BY MICHAEL DAVID

In a game of big plays by both teams, the Wood River Wolverines made the last two and defeated Fruitland 25-20 to move their record to 4-0.

Trailing 20-19 following a Grizzlies touchdown with 4:46 remaining in the game, the Wolverines found themselves trailing for the first time since the second quarter. Quarterback Cade Schott and his offense would need to come from behind once again to remain undefeated as they played on their home field.

"We never really doubted we could score and get the lead," Schott said after the game. "We have done this for a couple of weeks and we felt confident." "The offensive line came up big again, giving great protection. And Owen Gifford catching the pass and holding onto the ball after a big hit was huge."

Schott was referring to a crucial third down conversion on the Wolverines final scoring drive. Facing a third and 6 at their own 29-yard line, Schott found Gifford streaking across the middle of the field near the 50. The ball arrived just before a jarring hit, but Gifford held on for the first down. Gifford stayed down for a few minutes before walking off the field on his own power.

Wood River converted two more big first downs and were left with third and 2 from the Fruitland 23-yard line. Under heavy pressure, Schott completed a shovel pass to Turner Maza who refused to go down and scampered into the end zone to put the Wolverines on top 25-20.

A Zach Nelson interception of a Cole Eiguren pass with 53 seconds remaining sealed the victory for the home team.

The game looked as if it might be a defensive struggle early, as Wood River's place kicker Taylor Koth made field goals in the first and second quarters from 28 and 22 yards to put the Wolverines up 6-0.

However, Grizzlies junior running back Canaan Bourcy exploded for a 74-yard touchdown run to give Fruitland the lead. The Wolverines jumped back on top with an 80-yard scoring pass from Schott to Gifford, supplying Wood River with a 13-7 halftime advantage.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Wolverines extended their lead, Schott and Gifford hooking up again for a 62-yard touchdown pass.

Not to be outdone, Fruitland's sophomore quarterback Eiguren hit his big 6-foot4 split-end Casey Rodriguez on a 63-yard scoring strike to pull the visitors within 5 points. An Eiguren 14-yard quarterback keeper gave the Grizzlies the lead 20-19.

The Wolverines were victorious in front of a large crowd on Armed Forces Appreciation night. Wood River donned camouflage jerseys for the occasion, and it meant a lot to senior safety Zach Nelson.

"Being privileged to wear this jersey and pay our respects to the members of the Armed Forces made this victory even better."

Wood River travels to Kimberly next Friday. The game starts at 7 p.m.

Wood River 25, Fruitland 20

Fruitland                      0              7            0             13          20

Wood River                 3              10          0             12          25

First quarter:

WR—Taylor Koth 28 field goal  7:15

Second quarter:

WR—Taylor Koth  22 field goal 11:11

F—Bourcy 74 run (Rodriguez kick) 4:22

WR—Gifford 80 pass from Schott (Koth kick) 2:20

Fourth quarter:

WR—Gifford 62 pass from Schott (2 pt fail) 10:23

F—Rodriguez 63 pass from Eiguren (Rodriguez kick good) 8:56

F—Eiguren 14 run (2 pt fail) 4:46

WR—Maza 23 pass from Schott (2 pt fail) 1:11