Asotin shuts out the Broncos in season opener

The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos suffered their first loss on the home field since 2010 on Friday night when an experienced Asotin team ran away with a 27-0 victory.

Asotin joined the Northeast 2B league for the first time this year, and have a core group of seniors leading the Panthers charge.

The two teams remained locked at zero throughout the first quarter, but both the Panthers and the Broncos made advances down the field.

Asotin put the first points on the scoreboard with 1:57 left in the first quarter on a 67-yard run. The point after kick was good, and the Panthers led 7-0.

After playing a consistent first quarter and holding Asotin to a single touchdown, the Broncos faced a lot of mistakes in the second quarter. Three consecutive turnovers not only prevented the Broncos from finding the end zone, but also provided Asotin with prime field position.

The Panthers had another long run touchdown, going 51 yards with 9:38 left in the second quarter. Asotin punched through the Broncos defense again five minutes later, moving the Panthers ahead 20-0.

With only five seconds left until halftime, Asotin scored on a 14-yard pass play and hit the point after kick. The score would remain 27-0 for the remainder of the game, in favor of Asotin.

Broncos Head Coach Greg Whitmore said the Broncos knew the Asotin game would be tough and they would have to play consistently and very well to earn the win. The Broncos had multiple inexperienced athletes on the field Friday night, while Asotin benefitting from having athletes from all-conference teams.

With a new team, Whitmore said the loss is hard for the Broncos, especially the older athletes who have not lost a game at the home field. Whitmore said the biggest disappointment proved to be not putting any points on the board.

The Broncos had 177 total offensive yards on Friday night, compared to 301 by Asotin. The Broncos found the most success offensively in their passing game, and completed 15 of 22 passes for 107 total yards of passing.

Quarterback Bryce Esser completed 11 passes for a total of 98 yards. In receiving yards, Mason Brausen led with 55 total yards on three receptions. Shontz Yaeger garnered 17 yards on three catches.

For rushing yards, the Broncos only posted 70 yards to Asotin’s 213. Brausen led the Broncos in carries with 33 total yards, followed by Damien Rouleau with 26 yards.

Whitmore said the Broncos did have good plays and charges down the field, the team unfortunately suffered from too many mistakes to make a drive.

Whitmore said the team’s margin of error was small, and there were too many turnovers and penalties for the Broncos to be competitive against Asotin.

Overall, Whitmore said the Broncos will use the first game as a learning experience and will now continue to improve based on Friday night’s game.

Whitmore said the Broncos battled in the second half to hold Asotin scoreless, and the team will continue to improve on both ends of the field to put points on the board.

Wide receiver and defensive back Austin Thompson suffered a hip injury during the game, and Whitmore said it is likely he will sit out for the upcoming game. With limited athletes to rotate into positions, Whitmore said it is important for injured athletes to fully heal before returning to competition.

The Broncos move on to face Wilbur-Creston on Friday in Ritzville. Whitmore expects a more balanced game and the Broncos have an opportunity to earn the league win, but consistency and improvement will be necessary for the team.

Wilbur-Creston is also a young team and their experience level should lead to a good match up, Whitmore said. The key to success for the Broncos is being the more physical team and keeping up the intensity throughout the entire game, Whitmore said.

Whitmore said the Broncos are in the same boat as a lot of team as they enter a rebuilding year, but because of the team’s success in the past, Whitmore said teams will not be going easy on the Broncos.

As the Bronco athletes gain more experience, Whitmore said they will adjust to playing at game speed and react quicker on the field during plays.

Whitmore added there is no doubt in his mind the Broncos will be a better team on Friday night, and will continue to make improvements as the season progresses.

The Broncos host Wilbur-Creston on Sept. 9 at Jimmie Snider Field, with kick-off set for 7 p.m.