Badgers face tough loss against Timberlake, losing 28-10
(Photo Courtesy of Victor Corral Martinez) Badgers defense ready to shut down the offense
SPIRIT LAKE — Bonners Ferry had a strong start, but Timberlake's running game led the host Tigers past the Badgers 28-10 on Friday in an Intermountain League matchup.
The Tigers opened the game with a successful onside kick, then drove from the Badger 37-yard line to the Badger 5-yard line in five plays and set themselves up for a first and goal. Fortunately, the Badger defense was able to respond.
On first and goal, Nathaniel Varelman broke through the offensive line and tackled Timberlake quarterback Ashton Peightal for a 4-yard loss. Varelman and Dillon Mai pressured Peightal on fourth and goal, which led to an incomplete pass.
Bonners Ferry QB Teigan Banning was able to get the Tigers to jump offsides and move the Badgers away from their goal line.
According to Head Coach Travis Hinthorn, the first series was essential for the Badgers team.
“Instead of rolling over because of the onside kick, we stepped up with a big goal-line stand.” Hinthorn said. “And for Teigan to change up the count and get them to jump shows how he is growing and becoming more calm at quarterback.”
The Badgers (3-3) scored early in the second quarter, with Nathaniel Varelman breaking free with a 48-yard touchdown run. Varelman finished the game with 15 carries for 134 yards.
The Tigers then scored twice in the second quarter and led 12-7 at the half.
“In the second half, they [Timberlake] controlled the line of scrimmage. They went no-huddle to tire us out, and it seemed to work as they got 5-yards every carry,” Hinthorn said.
Although the Badgers fell short of victory, Hinthorn said his team fought hard and was impressed by their performance compared to previous years of losing to Timberlake by huge scoring margins.
“Obviously, we wanted to win the game,” Hinthorn said. “As a program, we are moving in the right direction.”
The Junior Varsity won against Timberlake 19-7 for Bonners Ferry's first JV win against Timberlake in years, according to Hinthorn.
Timberlake moved to first place in the IML with a 2-0 league record. Bonners Ferry and Kellogg are tied for second at 1-1, with the Badgers traveling to face the Wildcats at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.