In an earlier round of communication, all Maniacs were invited to send well wishes to Mr. Chase, former OHS principal and educator. Please keep them coming, the sentiments are wonderful and reflect what a great man Mr. Chase is!
Wilma Rapp Westfall (OHS Class of '68) has been gathering greetings for him as he bravely faces health-related challenges. Wilma wrote in November, 2007, "Dear Friends of all classes of OHS, Our dear principal, Mr. Chase, has been in Clearwater Valley Hospital and I have permission from him and his beautiful wife to let you know. When I asked if I could go on line to let people know ....he had tears in his eyes and a big smile.....if you would be so kind to write him I will gladly print them out and give to him... He is now 84 years young... It would mean the world to him to know he was loved ....I did tell him. Art Neumeyer is a constant helper to him....thanks Art."
If you have a well wish for Mr. Chase please send them to OHSMANIACALUMNI@gmail.com and we will gladly pass them along to Mr. Chase c/o Wilma.
OHSMANIACALUMNI@gmail.com
Monday, December 31, 2007
Maniac Feedback--Keep it Coming!
"Thank you for supporting the Maniacs of the past, present and future through the establishment of the Alumni Association and the Scholarship Fund.
Having traveled extensively throughout the world, meeting a variety of memorable characters, and experiencing both great delights and minor disappointments, I can say there is no place like Orofino. Further there is no experience greater than graduating from OHS and carrying the proud banner of being "a Maniac".
For those who have not lived the Maniac life for a few years, forgetalaboutit, they will have not a clue as to what "it" is."
Rob Baird--Class of '55
Having traveled extensively throughout the world, meeting a variety of memorable characters, and experiencing both great delights and minor disappointments, I can say there is no place like Orofino. Further there is no experience greater than graduating from OHS and carrying the proud banner of being "a Maniac".
For those who have not lived the Maniac life for a few years, forgetalaboutit, they will have not a clue as to what "it" is."
Rob Baird--Class of '55
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
ONLINE YEAR END GREETING
SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL MANIAC ALUMNI!
OHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 1 YEAR ONLINE!
As the beloved OHS Mascot, the Maniac, nears the end of his 80th year, the OHS Alumni Association celebrates it's 1st anniversary online. This has been a great year for gathering OHS Alumni of all generations and times, from various geographic locations and also the addition of alumni spouses and other friends of the Maniacs participating in our online communities.
If you know of any new OHS Alumni that have created My Space profiles recently please encourage them to join the OHS My Space Alumni group at:
myspace.com/ohsmaniacalumni
Another goal of the OHS Alumni Association was met this year when the OHS Alumni internet site was launched late this fall. This site does not require a group membership like My Space, however the same information is available for all to view and enjoy. Please bookmark and vist the site often at: http://ohsmaniacalumni.blogspot.com/
If you host/publish an Orofino or Idaho related website or newsletter, please feel free to share the links of the OHS Alumni Association website and My Space profile.
This year was a wonderful year for reunions--thanks to those who turned to the OHS Maniac Alumni website to assist with spreading the word about reunions and other informal gatherings and meet ups of OHS graduates. You will already find reunion planning information online for some 2008 events. If you are interested in becoming a class contact, please reply to OHSMANIACALUMNI@gmail.com.
As this year closes, please consider making a donation to the OHS Alumni Scholarship fund. Please email to OHSMANIACALUMNI@gmail.com for donation information.
A special thanks to our Maniac friends at the Clearwater Tribune and Window on the Clearwater for publication of our informational releases and for sharing information with the Alumni Association to pass along via our web pages.
As 2007 winds down, we hope this finds all Maniac Alumni and friends of OHS doing well. For those of you that remember Mr. Chase, long-time friend and principal of OHS, Wilma Rapp Westfall (OHS Class of '68) has been gathering greetings for him as he bravely faces health-related challenges. Wilma wrote in November, 2007, "Dear Friends of all classes of OHS, Our dear principal, Mr. Chase, has been in Clearwater Valley Hospital and I have permission from him and his beautiful wife to let you know. When I asked if I could go on line to let people know ....he had tears in his eyes and a big smile.....if you would be so kind to write him I will gladly print them out and give to him... He is now 84 years young... It would mean the world to him to know he was loved ....I did tell him. Art Neumeyer is a constant helper to him....thanks Art."
If you have a well wish for Mr. Chase please send them to OHSMANIACALUMNI@gmail.com and we will gladly pass them along to Mr. Chase c/o Wilma.
OHSMANIACALUMNI@gmail.com
Take care and as always GO MANIACS! See you in 2008!
"ONCE A MANIAC ALWAYS A MANIAC"
OHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 1 YEAR ONLINE!
As the beloved OHS Mascot, the Maniac, nears the end of his 80th year, the OHS Alumni Association celebrates it's 1st anniversary online. This has been a great year for gathering OHS Alumni of all generations and times, from various geographic locations and also the addition of alumni spouses and other friends of the Maniacs participating in our online communities.
If you know of any new OHS Alumni that have created My Space profiles recently please encourage them to join the OHS My Space Alumni group at:
myspace.com/ohsmaniacalumni
Another goal of the OHS Alumni Association was met this year when the OHS Alumni internet site was launched late this fall. This site does not require a group membership like My Space, however the same information is available for all to view and enjoy. Please bookmark and vist the site often at: http://ohsmaniacalumni.blogspot.com/
If you host/publish an Orofino or Idaho related website or newsletter, please feel free to share the links of the OHS Alumni Association website and My Space profile.
This year was a wonderful year for reunions--thanks to those who turned to the OHS Maniac Alumni website to assist with spreading the word about reunions and other informal gatherings and meet ups of OHS graduates. You will already find reunion planning information online for some 2008 events. If you are interested in becoming a class contact, please reply to OHSMANIACALUMNI@gmail.com.
As this year closes, please consider making a donation to the OHS Alumni Scholarship fund. Please email to OHSMANIACALUMNI@gmail.com for donation information.
A special thanks to our Maniac friends at the Clearwater Tribune and Window on the Clearwater for publication of our informational releases and for sharing information with the Alumni Association to pass along via our web pages.
As 2007 winds down, we hope this finds all Maniac Alumni and friends of OHS doing well. For those of you that remember Mr. Chase, long-time friend and principal of OHS, Wilma Rapp Westfall (OHS Class of '68) has been gathering greetings for him as he bravely faces health-related challenges. Wilma wrote in November, 2007, "Dear Friends of all classes of OHS, Our dear principal, Mr. Chase, has been in Clearwater Valley Hospital and I have permission from him and his beautiful wife to let you know. When I asked if I could go on line to let people know ....he had tears in his eyes and a big smile.....if you would be so kind to write him I will gladly print them out and give to him... He is now 84 years young... It would mean the world to him to know he was loved ....I did tell him. Art Neumeyer is a constant helper to him....thanks Art."
If you have a well wish for Mr. Chase please send them to OHSMANIACALUMNI@gmail.com and we will gladly pass them along to Mr. Chase c/o Wilma.
OHSMANIACALUMNI@gmail.com
Take care and as always GO MANIACS! See you in 2008!
"ONCE A MANIAC ALWAYS A MANIAC"
Sunday, December 9, 2007
OHS Class of '78 Reunion Meeting
The Orofino High School class of 1978 will continue planning their 30th class reunion on January 16, 2008 at 6PM behind the salad bar at the Ponderosa.
Anyone interested in helping to organize the event should attend. If you have questions, please call Tammy Baugh Gilmer, Class of 1978 Contact, at:
12273 Indio Avenue
208/476-3421
gilmert@cebridge.net
Anyone interested in helping to organize the event should attend. If you have questions, please call Tammy Baugh Gilmer, Class of 1978 Contact, at:
12273 Indio Avenue
208/476-3421
gilmert@cebridge.net
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Some Thoughts From A Maniac Alumni Player & Maniac Dad...
"I was proud to be a maniac fan this year, and enjoyed helping coach K and coach brooks paint the football field this year, and look forward to many more years of doing so. I graduated with the class of 76 , and remember the awsome teams of the 70's. This years team was a reminder of true maniac football, so lets get MEAN and dominate idaho 3A in 2008, we can even whip up on kamiah, if they dare play us!!!! Thanks for ride, varsity and jv , I didn't miss a single game"
--JIM KRESS and family
--JIM KRESS and family
Monday, November 19, 2007
MANIAC ALUMNI...PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO THE OHS FOOTBALL TEAM ABOUT THEIR GREAT SEASON!
FROM LORI WRIGHT...MANIAC MOM AND MANIAC BOOSTER...
"Hello -
I have completed the booklet for the football team but thought that it would
be nice to include a page for people to comment about the season. If you
would like to say something for the players' booklet please email me with
your comments by Thanksgiving. I will include any and all messages you would
like to share.
Thanks.
Lori Wright
GO MANIACS!!"
FOR THOSE WISHING TO SUBMIT COMMENTS, please feel free to send them to OHSMANIACALUMNI@gmail.com and we will gladly get them to Mrs. Wright to share with the 2007 players.
"Hello -
I have completed the booklet for the football team but thought that it would
be nice to include a page for people to comment about the season. If you
would like to say something for the players' booklet please email me with
your comments by Thanksgiving. I will include any and all messages you would
like to share.
Thanks.
Lori Wright
GO MANIACS!!"
FOR THOSE WISHING TO SUBMIT COMMENTS, please feel free to send them to OHSMANIACALUMNI@gmail.com and we will gladly get them to Mrs. Wright to share with the 2007 players.
Orofino Falls Short of State Title
Orofino Falls Short of State Title
West Jefferson's defensive dominance puts end to Maniacs' unbeaten run in 2A finale, 20-6
By Josh Wright of The Tribune
Saturday, November 17, 2007
MOSCOW - A block in the back was called, a devastating sack followed and Orofino was staring at second-and-30 deep in its own territory. These sorts of situations weren't quirky, now-and-then occurrences for the Maniacs on Friday night.
No, they were practically a way of life.
Grounded by miserable field position and an overwhelming West Jefferson defense, the Maniacs bowed to the Panthers of Terreton 20-6 in the Idaho Class 2A state championship game.
A crowd of around 4,000 at the Kibbie Dome watched Orofino come one step shy of its first title in school history. It finishes the season at 11-1.
"What a magical season for the kids," Maniacs coach Galen Kuykendall said. "It just hurts when you fall a little bit short."
West Jefferson (10-2) yielded a meager 138 yards and sacked quarterback D.J. Wright five times to break through for its first state crown. But it didn't come without a little late-game drama.
Orofino scored on a 4-yard pass from Wright to Michael Welch to chop its deficit to 14-6 with 4:31 left. After forcing a West Jefferson punt - the first since early in the first quarter - the Maniacs then picked up a rare first down near midfield.
But the drive quickly fizzled, and the Panthers sealed the win with Michael Bybee's 50-yard dash up the middle with 91 seconds remaining. As the 175-pound tailback reached the end zone, West J's sideline erupted in celebration.
"We got a little scared there at the end," said Bybee, who finished with 129 rushing yards on 25 attempts. "But we came out and we totally dominated. Our line's played awesome all year."
For the most part, West J controlled the trenches against the Maniacs, who played without veteran right guard Kyle Wilson (knee injury) for much of the game. Orofino mustered only 95 yards on the ground compared to the Panthers' 232.
Perhaps the most important factor, though, was field position. West J's two first-half scoring drives were 24 yards each. Both were punctuated by 1-yard dives from Bybee and quarterback Mitch Bitter, respectively.
The Maniacs, meanwhile, started inside their own 30 on four possessions to begin the game.
"That was the story of the whole first half," Kuykendall said. "They kept us on a short field, and it's tough to play defense on a short field. We weren't able to get anything generated offensively to get us field position."
Orofino's penalty yards (35) almost equalled its offensive output in the same span (46). The seven flags whistled against the club were costly, but so too were a pair of fumbles that were recovered by Austin Lambertson. The first takeway set up West J's opening TD march.
One of the Panthers' most pivotal drives came to start the second half. Although they didn't score, they consumed over eight minutes with 16 plays.
"It didn't give us a lot of time to be battling back," Kuykendall said. "Them controlling the ball most of the third quarter killed us."
West Jefferson prevailed despite 27 yards on 2-of-15 passing from Bitter. He had only one completion of significance. But with Bybee and Preston McCulloch - who's a "shifty little devil," Panther lineman Elijah Putnam said - the Panthers were content to stay on the ground.
"It feels great," West J coach Tobee Christiansen said. "There's no other way to describe it. I've won a couple as a player. To win it as a coach and seeing how happy it makes the players is (great)."
West Jefferson 8 6 0 6-20
Orofino 0 0 0 6- 6
West Jefferson - Michael Bybee 1 run (Ty McDonald pass from Mitch Bitter)
West Jefferson - Bitter 1 run (pass failed)
Orofino - Michael Welch 4 pass from D.J. Wright (run failed)
West Jefferson - Bybee 50 run (run failed)
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing - West Jefferson: Michael Bybee 25-129, Preston McCulloch 15-70, Mitch Bitter 7-33. Orofono: Carey Chambers 11-57, Doug Williams 9-32, D.J Wright 8-(minus 11), Joey Wityczak 1-10, Dylan Midstokke 1-7.
Passing - West Jefferson: Bitter 2-15-1-27. Orofino: Wright 12-27-0-43.
Receiving - West Jefferson: Tyson Hansen 1-27, Ryan Sauer 1-0. Orofino: Michael Welch 3-32, Midstokke 4-19, Williams 2-8, Chambers 1-5, Wityczak 1-4, Zac Goodrich 1-0.
West Jefferson's defensive dominance puts end to Maniacs' unbeaten run in 2A finale, 20-6
By Josh Wright of The Tribune
Saturday, November 17, 2007
MOSCOW - A block in the back was called, a devastating sack followed and Orofino was staring at second-and-30 deep in its own territory. These sorts of situations weren't quirky, now-and-then occurrences for the Maniacs on Friday night.
No, they were practically a way of life.
Grounded by miserable field position and an overwhelming West Jefferson defense, the Maniacs bowed to the Panthers of Terreton 20-6 in the Idaho Class 2A state championship game.
A crowd of around 4,000 at the Kibbie Dome watched Orofino come one step shy of its first title in school history. It finishes the season at 11-1.
"What a magical season for the kids," Maniacs coach Galen Kuykendall said. "It just hurts when you fall a little bit short."
West Jefferson (10-2) yielded a meager 138 yards and sacked quarterback D.J. Wright five times to break through for its first state crown. But it didn't come without a little late-game drama.
Orofino scored on a 4-yard pass from Wright to Michael Welch to chop its deficit to 14-6 with 4:31 left. After forcing a West Jefferson punt - the first since early in the first quarter - the Maniacs then picked up a rare first down near midfield.
But the drive quickly fizzled, and the Panthers sealed the win with Michael Bybee's 50-yard dash up the middle with 91 seconds remaining. As the 175-pound tailback reached the end zone, West J's sideline erupted in celebration.
"We got a little scared there at the end," said Bybee, who finished with 129 rushing yards on 25 attempts. "But we came out and we totally dominated. Our line's played awesome all year."
For the most part, West J controlled the trenches against the Maniacs, who played without veteran right guard Kyle Wilson (knee injury) for much of the game. Orofino mustered only 95 yards on the ground compared to the Panthers' 232.
Perhaps the most important factor, though, was field position. West J's two first-half scoring drives were 24 yards each. Both were punctuated by 1-yard dives from Bybee and quarterback Mitch Bitter, respectively.
The Maniacs, meanwhile, started inside their own 30 on four possessions to begin the game.
"That was the story of the whole first half," Kuykendall said. "They kept us on a short field, and it's tough to play defense on a short field. We weren't able to get anything generated offensively to get us field position."
Orofino's penalty yards (35) almost equalled its offensive output in the same span (46). The seven flags whistled against the club were costly, but so too were a pair of fumbles that were recovered by Austin Lambertson. The first takeway set up West J's opening TD march.
One of the Panthers' most pivotal drives came to start the second half. Although they didn't score, they consumed over eight minutes with 16 plays.
"It didn't give us a lot of time to be battling back," Kuykendall said. "Them controlling the ball most of the third quarter killed us."
West Jefferson prevailed despite 27 yards on 2-of-15 passing from Bitter. He had only one completion of significance. But with Bybee and Preston McCulloch - who's a "shifty little devil," Panther lineman Elijah Putnam said - the Panthers were content to stay on the ground.
"It feels great," West J coach Tobee Christiansen said. "There's no other way to describe it. I've won a couple as a player. To win it as a coach and seeing how happy it makes the players is (great)."
West Jefferson 8 6 0 6-20
Orofino 0 0 0 6- 6
West Jefferson - Michael Bybee 1 run (Ty McDonald pass from Mitch Bitter)
West Jefferson - Bitter 1 run (pass failed)
Orofino - Michael Welch 4 pass from D.J. Wright (run failed)
West Jefferson - Bybee 50 run (run failed)
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing - West Jefferson: Michael Bybee 25-129, Preston McCulloch 15-70, Mitch Bitter 7-33. Orofono: Carey Chambers 11-57, Doug Williams 9-32, D.J Wright 8-(minus 11), Joey Wityczak 1-10, Dylan Midstokke 1-7.
Passing - West Jefferson: Bitter 2-15-1-27. Orofino: Wright 12-27-0-43.
Receiving - West Jefferson: Tyson Hansen 1-27, Ryan Sauer 1-0. Orofino: Michael Welch 3-32, Midstokke 4-19, Williams 2-8, Chambers 1-5, Wityczak 1-4, Zac Goodrich 1-0.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
CELEBRATION WEEK! MANIAC FOOTBALL IS GOING TO STATE!
THIS JUST IN FROM THE OHS MANIAC WIRE...
Following is a run down of community events to celebrate the OHS Maniac Football
Team as they prepare for the State Championship Game this week. Please come out if you are able to support the team.
GOOD LUCK MANIAC PLAYERS! GO MANIACS...ON TO STATE!
Tuesday November 13th - The team will be visiting area businesses during the lunch hour to thank them for their support and ask the businesses to come out and watch them play on Friday night at the Kibbie Dome;
Wednesday 7PM November 14th - Town Pep Rally at the City Park. Come out and show your support to the Maniac Football Team;
Friday 9AM November 16th - Breakfast for the team, cheer squad, and media at the Teen Center. Sponsored by the Maniac Moms;
Friday 6PM November 16th - Idaho 2A Championship Football Game vs. West Jefferson @ the Kibbie Dome!!
GO MANIACS!!
Following is a run down of community events to celebrate the OHS Maniac Football
Team as they prepare for the State Championship Game this week. Please come out if you are able to support the team.
GOOD LUCK MANIAC PLAYERS! GO MANIACS...ON TO STATE!
Tuesday November 13th - The team will be visiting area businesses during the lunch hour to thank them for their support and ask the businesses to come out and watch them play on Friday night at the Kibbie Dome;
Wednesday 7PM November 14th - Town Pep Rally at the City Park. Come out and show your support to the Maniac Football Team;
Friday 9AM November 16th - Breakfast for the team, cheer squad, and media at the Teen Center. Sponsored by the Maniac Moms;
Friday 6PM November 16th - Idaho 2A Championship Football Game vs. West Jefferson @ the Kibbie Dome!!
GO MANIACS!!
OHS FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME INFORMATION
Friday at 6 p.m. the Kibbie Dome will once again play host to the Maniacs, this time for the State Championship game.
The Maniacs will face the West Jefferson Panthers (9-2). The Panthers, from Terreton, have one of the newest high school football fields in the state.
Stay tuned for more information regarding the game and community activities as the team prepares for State.
GO MANIACS!
The Maniacs will face the West Jefferson Panthers (9-2). The Panthers, from Terreton, have one of the newest high school football fields in the state.
Stay tuned for more information regarding the game and community activities as the team prepares for State.
GO MANIACS!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
OROFINO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES WEBSITE!
A big welcome to all OHS MANIAC ALUMNI, Friends of the Maniacs, Maniac Spouses, Former Teachers/Staff Members, Maniac Parents or former students who attended OHS (you didn't have to graduate to keep up with our site--all are welcome!). Please feel free to check in any time to get the latest happenings from the OHS Alumni Association. It is our sincere hope through our website we can raise awareness about the OHS Alumni Association Scholarship, connect alumni and friends and help spread the word about upcoming reunions and events. Please explore all the content on our site, bookmark and come back often! GO MANIACS!
OHS CLASS OF 1978 PLANNING REUNION
OHS Class of '78 Planning Reunion
The Orofino High School class of 1978 will meet to make plans for their 30th class reunion on Monday, Nov. 26, at 6 p.m. behind the salad bar at the Ponderosa.
Anyone interested in helping to organize the event should attend. If you have questions, please call Tammy Baugh Gilmer, Class of 1978 Contact, at:
12273 Indio Avenue
208/476-3421
gilmert@cebridge.net
The Orofino High School class of 1978 will meet to make plans for their 30th class reunion on Monday, Nov. 26, at 6 p.m. behind the salad bar at the Ponderosa.
Anyone interested in helping to organize the event should attend. If you have questions, please call Tammy Baugh Gilmer, Class of 1978 Contact, at:
12273 Indio Avenue
208/476-3421
gilmert@cebridge.net
OHS MANIAC FOOTBALL ON TO STATE! FIRST TIME SINCE 1980!
FROM THE LEWISTON MORNING TRIBUNE
Maniacs finally take advantage
By Josh Wright
Saturday, November 10, 2007
MOSCOW - There was Dylan Midstokke with the ball cradled in his right arm, trying to outrun a Nampa Christian defender, still in shock. Like everyone else at the Kibbie Dome, he wasn't quite sure how he had secured D.J. Wright's high-arching pass.
And to think, Midstokke's one-handed grab was only the start of a miraculous comeback.
On a night when everything was pointing toward another sour end to a superb Orofino season, the Maniacs pulled out a heart-stopping 20-19 victory over the Trojans in the Idaho Class 2A semifinals.
Thanks to the thrilling rally, Orofino (11-0) will play for a championship for the first time since 1980. The charmed club will meet West Jefferson (9-2) next week at the Kibbie Dome. The time and date have yet to be announced.
"This is the greatest feeling I've ever had, just getting over the hump," said Wright, the Maniacs' senior quarterback.
Last year, Orofino came one point short in the semifinals against Kamiah. And with two minutes left Friday night, it seemed like it would be the same sort of excruciating result for the top-ranked club.
The Maniacs couldn't complete a pass, couldn't find any sort of a rhythm on the ground. And most maddeningly, they couldn't do anything with a bushel of Nampa Christian turnovers.
But then came the Trojans' most costly blunder of the night - an ill-fated pass that landed in the hands of Joey Wityczak in the end zone. The interception with 1:43 remaining gave Orofino new life.
Two scrappy runs from Carey Chambers put the Maniacs at their own 40. Wright followed by lofting a pass over the middle to Midstokke. The 5-foot-10 tight end split two defenders, extended his right arm and "it fell right in," he said.
"I just ran down the middle (and) didn't want to get creamed," the 162-pound junior added.
After the sensational 48-yard completion, Carey Chambers took a handoff and sprinted to the corner. The 12-yard scamper sliced NC's lead to 19-18 with 27.7 ticks left.
The Orofino coaching staff then made a gutsy decision. Instead of attempting an extra-point kick, they opted to give the ball to Chambers once again. His 2-point conversion run - the identical play call as the TD moments earlier - sealed the win.
"It wasn't really talked about too much," Maniacs coach Galen Kuykendall said. "We just knew we had to go do it. We had struggled with our PATs all year long. We're kind of only 50 percent with those. ... The weakside lead was working so well for us, we thought, 'Let's just go with it, man.' "
Nampa Christian (9-2) had multiple chances to take complete control in the second half. But the District III squad turned the ball over five times, three of which came in the second half. It wasn't until the fourth miscue that Orofino took advantage.
"Orofino was deserving," NC coach Randy Haverfield said. "They carried that No. 1 ranking all year. They played a heck a game. I thought we had them. We made a mistake, I think, throwing in the end zone. You know, it was this close to being a touchdown."
Chambers, a slippery 165-pound senior, paced the Maniacs with 137 rushing yards on 26 attempts. His monstrous second quarter helped Orofino erase a 12-0 deficit.
Wright, meanwhile, went 3-for-13 passing with 56 yards. He had thrown five consecutive incompletions before connecting with Midstokke.
"You've got to just keep pushing through," he said, "let our other guys make plays. I can't put all the pressure on myself. Just let the other guys do their jobs."
Nampa Christian 6 6 7 0-19
Orofino 0 12 0 8-20
Nampa Christian - Kyle Bolig 7 pass from David Unruh (kick failed)
Nampa Christian - Mike Siegersma 3 pass from Unruh (run failed)
Orofino - D.J. Wright 3 run (kick blocked)
Orofino - Dylan Midstokke 3 pass from Wright (pass failed)
Nampa Christian - Siegersma 61 pass from Josh Miller (Tyler Rogers kick)
Orofino - Carey Chambers 12 run (Chambers run)
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing - Nampa Christian: David Unruh 8-30, Eli Kamplain 13-20, Josh Miller 4-2, Dustin Kamper 1-2, Kyle Bolig 2-1. Orofino: Carey Chambers 26-137, D.J. Wright 9-40, Doug Williams 8-38.
Passing - Nampa Christian: Unruh 19-29-3-213, Miller 1-1-0-61. Wright 3-13-0-56.
Receiving - Nampa Christian: Mike Siegersman 5-105, Kamper 5-66, Miller 6-53, Austin Fricke 1-27, Bolig 2-16, Nick Campbell 1-7. Orofino: Dylan Midstokke 2-51, Williams 1-5.
Maniacs finally take advantage
By Josh Wright
Saturday, November 10, 2007
MOSCOW - There was Dylan Midstokke with the ball cradled in his right arm, trying to outrun a Nampa Christian defender, still in shock. Like everyone else at the Kibbie Dome, he wasn't quite sure how he had secured D.J. Wright's high-arching pass.
And to think, Midstokke's one-handed grab was only the start of a miraculous comeback.
On a night when everything was pointing toward another sour end to a superb Orofino season, the Maniacs pulled out a heart-stopping 20-19 victory over the Trojans in the Idaho Class 2A semifinals.
Thanks to the thrilling rally, Orofino (11-0) will play for a championship for the first time since 1980. The charmed club will meet West Jefferson (9-2) next week at the Kibbie Dome. The time and date have yet to be announced.
"This is the greatest feeling I've ever had, just getting over the hump," said Wright, the Maniacs' senior quarterback.
Last year, Orofino came one point short in the semifinals against Kamiah. And with two minutes left Friday night, it seemed like it would be the same sort of excruciating result for the top-ranked club.
The Maniacs couldn't complete a pass, couldn't find any sort of a rhythm on the ground. And most maddeningly, they couldn't do anything with a bushel of Nampa Christian turnovers.
But then came the Trojans' most costly blunder of the night - an ill-fated pass that landed in the hands of Joey Wityczak in the end zone. The interception with 1:43 remaining gave Orofino new life.
Two scrappy runs from Carey Chambers put the Maniacs at their own 40. Wright followed by lofting a pass over the middle to Midstokke. The 5-foot-10 tight end split two defenders, extended his right arm and "it fell right in," he said.
"I just ran down the middle (and) didn't want to get creamed," the 162-pound junior added.
After the sensational 48-yard completion, Carey Chambers took a handoff and sprinted to the corner. The 12-yard scamper sliced NC's lead to 19-18 with 27.7 ticks left.
The Orofino coaching staff then made a gutsy decision. Instead of attempting an extra-point kick, they opted to give the ball to Chambers once again. His 2-point conversion run - the identical play call as the TD moments earlier - sealed the win.
"It wasn't really talked about too much," Maniacs coach Galen Kuykendall said. "We just knew we had to go do it. We had struggled with our PATs all year long. We're kind of only 50 percent with those. ... The weakside lead was working so well for us, we thought, 'Let's just go with it, man.' "
Nampa Christian (9-2) had multiple chances to take complete control in the second half. But the District III squad turned the ball over five times, three of which came in the second half. It wasn't until the fourth miscue that Orofino took advantage.
"Orofino was deserving," NC coach Randy Haverfield said. "They carried that No. 1 ranking all year. They played a heck a game. I thought we had them. We made a mistake, I think, throwing in the end zone. You know, it was this close to being a touchdown."
Chambers, a slippery 165-pound senior, paced the Maniacs with 137 rushing yards on 26 attempts. His monstrous second quarter helped Orofino erase a 12-0 deficit.
Wright, meanwhile, went 3-for-13 passing with 56 yards. He had thrown five consecutive incompletions before connecting with Midstokke.
"You've got to just keep pushing through," he said, "let our other guys make plays. I can't put all the pressure on myself. Just let the other guys do their jobs."
Nampa Christian 6 6 7 0-19
Orofino 0 12 0 8-20
Nampa Christian - Kyle Bolig 7 pass from David Unruh (kick failed)
Nampa Christian - Mike Siegersma 3 pass from Unruh (run failed)
Orofino - D.J. Wright 3 run (kick blocked)
Orofino - Dylan Midstokke 3 pass from Wright (pass failed)
Nampa Christian - Siegersma 61 pass from Josh Miller (Tyler Rogers kick)
Orofino - Carey Chambers 12 run (Chambers run)
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing - Nampa Christian: David Unruh 8-30, Eli Kamplain 13-20, Josh Miller 4-2, Dustin Kamper 1-2, Kyle Bolig 2-1. Orofino: Carey Chambers 26-137, D.J. Wright 9-40, Doug Williams 8-38.
Passing - Nampa Christian: Unruh 19-29-3-213, Miller 1-1-0-61. Wright 3-13-0-56.
Receiving - Nampa Christian: Mike Siegersman 5-105, Kamper 5-66, Miller 6-53, Austin Fricke 1-27, Bolig 2-16, Nick Campbell 1-7. Orofino: Dylan Midstokke 2-51, Williams 1-5.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
