Late rally leads Badgers past Kellogg
(Photo Courtesy of Victor Corral Martinez) Badgers defense ready to shut down the offense
BONNERS FERRY — A late turnover turned into a go-ahead score as the Badgers varsity football team rallied in the fourth quarter to deliver a 14-13 win against visiting Kellogg on Friday, Sept. 11.
The Badgers had much difficulty over the last few years again Kellogg; this game was the first win over the Wildcats in three years.
Bonners Ferry began the game with Conner Callahan scoring on an opening kick return that set a pace for the contest.
A significant factor of the game was defense, as the Badgers were able to effectively limit Kellogg’s scoring.
Bonners Ferry defenders continuously applied pressure to the Wildcats quarterback and landed a few tackles.
According to Head Coach Travis Hinthorn, “The defensive line was the difference in the game.”
A major highlight of Badgers football is the Varelman brothers; Josh Varelman caused a fumble on Kellogg’s last drive, while Nathaniel Varelman had six carries with 83 yards recorded.
On the final drive, Nathaniel Varelman carried the ball for 43 yards, allowing quarterback Teigan Banning to run in the ball for the touchdown.
Kellogg took the lead in the fourth quarter but missed an extra-point kick, and that would haunt the Wildcats in the final minutes of the game. After Banning's touchdown tied the score at 13, Sky Reinhardt’s PAT kick allowed the Badgers to win a hard-fought game against a strong rival.
“Start of the fourth quarter, they were excited, and we had our heads down,” Hinthorn said, “It was nice to have that last drive, where we were able to change our mental attitude.”
Badgers football is on a bye week and will play St. Maries on Friday, Oct. 2.