‘We belong.’ Nampa football bucks underdog label, proves it can contend in 5A SIC
The Nampa High football team has heard all the slights. But instead of getting mad, the Bulldogs have gotten even.
Nampa rallied in the final two minutes Friday to top Owyhee 26-24, continuing its underdog run, spoiling the Storm’s homecoming and clinching the Bulldogs (4-2, 4-1) at least a third-place finish in the 5A SIC River Division.
Not bad for a program picked 12th out of 13 teams in a preseason coaches’ poll — and one that serves as a homecoming opponent every time it leaves its own stadium.
“We’ve shown that we belong,” Nampa quarterback Gabe Navarro said. “We knew it was going to be challenging. But we’ve proved that we belong.”
The Bulldogs struggled during a previous four-year stint in 5A, going 6-24 against 5A teams from 2014 to ‘17. But they rebuilt the program at the 4A level, making the playoffs and winning at least one game each of the past four seasons.
That didn’t earn Nampa much respect in the preseason rankings though. And a sign hanging from Owyhee’s bleachers Friday said it all: “Back to 4A.”
“I just feel like they’ve underestimated the Bulldogs,” Nampa senior running back Daniel Carrillo said. “I know we have a great team, and I know our guys can make plays. I never doubted our team, ever.”
Nampa and Owyhee (3-4, 1-4) traded the lead four times in the second half Friday as they battled it out on the ground. Owyhee milked 7:15 off the clock and took a 24-20 lead when Tanner Cope plunged in for a 1-yard touchdown run with 2:22 left.
But Nampa coach Jon Choate said he instructed his team to let the Storm score to get the ball back. And the gamble paid off as Navarro led the Bulldogs on a nine-play, 62-yard drive for the game-winning TD. He found Payton Gunter on a skinny post for a 10-yard touchdown with 33 seconds left, handing the Storm a homecoming loss.
“I think that’s typical. You’re the new team to 5A, everybody is circling you to be their homecoming,” Choate said. “We’ve spoiled two of them now.
“I’m just really proud of our kids. They played their butts off tonight.”
STAT LEADERS
Carrillo led Nampa offensively, running for 110 yards and two TDs on 25 carries. Navarro finished 6-for-9 for 55 yards and a TD, and he ran for 85 yards and another score.
Owyhee shifted to a Wing-T offense this week and saw both of its backs top 100 yards. Sophomore Cade Walker finished with 115 yards and touchdown, and senior Tanner Cope ran for 111 yards and two TDs.
PLAYOFF RACE
The victory guarantees Nampa at least a home game during the Week 9 crossover games against the Foothills Division. Winners of those games automatically advance to the playoffs.
It also keeps Nampa in the running for the 5A SIC River Division title. The Bulldogs need Mountain View to beat Eagle next week, and then they must beat Mountain View in the final game and hope the tiebreakers go their way.
The loss ensures Owyhee will play on the road in Week 9 against a Foothills opponent.
UP NEXT
Nampa: The Bulldogs host city rival Skyview (4A) on Oct. 7. That game will not affect the 5A playoff race.
Owyhee: The Storm try to end their four-game losing streak when they host Kuna on Oct. 7.
This story was originally published September 30, 2022 at 11:20 PM.
