Go Blue!

A bright future for Bonners Ferry football. Written and photographed by Robert Lavala

A parent of a current Bonners Ferry football player said to me recently, “I predict that in two years we will go to and win the State Championship.” That larger-than-life statement gained validity on the 12th of September as our Badgers played their hearts out against a much bigger Lethbridge team. The sophomores, who currently make up nearly half the varsity team, have played together since 5th or 6th grade and as the Badger football program gains positive momentum, we are going to see great things within a year or two.

Over the week of September 8th, the team experienced a change in the coaching staff as head coach Ed DePriest resigned and handed over the reigns to Chris Sabin and Don Alt. This change came as the result of a special meeting by parents and staff, and the change is seen by many as positive.

At the September 12th game, the stands were full of Bonners Ferry faithfuls and every opportunity there was to yell “Go Blue” was taken. In a small community like Bonners Ferry, the town rallies around their hometown teams with steadfast support – even when the odds are stacked against them.

While the first few games of the season resulted in losses, they were encouraging due to the way the players did not give up. Each play, every player gave everything and left it all on the field. There were lots of bruises, lots of limping off the field and

Dr. Dan Moore attended to many. The drive to play as hard as they could was pulsing through every muscle in their bodies.

So just how can they continue to foster this success?

Speaking with experienced sports professionals they all agree: Off-season conditioning is one of -if not THE - most important thing a football player, or any athlete for that matter, can do to ensure a good season.

“Thinking that you can make up for all the time not training and then actually play well is not sound reasoning. While athletes certainly need adequate time to rest, recover, and rejuvenate themselves both physically and mentally during a break or following a long season, elite coaches and athletes know that champions are made in the off season. For example, former Notre Dame women's basketball player and Rosenthal Leadership Academy member Natalie Novosel made a full commitment over the summer to get the absolute most out of her off-season. She dedicated herself to training six days a week by playing, lifting, and conditioning. This helped her team to the National Championship.” Janssen Sports Leadership Center.

This would lead many to question why their kids cannot simply be, well, kids. The short answer is:

They can. The longer answer is that even though they are “kids” they still have the mentality that says, “I want to win!” And they all, if asked honestly, understand that winning comes at a price. What I see on the field is a team that may just be ready to pay.

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