Colfax takes league win from LRS, Broncos return home to face Reardan

The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos went on the road to face league competitor, the Colfax Bulldogs. The Broncos were handed a 29-13 loss by Colfax and Head Coach Greg Whitmore said the difference of the game came down to special teams.

The game started with both teams locked in battle, and after a scoreless first quarter, Colfax started their scoring run early in the second quarter. The Broncos would respond to the Bulldogs six-point score after the halftime break to earn the lead for a few minutes of game time.

Late in the third quarter, Conrad Ziemer ran for 36 yards to earn the Broncos’ first touchdown of the game. Shontz Yaeger hit the point after kick and LRS moved out in front, 7-6.

The Bulldogs responded a short few minutes later, scoring on a short run play and jumping out in front of the Broncos.

Determined to remain in the game, the Broncos battled back to score early in the fourth quarter. Bryce Kelly connected with Austin Thompson for a 21-yard touchdown.

With an opportunity to tie the game, Yaeger’s kick missed the mark and the Broncos trailed by one. Whitmore said the missed kick affected the momentum of the team, and the Bulldogs used it to their advantage with a kickoff return.

The 75-yard touchdown left the Broncos struggling to bounce back and caused the team to struggle with mental errors for the remainder of the game. Whitmore said LRS had opportunities to get back in the game, but could not convert the effort to points.

Colfax would earn their final points of the game in the final 30 second on a two-yard run. The Bulldogs played a balanced game, and changed up their offense to keep the Broncos off balance throughout the night.

The Broncos ended the game with 252 total offensive yards, with the majority of plays being focused around passing. Colfax dominated the rushing game, posting 211 rushing yards on 45 plays.

LRS ended the night with a single turnover, and recovered two from Colfax. The Broncos had eight penalties, pushing them back 90 yards and affecting the outcome of the game.

Kelly ended the night with 13 pass completions for 136 yards and a touchdown. He also led the Broncos in rushing yards with 59 yards on eight carries.

Thompson had 122 receiving yards on nine receptions, and one touchdown.

On defense, Yaeger led the team in tackles with three solo tackles.

Whitmore said the letdown of the game was special teams, both with the missed point and then an uncontested kickoff return. Penalties played a part in the loss, but the Broncos did win the turnover battle between the two teams.

The game also went in favor of the Bulldogs due to poor tackling and effort put forth by the Broncos, Whitmore added. The team did not play until the whistle, which made them have to play in an uphill battle for the remainder of the game.

The Broncos needed more diversity in their offense if they wanted to win the game, Whitmore explained, but Colfax was the stronger team. As LRS moves into late season games, Whitmore said it shows that the team actually lost the game in the offseason due to lack of time in the weight room.

LRS needs to own the line of scrimmage to have big plays, but fatigue and penalties stop the team short from achieving their goal.

With a small coaching staff, the Broncos are also dealing with difficulty with less communication and fewer eyes to see the field.

The lack of coaches also has changed the practice rotation for the team, as there are fewer opportunities to split the team into smaller groups for more personalized coaching, Whitmore stated.

The Broncos return to the gridiron on Oct. 5, hosting the Reardan Indians on Jimmie Snider Field. Whitmore said LRS is making changes to the special team lineup, meaning starters will be unable to take a break during special team plays, but will instead provide stronger defense.

Whitmore added the coaching staff will be working with receivers in practice to improve blocking on the edges of the field.

Reardan is a more physical team than LRS, but they do not have as balanced of an offense as Colfax, Whitmore explained.

The Indians rely on their running game to win, and the Broncos have to force them to make the pass in order for LRS to remain competitive in the game.

Whitmore is hoping the home game will help inspire the team and add an additional boost of momentum to the team’s drive throughout the game. The Broncos will need to win the turnover battle, as well as control the line of scrimmage.

The Broncos will take the field on Friday, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.