‘It was massive.’ One-score game turns on a dime as Eagle continues win streak vs. Boise
The last — and only time — Boise beat Eagle in football was the year the West Ada high school opened in 1995.
The Brave flirted with ending that 20-game losing streak Thursday night at Dona Larsen Park, but Eagle kick returner Aaron Zrno had other plans.
Right after Boise pulled within a touchdown midway through the third quarter, Zrno returned a kickoff 94 yards to the Boise 1-yard line, setting up the first of three straight Eagle touchdowns to pull away for a 43-21 victory.
It was the Brave’s first loss of the season and put the Mustangs atop the 6A Southern Idaho Conference’s River Division at 1-0 and 3-1 overall heading into Friday’s full slate of games.
“It was massive,” Eagle coach James Cluphf said of Zrno’s return. “We felt that kickoff return and that drive really stopped their momentum in its tracks. You could tell on the sideline they were really up. They were excited, and that definitely took the wind out of their sails.”
Senior Gavin Crawford gave the Mustangs another spark. He scored Eagle’s first touchdown of the game on an 11-yard reception from junior quarterback Austin Ramsey and then added rushing TDs in the third and fourth quarters out of the wildcat.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder finished with seven carries for 51 yards, two receptions for 39 yards and also added a pass deflection at defensive back.
“Crawford’s been a staple for us the last couple years,” Cluphf said. “He’s a guy that brings it on both sides of the football for us. We know that he’s gonna be dialed in wherever he’s at. He’s a sure-handed kid. He’s a great kid, more importantly, and is always coming up in big moments for us.”
Eagle scored three touchdowns in the second quarter for a 21-0 lead at the half before Boise (3-1, 0-1) clawed back with a 7-yard TD reception by senior receiver Jordan McDonald and then a 7-yard rushing touchdown from senior running back Grant Spillman that made it 21-14 at the 5:05 mark of the third quarter.
Zrno’s big return ensued, and the Brave never threatened again, dropping their 21st straight game to the Mustangs.
“It says that we’re determined and we’re consistent,” said Ramsey, who completed 18-of-31 passes for 259 yards and four touchdowns. “We come out here, we win games, and the hard work pays off. I mean, that’s really it.
“I bet you we’re the hardest-working team in the whole state. All my boys, I know they never give up, and they’ll always go until their feet fall off.”
Eagle held Boise to just 18 yards on the ground with senior defensive end Cole Brooks (3.5) and fellow senior defensive lineman Nate Williams (2.5) each contributing multiple sacks.
Junior quarterback Trevor Schoolfield led the Brave, completing 12-of-25 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns. McDonald, the reigning state champion in the high jump, was his top target with four receptions for 38 yards and a score.
This story was originally published September 20, 2024 at 12:01 AM.
