Badger boys 2 out at state

The Bonners Ferry Boys Soccer Team competed well last week at the Idaho 3A State Soccer Tournament in Caldwell, but came home empty-handed dropping their two contests by a goal each.

Bonners opened the tourney Thursday, Oct. 24 facing District VI champion Sugar-Salem. The Badgers controlled possession and the pace of play throughout the first half, and had several scoring opportunities just miss, including an 18-yard rocket from junior midfielder Steffen Robles that glanced off the crossbar midway through.

With the game scoreless at the half, the Badgers continued dictating the action with superior passing and ball-control, resorting the Diggers to send long balls from the back to relieve the offensive pressure. In the 52nd minute, this strategy paid off as a crossing pass from deep in the corner inadvertently caromed off a Badger defender and into the goal, giving Sugar-Salem a 1–0 lead.

Bonners still had plenty of time left to counter and get the equalizer, and had several opportunities, including a near-miss from close range with a few minutes remaining, but it was not to be, and the game ended with Bonners dropping a 1 – 0 decision.

Sophomore keeper Caleb Blackmore recorded eight saves in goal, while the two center defenders, senior Oscar Lopez and junior Trevor Pew, had exceptional games on defense. The quarterfinal victory moved the Diggers into the semifinals the next day to face Gooding.

The loss dropped the Badgers into the consolation bracket, facing District IV representative Community School, who dropped a 2–1 decision the previous day to eventual champion Gooding.

The Cutthroats of Ketchum opened the game with three goals in the first twenty minutes of action, leaving the Badgers somewhat dazed. The second half found Bonners still battling, and in the 52nd and again in the 54th minute, sophomore striker Jake Tremble found the back of the net, the first goal coming off a beautiful through pass from senior midfielder Jesus Mendez, and the second on an brilliant individual effort that brought the Badgers to within one with plenty of time left.

Both teams had several scoring chances in the later stages of the game however, Bonners could never get another one into the net, and the game ended with the Cutthroats on top, 3–2.

Playing their final games were seniors Oscar Lopez, Jesus Mendez, Victor Mendez, Cameron Woods, Griffin Doubrava and Caelan Rapp. Juniors Chase Dinning, Matthew Gray, Preston Johnson, Trevor Pew, Steffen Robles, Collin Stone and J.P. Swingle look to lead the team next year, accompanied by sophomores Caleb Blackmore, Tucker Dirks, Colton Moore, and Jake Tremble and freshman Elijah Price.

Thank you parents and supporters of our program for all of your help and support throughout another successful season!