Badger Nation comes out for Backwoods Brawl

BONNERS FERRY — Badger pride was on full display at the Backwoods Brawl, a multi-sport event, cheer and band contest, and overall spirit competition, held annually against Intermountain League opponent Timberlake.

Badgers young and old came out decked out in patriotic clothing following the “America” theme, packing the stands to show off their Badger spirit.

The multifaceted event started with a wrestling dual. Badger wrestlers battled it out under the spotlight to a roaring crowd, which was unlike most of their wrestling matches this season. The atmosphere was electric as fans and athletes pushed themselves to their limits. 

Each crowd roared as they stopped and screamed during the decibel challenge. The cheer teams took to the court to show off their routines and stunts. 

The Bonners Ferry leadership class got jiggy with it during the lip sync battle, to American classics like the Beach Boys’ “Surfing USA.” 

Timberlake, who chose the theme, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” acted in the guise of the Grinch and caused havoc, ruining Christmas during the their lip sync and dance number. 

During the basketball games, the Battle of the Bands took place as each school tried to outperform the other and occasionally joined together musically to keep up the atmosphere.

The crowds were lively and continued to hurl cheers back and forth in a competition of their own. The cheer teams kept busy encouraging the crowd and athletes on the court with their sideline routines. 

The Spirit Contest was graded by judges from different school districts and included several categories. 

Bonners Ferry won the decoration contest. The Badgers chose “America” as their theme, and covered their side of the gym wall to wall with American monuments, historical events, the American flag and historical figures. 

Both schools tied in sportsmanship and school spirit categories, as well as earned full points by hitting their charity goal from separate food drives. 

Timberlake won the lip sync contest, decibel challenge, Battle of the Bands and cheerleading, thus winning the spirit contest for the second year in a row. 

Due to inclement weather and forecasted road conditions, the annual Backwoods Brawl Spirit competition was moved from its Friday, Jan. 19 to Saturday, Jan. 20 at Bonners Ferry High School.

    (left) Rylie Kimball plays defense at half court during the varsity girls basketball game as part of the Backwoods Brawl.
  

    Bonners Ferry students sections shows Timberlake their school spirit and the strength of their lungs.