Wood River defensive coordinator Shawn Huntington was pleased with what he called a much-improved effort by his defenders in Friday's 16-3 prep football loss to the 3A Wendell Trojans at Phil Homer Field.
The Wolverine "D" held the Trojans, a 46-6 winner over Valley the previous week, to only one touchdown on offense. That came in the second period for a 6-0 lead after Wendell caught Wood River flat-footed with a 24-yard run on a fake punt.
Otherwise, the Hailey defense held unbeaten Wendell (2-0) to 83 rushing yards on 29 carries (2.9 yards per carry). Twelve times, the Wolverines gang-tackled the Trojans for zero yards or negative yardage. Wendell (200 total yards) managed only four first downs.
Tackle leaders were junior Nick Chase (8), senior Clayton Jensen (6), senior Sean Bunce (5) and junior Evan Puluti (5). Senior Cody Chandler recovered a Trojan fumble that led to Wood River's first score of the season, a 27-yard field goal by junior Rafael Barriga, with Michale Brunker holding.
Wendell, winning its fourth straight game over Wood River, also scored on a 48-yard interception return by Jordan Lancaster and a two-point safety.
There were 17 punts in the four-and-out game, eight by Wendell and nine by Wood River. The Trojans kept the Wolverine offense in check with six sacks, but the Hailey boys out-gained Wendell in rushing (95-83) and passing (45-41). Still, Wood River struggled on offense. Bunce (68 yards rushing) was the workhorse.
First-year coach for Wendell was Brad Neuendorf, who guided Salmon River of Riggins to a 46-42 State 1A Division 2 eight-man championship game victory over Carey last November at Boise's Bronco Stadium.
Check today's Express Web site for a complete game summary.
Gooding arrives Friday
Five years have passed since Wood River (0-2) and Gooding (1-1) have played, but they'll clash Friday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Phil Homer Field in a battle of 4A and 3A teams.
Gooding (0-8 last season) ended a 10-game losing streak with a 27-13 non-conference victory over 2A Valley at Eden Friday night. The Senators fell 25-14 at home to Glenns Ferry in their season opener Sept. 5.
Wood River lost at Gooding 17-14 in Oct. 2003, the last time the teams faced off across the scrimmage line. But in 2002, host Wood River in John Blackman's final game as coach trounced winless Gooding 62-8. It was a single-game WRHS school scoring record, which amassed 627 yards (462 rush).
The Wolverines have won four of the last six football meetings with Gooding and have outscored the Senators 152-19 in the four wins, but the Senators still own a 24-7 edge in the series dating back to the 1960s. Next: Homecoming game is Sept. 26 with Kimberly (0-2).
Wood River sophomore Andrew Orr carries the ball during Friday’s Wendell game. Photo by David N. Seelig
