Friday, October 22, 2010

Can mild weather, wins continue for grid finale?

Wolverines host Canyon Ridge in “Pink Out” Friday


Wood River defensive coordinator Jason Fry will try to figure out a way to stop the Canyon Ridge Riverhawks offense tonight, Friday in the “Senior Night” finale on the Hailey gridiron. Photo by David N. Seelig

     So brilliant and lasting for so long, the magnificent autumn weather this year in Idaho has been a treat for everyone including high school football fans who have enjoyed mild nights outdoors.

     Ideal weather may not last much longer than Sunday, when a Pacific storm may hit Idaho. Fortunately, the Wood River High School football team may sneak in its last game before the snow flies.

     Wood River (3-4, 1-3 league) is aiming for its first .500 record in 10 years when the Wolverines host the second-year Canyon Ridge Riverhawks (2-5, 1-3) today, Friday at 7 p.m. at Phil Homer Field, Hailey.

     It is Wood River’s “Senior Night” home finale with a “Pink Out” theme. A win would give the Wolverines fourth place in the six-team Great Basin Conference for the season.

     Wood River coach Kevin Stilling just wants his team to continue the whistle-to-whistle effort that resulted in a 27-20 GBC victory at Burley Friday—its first league and road win.

     He said, “Finishing the season playing our best football is a program-wide goal. We expect a battle and our seniors embrace that challenge. To play tough football for four quarters two weeks in a row would be a huge accomplishment for us.”

     Canyon Ridge, which has increased its per-game scoring average by over a touchdown compared to its 1-7 season of 2009, presents different challenges for Wood River than Burley did a week ago.

     Stilling said, “Canyon Ridge is perhaps the polar opposite of Burley’s three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust offense we faced last week. They throw the ball far more than they run. Their quarterback is one of the best around. Offensively we will look to distribute the ball to a number of different backs and keep them off-balance.”

     Canyon Ridge quarterback Tyler Myers completed 18 passes for 140 yards in a 51-27 loss at Minico, and he threw for nearly 100 yards and rushed for 60 more in a 23-0 loss to Twin Falls earlier this season.

     Tailback Nick Kytle catches many of those Myers aerials in addition to his rushing responsibilities. Another Myers passing target is Colton Sweesy, who can pass himself.

     Besides being a special occasion for the 15 seniors and their parents and families, Friday’s home game is “Pink Out.”

     The Wood River Student Union is hosting “Pink Out” activities to raise money for breast cancer research. “We’re hoping to get a lot of community support,” said Student Union advisor Stephanie Spindler.

     Activities include a “Pink Out” powder puff scrimmage at halftime of the game, a Cheer for the Cure from the cheerleaders and a performance by the Drum Line. Football players will wear pink as well. T-shirts priced at $10 will be sold.

     Stilling said, “Fans are encouraged to wear pink to this Friday’s season finale. The halftime powder puff game is between the senior/freshman team and the junior/sophs.”

     The coach said everybody in the program has appreciated the community support.

     Stilling said, “We’ve had a huge following at our home games. That is something the boys have credited to helping our two home wins.

     “It was impressive to see our Homecoming game was better attended than the Homecoming games we played at Twin Falls, at Jerome and at Burley. That’s impressive because we’re a smaller school and community but our fan support was so great at that game.

     “Another thing that hasn't gone unnoticed is the group of Super Fan female athletes who have attended our road games. It has been rewarding to see more than a handful of fans after those long bus trips.”




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