Coaches: Danny Swift (Head coach), Andy Rice (Assistant coach), Kenny Swift (Assistant coach), Alec Hamilton (Assistant coach) 

Key returners: James Morgen, DE, T, TE, sr.; Keenan Maas, LB, TE, RB, sr.; Conrad Hiatt, RB, MLB, ATH, sr.; Daric Vincent, DE, TE, sr.; Cooper Higgins, WR, SS, jr. 

Key newcomers: Ben Hollabaugh, WR, CB, jr.; Alex Stolley, FS, QB, WR, jr. 

Outlook: Despite a rough opening week loss to Lakeland, the Badgers are looking to improve off the rollercoaster that was last season. Many of the team’s offensive and defensive line starters return, giving the team much needed continuity at the most important positions in the game. 

The leader of both of those lines will be Kai Aitken (5-11, 200), who anchors the offensive line from the guard position while providing improving pass rush on the other side of the ball. Alongside Aitken will be Jake Solt (6-0, 195), Taylor Dodd (6-2, 250), Austin McLaughlin (6-1, 180) and James Morgen (6-4, 200), who missed all last season after suffering an injury in Bonners Ferry’s opener against Lakeland.  

The boys upfront will be providing protection for Alex Stolley to step into the starting quarterback role. Stolley struggled in the season opener, which was the junior’s first prolonged action as a quarterback, with much of his experience comes as a talented free safety.  

Stolley carries all the intangibles to lead the Badgers to a great season, commanding the huddle and emerging as a leader in the locker room. Swift said he’ll focus on slowing the game down for Stolley as he adapts to the role. 

Coach Swift said that he thought his front-7 was a bright spot in the matchup against Lakeland, holding the higher division team several times in the red zone. Four linebackers totaled eight or more tackles in the season opener, with seniors Keenan Maas and Daric Vincent finding the backfield and recording a tackle for loss each. 

The schedule doesn’t get easier immediately for Bonners Ferry as they head to face Priest River, who won their first game against Salmon in blowout fashion. However, the Badgers will play all four teams they beat last season and two opponents that they played close. 

With returners and talent galore up front, the Badgers could be a force to be reckoned with. Now it’s time for them to take the talent on paper and translate it to wins on the gridiron. 

Coach's Comments:  "This group of kids is bought into physical and mental toughness. It’s a physically challenging game and they’ve thoroughly embraced that. Playing a tough brand of football and lining up every snap and going at it with everything they have.” - Coach Danny Swift 

On what makes a successful season: “If we grow as humans, grow as coaches and our kids can grow as young men who get better every day, that’ll be a successful season for us. We’ll see where the wins and losses end up.” - Coach Danny Swift 

On the Badgers’ front-7: "Those guys are going to bring it up front. We had a really great season a few years ago, but I feel like this group is right there with those guys as far as comradery and commitment and their level of understand with one and other.” - Coach Danny Swift 

Most anticipated matchup: Priest River 

First game recap: RATHDRUM — Bonners Ferry High senior Keenan Maas rushed 13 times for a game-high 50 yards as the Badgers dropped a non-league game to the Hawks Saturday night by a score of 41-0.

The Badgers hung around early on, trailing just 7-0 after one quarter, but Lakeland struck late in the first half to take a 20-0 leading heading into intermission. Junior Alex Stolley completed 6 of his 19 passes for 48 yards on the night. All six passes were caught by senior Sulay Abubakari, who compiled 35 receiving yards.

On defense, junior Cooper Higgins led the charge with a team-high 10 total tackles while Maas and senior Daric Vincent registered nine of their own.  Senior Conrad Hiatt, who had 13 rushing yards on four attempts, had eight tackles, two pass breakups and blocked a field goal try.

2025 Bonners Ferry Football Schedule 

8/23 @ Lakeland – L 41-0 

8/29 @ Priest River – 7 p.m. 

9/5 @ St. Maries – 7 p.m. 

9/19 vs Lakeside – 7 p.m. 

9/26 vs Kellogg – 7 p.m. 

10/10 vs Moscow – 7 p.m. 

10/17 @ Orofino – 7 p.m. 

10/24 @ Timberlake – 7 p.m. 

*Schedule as of 8/26, dates and times subject to change

2024 RESULTS

8/24 vs Lakeland – L 41-0 

8/30 vs Lincoln County – L 39-6 

9/6 vs St. Maries – W 24-22

9/13 vs Northwest Christian School – L 41-8

9/20 @ Lakeside – W 35-34 

10/4 @ Kellogg – W 42-22

10/11 @ Moscow – L 28-14

10/19 Orofino – W 41-0

10/25 vs Timberlake – L 22-7

    Bonners Ferry High junior quarterback Alex Stolley readies to a fire a pass during the Badgers' season opener against Lakeland.