After playing solid defense in its season-opening 16-0 loss at Buhl last Friday, the Wood River High School varsity football team is setting its sights on the 2010 home opener at Phil Homer Field, Hailey.
The Wendell Trojans arrive Friday, Sept. 10 for the football season kickoff game and festivities. Head coach Kevin Stilling, his assistants and staff invite the community to a tailgate party from 5-7 p.m. Friday outside the stadium in Hailey.
Opening kickoff is 7 p.m. for the non-league game between 2A Wendell and 4A Wood River.
There will be live music, food offerings, prizes, contests for kids and a few tempting auction items. Tickets for the tailgate party are $12 per adult and $10 per student, or $40/family (kids under 5 are free). Tickets are available in advance at Wood River High School or Radio Shack, Hailey.
Second-year coach Stilling will lead his Wolverines against a Wendell team that debuted with a 42-0 home victory over 2A North Fremont of Ashton last Friday. Senior quarterback Nolan Stouder leads the Trojans attack.
Wood River players have fond memories of the last time the two teams played.
That was last September, when the Wolverines rallied from a 13-0 fourth quarter deficit and beat host Wendell 14-13 on an extra point kick by Haylee Thompson. The win snapped an 11-game, two-season road losing streak for Wood River. It was the first Wolverine football victory at Wendell in nine years.
Wendell last visited Hailey in 2008, winning 16-3. Third-year Wendell coach Brad Neuendorf (9-10), the former Salmon River coach, has guided the Trojans (3-6 in 2009, 5-4 in 2008) to two straight State 3A berths, losing in the first round to Fruitland both years 54-6 and 66-0. This year, Wendell has dropped down to the 2A Canyon Conference.
In the 35-game football series dating back to 1960, Wood River still leads Wendell 21-13-1.
Wood River High head football coach Kevin Stilling.
