Badgers have good shot at districts

Bonners Ferry Head Soccer Coach Wayne Wilkerson expects the Badgers to do well at the district tournament.

The Badgers, who are 14-3 with 1 tie for the season, play at 1 p.m. Saturday in Post Falls.

"The regular season league results pretty much summarize the Bonners Ferry boys' chances for their 9th district championship appearance," Wilkerson said. "They have dominated both St. Maries (4-0 and 4-1) and Orofino (5-2 and 4-0) during the regular season. I expect our boys to continue their skilled possession game, strong talented defensive play and aggressive drive on the offensive front-line."

Wilkerson expects a solid defensive force from seniors Andrew Galloway and Spencer Pauls.

"I expect our midfield to once again be a determining factor in controlling the game," Wilkerson said.

Juniors Jody Wilkerson, John Wakkinen and Ignacio Lopez should continue their dominating influence over their opponents, Wilkerson said.

"Last but not least, the quick and talented front-line with senior exchange student Michal Kraus and juniors Miguel Mendez and Rob Hart should prove to be a very tough challenge for the opponent," Wilkerson said.

"As a coach, I could not hope for a better group of boys as far as talent, drive and teamwork," he continued. "The team consists of veteran players, solid play from new players and some amazing surprises from several freshman."

As for last Saturday, the Badgers defeated Lakeland 2-0. The first score was a penalty kick taken by Miguel Mendez.

The second half had Blake Skjeveland with a great assist to Mendez, who placed a hard shot into the goal from about 12 yards out.

"The Lakeland Hawks put up a fairly good defensive game but could not get anything going offensively against the Bonners Ferry defense," Wilkerson said.