Timberlake trounces Badgers 47-20

By ROBERT JAMES

Managing Editor

Bonners Ferry went to Timberlake Friday night and, according to head coach Caleb Arceneaux, the team played a really good second quarter.

Unfortunately, the Badgers already trailed 19-0 in the game. While Bonners Ferry (3-4, 2-1) outscored the Tigers 6-0 in the second and went into halftime down just 19-6, Timberlake roared out of the locker room and put up two more touchdowns in the third quarter to go up 31-6. From there, Bonners Ferry matched the Tigers, scoring two touchdowns, but Timberlake cruised to the 47-20 win.

"Timberlake has a very good football team," Arceneaux said. "They have great team speed."

Bonners Ferry scored on a nine-yard pass from A.J. Bennett to Josh Hawks in the second quarter, and then Bennett broke off a 49-yard run and hit Kenny Swift with a two-yard pass in the fourth quarter.

Despite the fact his defense gave up 47 points, Arceneaux was pleased with the team's effort.

"We gave up big plays and we needed to play consistently," he said. "We'd get two or three stops, and then they'd break off a big play."

The team's tackling, although better than in previous games, was still not good enough to deal with Timberlake's team speed.

"We did not play our best game of the year," Arceneaux said.

On offense, Bennett led the passing game, throwing for 154 yards and two touchdowns. He tossed four interceptions, though, and Bonners Ferry receivers had several key drops. The Badgers also lost a fumble in the game and collected 95 yards in penalties.

Two of Bennett's interceptions were thrown as the quarterback was being hit by Timberlake defenders. The Tigers' defense harassed the Badger quarterback all night.

The offensive line had a decent game despite the pressure, Arceneaux said.

Lineman Jeff Howard had a good night, the coach said. Hawks ran hard for the team, although he was limited to just 22 yards on the ground. He did catch five passes for 65 yards and touchdown. John Heigel led Bonners Ferry with 78 yards rushing.

On defense, Chris Nelson blocked three extra points, and Howard played well from his linebacker and lineman positions, Arceneaux said.

The team travels to Kellogg tomorrow night for a 7 p.m. game against the Wildcats.

The game is very important because if Bonners Ferry wins, the team clinches the second seed in the IML.

A loss sends the Badgers into a three-way tie for second with Priest River and Kellogg.

Kellogg likes to throw the ball, Arceneaux said.

"They have a pretty good QB and some good receivers," he said. They also have a young running back to give the offense some diversity.

The IML second seed will travel to a state play-in game against a Snake River opponent, most likely Fruitland, next week, Arceneaux said.