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your homegrown newspaper November 5, 2025
Vol. 22, No. 9
Distinguished service pg. 6
St. Luke award pg. 7
BOB GUNDERSON / GUNDY ARTISTRY PHOTO
The Polson Pirate boys soccer team poses for a photo with the state A championship trophy after prevailing 4-0 over the Whitefish Bulldogs on Saturday, Nov. 1.
Polson boys win first ever state soccer title on home field by Michelle Dale for the Valley Journal
Response to heat pg. 8
POLSON — The Polson Pirates boys soccer team shut out the Whitefish Bulldogs, 4-0, to win the state championship before a stadium full of fans last Saturday. The state game
was held in Polson for the first time this year, making the win even more special for the community. The team finished the season with 16 wins, two ties and two losses. Polson fans were loud and on their feet, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm
and excitement. Each time a player scored, the student section would chant their first and last names – over and over and louder each time. PHS students made sure their team was never alone on the field, backing them up with chants and taunts. They also heckled
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Whitefish’s student section, yelling the classic “We can’t hear you!” when the other side grew quiet. One of the most exciting moments came when players joined students in the “I believe we will win” chant. With two minutes left on the clock, realization of the impending
state win nearly had players rushing the field early. Many tears and hugs were shared by players and fans as the Pirates sealed the state win. Goalkeeper Maddox Bird led the Polson tradition of the winning “Polson see page 2