Bear River defeats Thunder Ridge 49-35 in Rocky Mountain Rumble opener

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Bear River defeated Thunder Ridge 49-35 in the opening game of this year's Rocky Mountain Rumble at the ICCU Dome.


Thunder Ridge dropped to 0-1 to start the season despite a high-scoring offensive performance in the first half. The Titans entered the contest seeking to improve upon a 2-7 record from last season.


In the second quarter, Thunder Ridge took a 21-13 lead when McKay Scoresby tipped a pass into the air, caught it and ran it in for a touchdown. That defensive play proved to be one of only two stops the Titans generated during the game.

Bear River responded through play from Preston Wilkinson, a College of Idaho lacrosse commit. Wilkinson found Eli Bragger for a touchdown pass in the first half and rolled out to connect with Carson Sutherland for another touchdown at the start of the second half, marking Sutherland's second touchdown score of the game.

Thunder Ridge answered on the following drive when quarterback Ryder Portmann delivered a sidearm throw to Ryker Dougal for a touchdown, tying the score at 35. Bear River quickly regained the lead on its next possession as Bennet Allen ran straight up the middle for a 43-yard rushing touchdown.

In the fourth quarter with Bear River leading by a touchdown, Thunder Ridge attempted to drive for a game-tying score. Sutherland halted the drive by making a diving interception to help secure the 49-35 victory for the Bears.


Thunder Ridge will look to bounce back next week when the Titans take on Bonneville.