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Badgers fine-tuning their game
September 13, 2016
Photos and story by Robert Lavala

With the five non-league games the Badgers face this season, they are getting much needed playing time as well as a fierce test. Week one culminated with a 44-0 loss to Lakeland, a strong 4A rival. And now with week two behind them, having played Lakeside, they are picking up their game and fine-tuning the offense and defense to bring it strong in the upcoming conference games.

Badger Nick Sabin had a good game against Lakeside, picking up 54 yards on 14 carries.
The loss to the Lakeside Eagles brought out the fighting spirit as the Badgers fought back after being down at halftime by three touchdowns. The final score was 42-28 and Coach Cory Kramer attributes the loss to the amount of turnovers given by the Badger offense.

In all, Junior starting quarterback, #3 Chris Sabin, threw three interceptions and backup, # 12 Kaleb Stockton, threw one interception. Couple that with three fumbles and the game was being given to Lakeside.

On a positive note, the Badgers starting quarterback threw 29 passes, completing 20 of them for a total of 286 yards and passing for two touchdowns and one 2-point passing conversion.

#1 Isaac Lavala caught two touchdown passes from Sabin and ended up with 124 yards and 13 catches. Lavala also caught a pass to complete a two-point conversion.

Other receivers moved the Badgers toward the goal line with #23 Caleb Harrington catching four passes for a total of 115 yards. #26 Nick Sabin plowed ahead for hard-earned yardage on the ground gaining 54 yards on 14 carries. #50 Matt Varelman carried the ball six times, resulting in 28 yards, two touchdowns, and a two-point conversion.

On the defensive side of the ball, #88 Christian Dowell and #5 Evan Wasmer caught two interceptions to get the ball back for the struggling Badgers. #50 Matt Varelman led the team in tackles.

The schedule has more tough opponents including Freeman, St. Maries and the Sandpoint Bulldogs. Once through each of these tough teams, the Badgers will begin conference play.

In our conference, we only have three teams, Kellogg, Priest River and Timberlake. The road to the State Playoffs begins with beating at least two of the three conference teams. If we win all three games, then our first playoff game will be held in Bonners Ferry.

The Badgers have been to state competition many times and many believe that this is the year to do really well. I know 25 players and five coaches who are believing for great things this season.

Be sure to come out for all the home games and cheer for our own Bonners Ferry Badgers!
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