SEASON PREVIEW: BOYS SOCCER: Hungry for success

Badger boys soccer has returned, and players are hungry to start the trek to the state championship.  

Last year, the Badgers went14-3-1 in the regular season, winning District I-II and Intermountain League champions, advanced to state as the No. 3 seed. The Badgers were pitted against Sugar Salem and by the end of regular time, the game was a stalemate at 0-0. After penalty kicks, Sugar advanced 4-3 and finished the tournament as the state champion. 

The Badgers then faced league opponent Coeur d’Alene Charter (12-6-3) in the consolation bracket. The Badgers had beaten the Panthers twice in the season, winning 4-2 and 1-0 at districts, and looked to win a third time.  

However, the problem with facing familiar opponents at state is knowing each other’s tricks.  Bonners Ferry Head Coach Paul Bonnell felt whoever scored first would have to ride it out the rest of the game.  

And so, off a header by Joe Nickly, the seventh-seeded Panthers got their revenge by scoring in the first half and winning 1-0 over Bonners.  

The Badgers didn’t come home empty-handed, as they did receive a sportsmanship award for their character and that of Badger fans at the state tournament.  

Now in early August at the first week of practice, returning players are running cardio drills, determined and focused on a return to state.  

Bonnell said the team is hungry for success after seeing what they could do last season.  

Winning league, districts and being competitive at state and being down to the wire was a motivating factor for returning athletes, he said.  

 “It was close and competitive [...] to get into a stalemate that came down to PKs to the eventual third place team, shows how far we have come,” he said.  

The returning players have bought in to the program and participated and trained in the offseason.  

“We had more people in the summer skirmishes and summer league than before,” he said. “Seems that players are more motivated than before, especially the returning players.”  

Last year the team had two foreign exchange students, Milan Von Busekist of Germany and Albin Pierrot of France, both of whom had grown up playing soccer. Having those experienced athletes on the team, inspired and encouraged Badger athletes. 

Many Badger soccer players are only exposed to the sport in high school, so seeing how they can compete with experienced soccer players was a motivating factor for many players, Bonnell said.  

This year's returners have been working on their team dynamic for years and are ready to get to work. A lot of the Badger defense has returned, but Bonnell is still looking to move positions around. 

Last season four Badger soccer boys received IML and Central Idaho League honors for their efforts and accomplishments during the 2023 season. This included seniors Center back Jesse Fess, and midfielders Eli Blackmore and Nikita Rawson.  

“Blackmore, Fess, and Rawson earned all-league for their consistent contributions to the team all season long,” Bonnell said. “Fess has been a critical component to holding teams scoreless against the Badgers for much of the season.  He is so solid at center back.” 

“Blackmore has a sense of vision in the midfield and never gives up. Rawson is creative and dangerous in the attacking mid position. He scores with versatility,” he said. 

Eli Newell received the MVP honors and has since graduated. Bonnell was named coach of the year.  

The Badgers will compete in a jamboree against 5A Lakeland and Post Falls before the season. Bonnell said this invitation is symbolic, as it shows how far the program has come and it will be a great opportunity for the team to challenge themselves and learn.  

29 kids have come out for soccer, enough for the varsity and junior varsity teams.  

Bonnell said this year the players are bought into discipline and a positive team culture.  

Bonnell said he appreciated all the facility upgrades, such as the concession stand being moved away from the gate and new soccer goals. He thanked the maintenance crews for the lawncare of the pitch.  

Coaching staff includes Jared Gardin, Brycen Lunger, Derek Oxford, Matt Solis and Zach Reitz. 

Bonners Ferry’s first regular season game is Stillwater Christian on August 24.  

    Goalkeeper Cardon Pluid practices defense drills at practice.
  

    (left) Eli Blackmore practices passing with (right) Logan Archibald.