Spartans fall to undefeated Colfax

COLFAX – The Priest River Spartans’ football team took a disappointing 34-20 non-league loss to the undefeated Colfax Bulldogs Friday, Oct. 3 at Colfax.

“It was a hard-fought loss against Colfax,” Spartan coach Alex Zapeda says. “At the end of the day, we let one guy beat us — their QB.”

He’s referring to Colfax quarterback Ryker Reed.

“He might have broken 30+ tackles on the night, if not more,” Zapeda says. “Credit to him — he’s by far the best player I’ve seen out here since I became head coach.”

Priest River is missing the play of Colton Kuprienko, who has missed several games after injuring an ankle in the Newport game three weeks ago.

“Kuprienko was still out, which hurt, because he’s our best athlete and really elevates this team when he’s healthy,” Zapeda says. “We’re hopeful he can return this week, depending on how his recovery progresses.”

Against Colfax, Spartan QB Lucas Matthews completed nine of 21 pass attempts for 96 yards and a touchdown and two interceptions. He hit Layton Goins for the TD. Goins also converted a 2-point extra point run.

Niki Porinchok picked off a Colfax pass and returned it 48 yards for a score and Nate Fergert had a rushing touchdown.

Goins was the leading pass receiver, with 68 yards on seven receptions and the TD. Fergert was the leading rusher with 66 yards on 14 carries.

On defense, Gavin Griesemer was in on a dozen tackles, including four solo tackles, including three for a loss. In addition to Porinchok’s interception, Madden Redinger also picked off a Colfax pass.

Zapeda says he didn’t anticipate being 2-4 at this point in the season.

“Honestly, it’s frustrating,” he says. “But to be fair, the four teams we’ve lost to — Bonners (4-2), Newport (5-0), Colfax (4-0), and Kettle Falls (3-1, only loss to Colfax) — are all playing great football. We know we’re a much better team than our record shows, and I’m excited to get into league play, because those are the games that truly matter.”

Priest River has a Central Idaho League game next Friday, Oct. 10, when they travel to Orofino for a game that starts at 7 p.m. Orofino lost 58-2 to Grangeville, who the Spartans beat.

“Orofino should be a great opportunity for us to bounce back, especially if Kuprienko is ready to go,” Zapeda says.

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