hosts Lakeside next Friday.

Editor's note: See Tuesday's Daily Bee for a feature on Clark Fork's Bob Hays, who received the Panhandle State Bank "Community Star" award on Friday night before the game.

Kootenai     38   0   8 - 46

Clark Fork  0     0   x - 0

KOOT - Shannon 7 run (try failed)

KOOT - Amy 13 catch from Willms (Hall catch)

KOOT - Cook 37 catch from Willms (Shannon catch)

KOOT - Amy 27 catch from Willms (Willms run)

KOOT - Shannon 12 run (Willms run)

KOOT - Shannon 26 run (Amy catch)