BONNERS FERRY — After a long summer of waiting, unsure if they would be able to compete or not this season, the Priest River boys and girls soccer teams took the field for their season openers against Bonners Ferry on Tuesday at Mendenhall Stadium.

The boys opened up season play, falling 4-0 to a strong Badgers team. Despite the loss, it’s a huge improvement when compared to last year’s outcome, especially versus a Bonners Ferry team that is poised to make a deep run in the 3A state playoffs this year.

At the half, the Badgers led just 1-0 due to an accidental own goal by Priest River late in the first half. The Spartans defense was impressive, fending off many advances, as the majority of the game was played in Spartan territory.

Returning from halftime, Bonners Ferry’s Nikita Rawson scored two quick goals to put the Badgers ahead, 3-0. However, the Spartans played until the final whistle, and deterred many Badger opportunities for the rest of the second half.

For the girls, Priest River fell 7-1 to the Badgers in the nightcap. It drizzled as the lights turned on at Mendenhall Stadium, creating fun conditions for soccer.

Bonners Ferry’s Brenly Hymas, Maddie Hart and Alexys Meirke combined for four goals within the first 30 minutes. However, Priest River’s Lizzie McCracken responded with a goal of her own before halftime to get the Spartans within three goals.

In the second half, Priest River played a good amount of the game in Badger territory, but was unable to convert a couple of close chances. Due to this year’s small roster, the Spartans’ fatigue started to show near the end of the match. However, Priest River’s goalkeeper did make several crucial saves in the final minutes of the match to limit the damage.

Both the Priest River girls and boys soccer teams will take on Grangeville on Friday in their first home matches of the season.

BOYS

BONNERS FERRY 4, PRIEST RIVER 0

First half — None. Second half — 1, BF, Rawson (unassisted), 48’. 2, BF, Rawson (unassisted), 59’. 3, BF, Dye (unassisted), 75’.

GIRLS

BONNERS FERRY 7, PRIEST RIVER 1

First half — 1, BF, Hymas (unassisted), 5’. 2, BF, Hymas (unassisted), 19’. 3, BF, Hart (unassisted), 28’. 4, BF, Alexys Meirke (unassisted), 29’. 5, PR, McCracken (unassisted), 37’. Second half — 6, BF (unknown and unassisted), 66’. 7, BF, Krejci (unassisted), 67’. 8, BF, McLeish (unassisted), 70’.