BONNERS FERRY, IDAHO - Under the Thursday night lights of Kenny Mendenhall Stadium in Bonners Ferry Idaho, the Rocky Mountain Rams made their return to the football field for the 2024 season.
It was the second consecutive year that the Rams have made the trip down to take on the Junior Varsity squad from Bonners Ferry with this year's Cranbrook-based team featuring 15 first-time players. The Badgers made it two straight victories over the Rams with a 40-7 win on home turf.
For the Rams, it was an opportunity for most players to experience a competitive tackle football game for the first time. "This team had no quit, they battled right until the end of the game," said Rams coach Dan Herrick. "Our coaches could not be more proud of the way these kids played. The effort from a group of athletes who have either never played or only played a few games was admirable."
The Badgers took advantage of some early turnovers to jump out to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter. After the Rams settled into the game, a pair of second quarter offensive drives nearly saw the visitors get onto the scoreboard. Bonners Ferry was able to convert once more in the second to take a 26-0 advantage into halftime.
In the second half, the Rams defence continued to get more comfortable and came up with a pair of turnovers.
Up 32-0 in the fourth quarter, the Badgers looked poised to add to their lead when Rams' linebacker Madeus Brunham broke through the line to intercept a toss, returning it over 80 yards deep into Bonners Ferry territory. From there, quarterback Nate Morrison handed the ball off to running back Alvin Barnett who punched it in for the major.
"As with any team after any game, coaches and players, we have a lot to work on and fix. This group just needs the practice and live game reps, but they have the effort and desire to get better everyday."
The Rams will travel to Eureka, Montana on Saturday, September 26 for a meeting with the Lincoln County Lions JV squad before returning to Bonners Ferry for a rematch with the Badgers on Saturday, October 5. Future home dates for the Rams in Cranbrook are still being arranged.
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