Badger boys soccer show grit at state
TWIN FALLS — Badger boys soccer faced fierce competition at the IHSAA 2022 3A boys soccer state championship, scoring the most goals against the eventual state champion.
The Badgers went 0-2 in the state tournament.
As the sixth seed, the Badgers were pitted against third seed and defending state champion, Sugar-Salem in their first match.
Bonners Ferry coach Paul Bonnell told the Herald that Sugar-Salem’s passing and possessive style, combined with offensive runs by their strikers gave them an early lead in the first half.
“It was a deficit that we never fully recovered from, although we outscored them in the second half 3-2 with goals by senior Nick Eastman and sophomore Nik Rawson,” Bonnell said.
On the defensive side, senior center back Ridge Williams and goalkeeper Roger Naylor led the Badgers to hold the Sugar-Salem Diggers in check.
“Sophomore Malachi Hubbard brought personality to our play, which enlivened the entire team,” Bonnell said.
The Diggers won 6-3 against the Badgers. Sugar-Salem went on to defeat American Falls and then Wednle, reclaiming their state championship.
In their second match, Bonners Ferry played McCall-Donnelly. It was a tight game between the Vandals and Badgers, with both teams scoreless in regulation time. Mid-game injuries sidelined several Bonners Ferry starters at the end of the second half, and the Badgers moved into the first "golden goal" overtime period with subs playing in multiple positions.
McCall scored a few minutes into overtime and claimed the victory.
“Overall, it was a solid showing by the Badgers in the state tournament,” Bonnell said. “I am glad that we scored three goals on Sugar-Salem, more than any other team did in the tournament. Also, they went on to be state champions, successfully defending their title. McCall-Donnelly went on to win the consolation trophy. It felt like we definitely belonged in the state tournament, and we played well, with tenacity.”
Badger boys soccer finished second 3A District I conference with a record of 10-2 and a 13-5-1 record overall. Boys soccer has earned a trip to state in 2021 and 2022.
