Badgers one win from state tournament
Photo by Mandi Bateman Gabe See heading the ball clear from their goal area.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Drew Foster preparing to clear a ball from Bonners Ferry’s back field.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Judah Draxlir attempting to win the ball from St. Marie’s defense.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Tyler Beazer controlling the midfield ball.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Joe Swanson defending the goal from St. Marie’s forward.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Keeper Seth Bateman grabs a ball away from St. Marie’s forward.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Daniel Walker preparing to set up a shot on St. Marie’s goalkeeper.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Judah Draxlir attacking St. Marie’s goalkeeper.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Preston Coon makes an offensive run into St. Maries’ penalty area during the Badgers’ 2-1 home win over the Lumberjacks on Friday, Oct. 6.
Photo by Mandi Bateman. Judah Draxlir heading ball with Pacen Pluid standing by
BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry boys’ soccer team finished its season with three wins, and its strong play continued in the 3A district tournament.
On Tuesday, the Badgers played a very competitive game against a tough Timberlake team, and came out on top with a 2-0 win.
Friday’s game against visiting St. Maries brought home another win of 2-1, in what would prove to be a preview of the Badgers’ playoff opener.
“We scored twice early and then they scored just before halftime. We weren’t playing our best soccer but we managed to hold them through the second half,” stated coach Wayne Wilkerson.
In Saturday’s game against Orofino, the boys came home with a 7-1 win.
“They’re a young team that’s struggling a bit, but they have heart and great attitudes,” Wilkerson said of Orofino. “We seem to be peaking at a good time, going into district play. But I know we must play our best if we want to advance.”
Six teams entered the 3A district tournament Monday, all hoping for a trip to state. On Thursday Oct. 12, only Bonners Ferry and Timberlake remained, and they will square off at 4 p.m. today at Sunrise Rotary Fields in Rathdrum.
The Badgers had a first-round bye, then blanked St. Maries 2-0 on Tuesday in a district semifinal, putting BFHS into the district final against the Tigers.
The loser of the district championship game still has a path to state via a state play-in game on Saturday.