BONNERS FERRY — A slow start proved too much to overcome as the Bonners Ferry Badgers hosted Libby, Mont., in their football opener Friday, Aug. 25.

The Badgers outscored the Loggers 18-8 after intermission, but lost 28-18 due to a rough first half, Bonners Ferry coach Cory Kramer said.

“Penalties killed us in the first half. We had a touchdown called back and really we lost the field position battle because of penalties,” Kramer said. “The guys responded well in the second half, holding Libby to one touchdown on a kickoff return.

“Our offense really got going in the second half, scoring three touchdowns, but we ran out of time,” he added. “We just need to do some fine-tuning this week for our next game and we should be just fine! I saw a lot of good things that we can build on and I’m excited to see what we can do when we play four good quarters.”

Quarterback Chris Sabin was 12-for-24 for 150 yards passing, with one TD and two interceptions. He also had nine rushes for 73 yards and 56 yards on kick returns, Kramer said.

Other BFHS offensive leaders included running back Anthony Minor (21 carries, 94 yards, two TDs) and wide receiver Brady Bateman (three catches, 55 yards, one TD).

The Badgers return to action Friday, Sept. 1, in Nine Mile Falls, Wash., against Lakeside High. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Libby 0 20 8 0 — 28

BFHS 0 0 6 12 — 18

Bonners Ferry scoring:

Third quarter: Minor 5 run (PAT failed)

Fourth quarter: Bateman 5 pass from Sabin (PAT failed)

Fourth quarter: Minor 5 run (PAT failed)