PRIEST RIVER — Coming off weekend wins, the Badgers defeated the Priest River Spartans on Tuesday 8-1.

Earlier in the season, the Badgers beat the Spartans 13-0. Spartans coach Nick Tucker told the Herald at the last matchup that his coaching focus is offense and the former head coach focused on defense.

It is a “culture change” for the young team and a different form of tactics, he said. Last year, Priest River graduated several seniors who were core to the program.

“Time and experiences will make a huge difference for this team,” he said.

Badger boys soccer is 9-2 in conference and is ranked second, with Timberlake in the first place position with 10-0-1.

The Badgers play Coeur d’Alene Charter today at home. JV plays at 5 p.m. and varsity at 5:30 p.m.

OROFINO — After defeating Orofino and Grangeville on the road, Badger boys soccer is 11-2-1.

The Badgers beat the Orofino Maniacs 2-0 and the Grangeville bulldogs 4-0. The Badgers are 8-2 in conference and are ranked second in the 3A District 1.

Bonners Ferry plays Priest River away on Tuesday. At the last contest, the Badgers beat the Spartans 13-0.

Boys soccer 9-2-1 after close lost to Timberlake

BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry boys soccer and Timberlake game from Thursday Sept. 29 will go down as the crux cementing the 3A Intermountain league rivalry across sports.

From the starting whistle, both teams were off fighting for the ball as if the state title depended on it. Athletes fell on the pitch partially due to the heavy rain and the consistent physical contact as every ball and possession was challenged.

Thirty minutes into the game, Timberlake scored with a shot crossing the goal ending in the upper right corner of the net.

For the Badgers, Eli Newell scored, tying the game going into half.

The battle continued as the weather cleared. Six minutes into the second half, the Tigers scored again. The Badgers continued to fight and had shots on goal, but nothing landed in the net.

Badger goalkeeper, Roger Naylor blocked two goal attempts in quick succession at the 80-minute mark.

Midfielder for the Badgers, Nick Eastman ran the ball past the Tiger’s defense and the Timberlake goalkeeper had to slide using both his feet to kick the ball away. The Badgers attacked again with Newell running the ball into the boxes and colliding with a Tiger, but no call was made.

Timberlake won 2-1. Prior in the season, the Tigers beat the Badgers 4-3.