Fruitlands bid for second straight title comes to an end
By Matthew Neal
Argus Observer
Saturday, November 17, 2007 3:32 PM PST
Pocatello - The Fruitland Griz had a good run, unfortunately, all good things come to an end. The Shelley Russets beat Fruitland 19-13 during the 3A state championship game in Pocatello Friday.
Shelley scored first on a powerful drive that took nearly seven minutes off the clock in the first quarter. Their extra point kick was good and Shelley lead 7-0.
In the second quarter quarterback Kaleo Nawahine rolled right and passed to Caleb Crim who broke a tackle and ran down the sideline for a 24-yard touch down with 4:06 left in the first half. Bridgette Teunissen's extra kick was good, tying the game at seven.
With 2:05 left in the first half, Russet quarterback Tanner Higham took the dive option, found a hole and ran it in from the 20-yard line on a 3-5 situation; however, their extra point kick was blocked by Grizzly Micah McMurry The score was 13-7 with 1:37 left on the clock.
The third quarter was scoreless for both teams but in the fourth Crim again ran it in for a touch down with 7:51 left in the game. In an ironic twist, the Russets blocked the extra point kick and the score was again tied, this time 13-13.
The dagger that killed the Griz's last chance was the 27 yard touch down by Shelley's Jordan Kidman. Their extra point kick was no good, making the score to 19-13After Shelley kicked off, they intercepted the ball and ran down the 30 remaining seconds left in the game. Shelley took the 3A state championship from the defending champion Griz to end the season.
Pick up a copy of the Sunday Argus Observer for more coverage on the Fruitland Grizzlies and the championship game.
