Tonight, Townsend Field served as the proud stage for the second annual “Wildcat Salute,” a deeply moving pregame event dedicated to honoring our nation’s heroes. The heart of the ceremony was the recognition of our veterans, active-duty military members, police officers, firefighters, and first responders. Each group was celebrated for their unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of our nation and community. The evening began with a solemn remembrance of POW/MIA servicemen and women, a powerful tribute to those who never returned home, ensuring their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Notes of “Taps” then filled the air, and the “Quilt of Valor,” a handcrafted gift symbolizing comfort, gratitude, and respect was bestowed upon veterans from the community.
In the midst of an emotional night there was still a football game to be played. The Wildcats took on the Oakridge Eagles, two teams with very different starts to their seasons. Montague entered the game looking to rebound from a tough 48-7 loss to Forest Hills Eastern, while Oakridge was riding the wave after a commanding 42-6 win over Orchard View.
It became clear this game would be a defensive battle. The opening quarter saw both teams struggle to find an offensive rhythm, with the defenses dominating. Montague had a key opportunity late in the quarter when Talen Degen, number 4, made a crucial strip, giving the Wildcats a chance to strike first. However, they were unable to capitalize, leaving the scoreboard blank as the first quarter ended.
The game’s momentum shifted midway through the second quarter when Montague’s Fletcher Thommen, who was nothing short of a powerhouse on the ground, broke through for his first touchdown of the night. Thommen’s performance was a bright spot in an otherwise defensive slugfest. He would later find the end zone again in the third quarter, putting up both of Montague’s touchdowns and carrying the Wildcats’ ground game on his back.
“Yeah, he’s a tough kid,” Coach Justin Dennett said of Thommen after the game. “Running back, middle linebacker, and he’s not very big. For him to do all that, bumping inside—it’s a lot for him, but he’s tough.”
Thommen’s effort was critical for the Wildcats, especially with starting quarterback Eli Peterson sidelined due to illness. In Peterson’s place, Ryver Jarka stepped in for most of the game, giving Peterson time to rest and recover. Despite the quarterback shuffle, Montague’s defense rose to the occasion, forcing multiple turnovers and keeping Oakridge’s offense in check.
“Our defense bailed us out tonight,” Coach Dennett added. “They forced a bunch of turnovers, and that really kept us in the game.”
While neither team was able to generate much offensive success, it was Montague’s defensive pressure and Thommen’s hard running that made the difference in the gritty contest. The Wildcats fought their way to a narrow but hard-earned victory, 14-7.
Notable Plays
- Talen Degen caught an interception early in the first quarter.
- Degen made a crucial strip at the latter half of that first quarter. Giving Montague an opportunity to open the gates for a touchdown (the Cats’ were unsuccessful there).
- Fletcher Thommen scored two touchdowns, one in the second and one in the third. An absolute powerhouse, he carried the load offensively for Montague.
- Montague was able to force two fumbles, both of which they recovered in the first half, giving them important momentum defensively.
- Oakridge scored early in the fourth, pushing the game to 14-7, Montague.
- QB Eli Peterson was out for most of the game, only playing a minor amount of plays.
- Ryver Jarka took over as QB and was the second of Montague’s main running attack.
- Oakridge gain significant yardage on two fake punts, giving them two first downs.
