Football team builds for IML competition
Photo by COREY RICHARDS The 2018 Bonners Ferry football players. Front row, from left: Jarren Sheets (9th- JV), Mitch Falck (11th- Varsity), Brandon Bean (11th- Varsity), Wilson Newell, (9th- Varsity) Jake Summerfield, (9th- JV) Josh Fairchild (9th- JV), Gabe Egge, Carver Copley, Kaden Brewer (9th- JV), Jack Romero, Jack Cannon (11th- JV), Larry Hoehne (11th- Varsity), and Collin Ramadan (11th- Varsity). Back row, from left: Jose Perez (9th- Varsity), Andrew Sandelin (9th- JV), Jackson Richter (9th- JV), Kenny Branson (12th- Varsity), Jesse Bradley (12th- Varsity), Jay Miller (9th- JV), Nick…
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Senior Jesse Bradley carries the ball.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Football players working on endurance during practice.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Kicker/punter Senior Jesse Bradley.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN The Badgers execute a play during a recent practice.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Going for a kick during practice.
BONNERS FERRY — The 2018 football season has kicked off with tryouts, followed by the first practices. The bad air quality and hot temperatures have put a damper on the practices, but otherwise the boys have had a great attitude and drive.
“We were looking good going into our final week before our first game with just a few kinks to work out here and there and we will be ready,” said Coach Corey Kramer.
Returning players are Donavan Varelman, Jesse Bradley, Chris Durett, and Kenny Branson, who are senior returns from last year. Ty Bateman, Jake Jelinek, Matt Morgan, Ashton Blumenour and Mitch Falk accompany the various other juniors and sophomores on this year’s team. Larry Hoene, Aaron Scott, and Issiah Shotanana are key newcomers for the varsity level team.
The Badgers won two nonconference games last season before struggling in a balanced Intermountain League, which saw Kellogg win its first league title since 1973.
“Our league should be interesting this year. I think the team that is the healthiest going into league play will probably be the one sitting at the top when the dust settles,” said Kramer. “Our goal is to be that team.”
With the poor air quality and weather conditions, the team has had to practice indoors, which posed a challenge to the coaches. Don Alt, Chris Sabin, Kevin Campbell, Corey Richards, and Dave Koon are assistant coaches with Kramer.
“As coaches we have to be creative when we are inside the gym. It gets a little cramped to practice football, but having to deal with it the last three years we’re getting pretty good at it,” said Kramer.
The team kicked off the season Aug. 24 at Libby, Mont. The team is strong, but after the first game, they have a better understanding on areas of improvement.
Kramer has high hopes for the team this year.
“The boys have had great attitudes and have been willing to work,” said Kramer.
With good footing and hard work, this seasons football team has the potential to excel and accomplish their goals.