Interceptions key in Spartan loss

PRIEST RIVER – The Priest River Spartan football team was held scoreless in the first half against a tough Bonners Ferry team, partially because of two key first half interceptions by the Badgers in a game played at Priest River Friday, Aug. 29.

Bonners Ferry had two touchdowns in the first quarter and another in the second putting them up 19-0 at the half. The Badgers won 26-14.

Priest River started scoring in the second half, with a rushing touchdown by Colton Kuprienko, who also caught a pass from Lucas Matthews for Priest River’s other touchdown. Priest River scored in both the third and fourth quarters, with a successful extra points conversion in the fourth quarter. They were unable to convert for extra points in the third quarter.

Kuprienko ran for 131 yards on 19 carries. Nate Fegert carried seven times for 56 yards.

Matthews completed eight of 16 pass attempts for 74 yards and the TD, connecting with four different receivers. Layton Goins caught four for 41 yards. Braden Leach caught one and Fergert caught one. Kuprienko caught two, including the TD.

On defense, Goins forced a fumble, recovered by Kuprienko. Priest River’s Niki Porinchok had three tackles for losses among his half dozen tackles.

The Spartans struggled to control Bonners Ferry’s running back Keenan Maas, who gained 174 yards and two touchdowns rushing. Bonners Ferry also scored on an 82-yard kickoff return by senior Conrad Hiatt.

Friday, Sept. 5, Priest River opens their Central Idaho League season with a home game against last year’s league champion Grangeville. Grangeville is coming off a 34-20 win over Timberlake. The game starts at 7 p.m.