For the week of October 16 - 22, 2002

Cool and unusual punishment

Buhl bests Wood River 
on cold night in Hailey

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The Buhl Indians dished out some cool and unusual punishment in Hailey Friday.

In South Central Idaho Conference action, the Indians defeated Wood River 31-7 to remain undefeated in league play.

On a frigid night, Buhl (5-1) heated up Phil Homer Field with three, fourth-quarter touchdowns to blow open a 10-7 contest.

Hailey quarterback Brandon Silvia rolls out against the Buhl rush.

"I felt like we were really in the game," Hailey coach John Blackman said. "I was a little worried coming off the Declo game, but we picked it up."

The Hornets drubbed the Wolverines 50-8 two weeks ago. The loss proved to be a costly one. Senior quarterback/defensive back/special teams standout Matt Conover suffered a season-ending knee injury.

"We missed Matt on special teams. He is another 100 yards out there and a threat every time he touches the ball," Blackman said.

Junior Brandon Silvia stepped in at QB and propelled the Wolverines to one of their best passing games to date with four completions for 44 yards and one touchdown.

"Brandon did a great job. I was really pleased," Blackman said.

Silvia got a golden opportunity in the third when a fumble recovery by Tyler Brown led to Hailey’s first possession in the third quarter.

On third-down-and-six, Kellen Chatterton snagged a pass in the flat and booked 32-yards to score.

On their ensuing possession, Buhl embarked on a 11-play, 38-yard march which ate almost six minutes off the clock. The drive stalled when Chatterton and Scott Sanders stuffed Buhl workhorse Josh Ussery (160 yards) on fourth down.

The Indians returned the favor and then reeled off three unanswered touchdowns to ice the game.

Wood River never gave up, however. Dylan Welcome epitomized the team’s effort, breaking at least four tackles on a seven-yard run late in the fourth.

With the loss, Wood River falls to 1-5 on the season and 0-3 in league.

Mathematically still alive for a playoff berth, although they need for Kimberly to lose, Wood River ends the regular season with games against Filer and Gooding.

"I think we can win both games," Blackman said. "These kids deserve to win."

 

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