SEASON OPENER: “No pre-season rust to shake off”, Rawson with four goals
BONNERS FERRY — The Badgers didn’t have to shake off any pre-season rust as senior striker Nikita “Nik” Rawson led the Badgers with four goals against Stillwater Christian to open the season with a 7-2 non-league victory.
The Badgers played aggressively and attacked the goal. After two shots on goal in the 19th minute, Rawson took up the ball at midfield and ran it up the middle then passed it to senior Logan Archibald on the right wing for the first goal of the game.
At the 27th minute, Rawson beat the last defender and the goalie for a second Badger goal.
Off a Bonners Ferry corner kick, junior Peyton Hinthorn scored a header in the 33rd minute, giving the Badgers a 3-0 lead. Two minutes later, senior Eli Blackmore beat the defense for another goal.
Right before halftime, Stillwater Christian sank a penalty kick on, making it 4-1 at halftime.
In the second half, Rawson earned a hat-trick for Bonners Ferry. Stillwater earned their second goal with a slip off the back post.
Bonners won 7-2.
On Thursday, Aug. 22 the Badgers competed in a jamboree with 5A Lakeland and 5A Post Falls.
Bonners Ferry head coach Paul Bonnell said the Badgers were sluggish during the 20-minutes halves, but that paid off at the season opener, as the Badgers were ready to go at the whistle.
“Stillwater had some good shots on goal and our keepers Cardon Pluid and Kordale Burt, had some good catches” he said.
Bonnell said the focus for the first game was versatility, which was done in part by their slight formation modification compared to the Jamboree.
“The team adapted which is what we needed to do, considering how we did at the Jamboree,” he said.
Bonnell attributed Rawson’s four goals in part due to his level of fitness allowing him to outmaneuver the visiting Cougars.
The Badgers will face the 3A Orofino Manicas on Saturday, August 31 at home at 10 a.m.
Bonners Ferry 7
Stillwater 2
First half—BF 4, Stillwater PK
Second half—BF 3, Stillwater 1.
Aaron Tadlock fights for the ball against Stillwater Christian on Aug. 24.