Off to an impressive start, the Moscow Bears (3-0) clinch another win over the Lakeland Hawks (3-3) by a score of 30-22 on Friday night in the University of Idaho’s Kibbie Dome.
In an action-packed game, the Bears remain undefeated as they are, led by seniors, quarterback and strong safety Chad Redinger and linebacker and tight end Jonah Elliss. It’s the first time since 2009 that the Bears have gone 3-0 to start the season.
The Bears were the first to score, after a blocked field goal led to a 70-yard touchdown return by Ellis. Ellis scored on a 49-yard double reverse touchdown run to give the two-time defending 4A Inland Empire champions a 20-7 lead at halftime.
Bears’ juniors Leon Hutton and Isaiah Murphy scored a touchdown each, bringing the tally of touchdowns to four.
Hutton’s touchdown came after the Bears completed an 80-yard scoring drive in the first quarter that lasted 9 1/2 minutes off the game clock which turned out to be the difference in the game.
Lakeland’s quarterback David Suko passed for 178 yards and threw one touchdown and running back John White rushed for 131 yards and scored a touchdown in the Hawks loss.
After Moscow converted on a successful field goal, Lakeland would briefly charge back, scoring twice and converting an extra point to bring the score to the final of 30-22.
This win adds to the Bears’ 4A Inland Empire conference lead, it places Lakeland second and Sandpoint sits third in the conference.
The Bears will face-off against the Sandpoint Bulldogs (1-4) on Friday, Oct. 16. This will be Sandpoint’s first conference game this season.
Richard Lasiw can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Argo_Rich.