Highland Adds Another Title

In an offense-laced showdown, it was an interception by Highland’s Jacob Barfuss that secured the Rams’ zany 56-41 victory over Lewiston in the A-1 Division I football championship game Friday at the Kibbie Dome.

Lewiston quarterback Neil Litchfield riddled Highland’s secondary for six touchdowns, but Barfuss provided the biggest defensive play in a game that otherwise lacked defense.

“We didn’t want to give up another big play so (Rams coach Brent Koetter) just told us to stay deep and not let anybody get past us,” said Barfuss, who hauled in the deep pass at Highland’s 8-yard line.

Leading 49-41, Highland, which was playing in its sixth straight championship game, seemed to need just one first down to secure its seventh state title in school history and fifth in the last eight years.

But on third-and-4 from the 14, Rams running back Parker Kemp broke a tackle at the line of scrimmage and sprinted 86 yards for the game’s final touchdown with 33 seconds left.

“I want to commend the Lewiston Bengals for the wildest game I’ve ever been a part of,” Koetter told an estimated crowd of 6,500 during the postgame ceremony.

Highland finished the season 11-1. Lewiston finished 8-4.

The teams combined for more than 1,000 yards and several records.

Barfuss was surprised that the Rams allowed 41 points.

“The most we gave up during the season was 21,” he said. “We didn’t play the best, but it was good enough to win.”

Highland broke the state scoring record (55) previously set by Coeur d’Alene in 1982. Lewiston actually outgained Highland. The Bengals had 557 yards total offense to the Rams’ 515.

Highland 56, Lewiston 41

Highland 12 23 7 14 - 56

Lewiston 21 7 7 6 - 41

L - Anderson 68 pass from Litchfield (kick failed)

L - Haines 30 pass from Litchfield (Haynes pass from Litchfield)

H - Kemp 12 run (Hill kick)

H - Barlow 12 pass from Hill (pass failed)

L - Haines 81 pass from Litchfield (Anderson kick)

H - Lunt 31 pass from Hill (Hill kick)

H - Hill 6 run (Pieper pass from Hill)

L - Haines 65 pass from Litchfield (Anderson kick)

H - Kemp 90 kickoff return (Hill run)

L - Ma. Gower 17 pass from Litchfield (Anderson kick)

H - Kemp 13 run (Hill kick)

L - Haines 27 pass from Litchfield (kick failed)

H - Barlow 11 pass from Hill (Hill kick)

H - Kemp 86 run (Hill kick)