BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry High Badgers’ defense did what they do best on Friday, suffocating their opponents to the tune of a 56-0 win over St. Maries at Mendenhall Stadium.

The Badgers were led by senior Jake Solt, who totaled nine tackles in the win over the Lumberjacks. Juniors Ben Hollabaugh, Tyson Dickson and Caden Bates added four more tackles each. Bonners Ferry head coach Danny Swift said his team has continued to improve their execution and playing complementary football. 

“This week was just a phenomenal group effort,” Swift said. “It was a big game for the defense. Just played really well, really consistent. Again, it all really starts with our guys up front.” 

The boys up front, juniors Grady Atkins, Zachariah Varelman, Kale Mielke and Bates, racked up three sacks as a group against St. Maries. Bonners Ferry totaled six tackles for loss and forced several fumbles as well to round out their defense’s dominant day. 

While the defense has stayed stellar, Swift said all three phases of his team were excellent in the blowout win. Junior Colson Baisden added a punt return touchdown on special teams, while contributing on the offensive end as well. 

Senior quarterback Alex Stolley had another solid performance through the air, going 10 of 14 passing for two touchdowns. On the ground, Bonners Ferry rode a stellar offensive line performance to the tune of 241 total rushing yards. 

Swift said seniors Austin McLaughlin, Logan DesMarias and Gabe Warren alongside Bates and Mielke helped pave the golden path for the Badgers’ run game. 

“Very much a team effort on the ground, moving the ball,” Swift said. 

Next up for the 3-0 4A Badgers is a road trip to Sandpoint for a game against the 3-0 5A Bulldogs at War Memorial Field on Sept. 11.  

“Coach Knowles is as good as they come, and he's got his team playing great football,” Swift said of Sandpoint. "We're gonna try to play the best we can play and see what happens.”