The Badgers scored 28 points in the first quarter, 14 more in the second and the result was nearly inevitable by halftime, as Bonners Ferry cruised to a massive 71-14 win over Timberlake. 

They are top of the 4A Intermountain Conference and will play next week away at American Falls High School in the Idaho 4A State Playoffs on October 31 at 7:00pm. 

The senior running back duo of Keenan Maas and Conrad Hiatt were lethal. Maas had 16 carries for 209 yards and four touchdowns, while Hiatt had four rushes for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Over the course of the season, Maas is averaging 196.6 rushing yards per game and Hiatt averages 9.6 yards per rush.  

Coach Danny Swift said the team was lucky to have Maas and Hiatt.  

“Conrad is such a bruiser with elite speed in the open field," Swift said. "Keenan has just got hips and legs and footwork that is unparalleled at our level.” 

He also showered some love on a group who don’t always get the plaudits.  

“We love our linemen," Swift said. "We celebrate them constantly and at the end of the day, none of it’s possible without them.” 

Junior quarterback Alex Stolley was impressive, completing eight of nine pass attempts for 154 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Risten Allred, sophomore Caden Bates and senior Ronin Hansen each caught a touchdown pass, the first of the season for all three. Senior Spiro Petras also ran for his first touchdown. 

Bonners Ferry’s defense has averaged 17 points per game during their winning streak. Against Timberlake, they sacked the quarterback 12 times.  

Senior Daric Vincent led the team with three sacks, giving him seven sacks and 13 tackles for a loss over the season; both team highs. Bates and junior Taylor Dodd had two sacks each. Senior Sulay Abubakari recovered two fumbles and senior Kai Aitken recovered one.  

Junior Aaron Tadlock, the team’s usual kicker, was playing for Bonners Ferry’s soccer team in the 4A IDHSAA Boys Soccer Tournament. In his place, quarterback Alex Stolley converted nine of nine extra points.  

Swift shared his team’s mindset going into the game against 1-8 Timberlake. 

“You can’t overlook anybody," Swift said. "We just approached it like it’s the only game that matters. The kids have bought into that mindset. We’re there to win the play, every play.” 

The winner of Bonners Ferry versus American Falls will play Kimberly on November 7 or 8 in the quarterfinals. The semifinals will be November 14 or 15, while the final is scheduled for Nov 21 or 22.

American Falls, in southeastern Idaho, is approximately a nine hour drive from Bonners Ferry. Their football team is ranked 5th in the tournament, while the Badgers are 12th.

    Keenan Maas holds the trophy with a teammate. Maas ran for 209 yards and four touchdowns.
 Photo By DANIEL WOELFLE