Ferebee’s six TDs pace LC

There’s sort of an unwritten tradition in football for a running back who has had a record-setting night to do something special for his offensive linemen – take them out to dinner, buy them flowers.

But Lake City’s Kyle Ferebee is currently strapped for cash. Not to worry, though. He’s already come up with a solution.

“I think I’ll have my mom pick up the tab,” he said.

Running through gaping holes provided by his line, Ferebee had an eye-popping performance in leading the Timberwolves to a 55-16 non-league victory over the Hellgate Knights of Missoula, Montana Friday at LC.

The senior running back carried the ball 16 times for 183 yards and set an LC record, scoring six rushing touchdowns.

In fact, many running backs would drool over Ferebee’s first quarter statistics alone – 121 yards on eight carries and four scores.

He also made an acrobatic, one-handed interception that he returned 78 yards for an apparent score in the closing seconds of the first quarter. That play was negated by an illegal block, but Ferebee was having too much fun to get upset about it.

“I was a little winded (after the interception return),” he said. “Actually, I was kind of in shock after the fifth touchdown. That was definitely one of the funnest games I’ve ever played.”

The win came at a good time as the T-Wolves (7-1) prepare to meet cross-town rival Coeur d’Alene Thursday in a game that will determine seeding in the 5A state playoffs and will decide the “mythical” league title.

“It’s nice to be able to just get after somebody once in a while,” LC coach Van Troxel said. “We had a good week of practice and tweaked a few little things here and there defensively. Confidence is a big part of defense and this was a big plus for us, especially going into the CdA game.”

The T-Wolves struck with lightning speed. After returning the opening kickoff to the LC 39, Ferebee went off left tackle and raced 61 yards for the first score.

Nineteen seconds into the game, LC led 7-0 and it would only get uglier.

The Knights’ Andrew Woods fumbled a pitch on Hellgate’s first offensive play and T-Wolves cornerback Wilson Bowlby recovered at the Hellgate 33.

Five plays later, Ferebee scored his second touchdown on a 15-yard run and LC grabbed a 13-0 lead.

Ferebee added TD runs of 7 and 20 yards in the first quarter and 5 and 4 yards in the second quarter. LC took a 48-0 lead at halftime after linebacker Matt Widmyer returned an interception 81 yards for a score with 3:10 left.

Ferebee sat out much of the second half with his offensive linemen.

“Those guys are just great,” he said. “I honestly think we have the best offensive line in the state.”

Troxel had praise for his offensive line as well, which is shooting for the LC season rushing record.

“They’re big and they’re physical,” he said. “Kyle would be the first to tell you that it all starts with those guys up front. Kyle gets all the yards, but all they want to get is the season rushing record.”

Hellgate (1-8) was able to move the ball on the ground in the second half and scored twice in the fourth quarter.

The first came on a 7-yard keeper by quarterback Taylor Bewley and the other came on a 4-yard pass from Bewley to Jeff O’Neal with 7 seconds left.

In addition to Ferebee’s offensive numbers, quarterback Garren Hammons had a big game for LC. The junior threw for 129 yards on 5 of 9 completions. LC ran up 369 yards in total offense.

Running back Andrew Woods led the Knights, gaining 97 yards on 18 carries. Hellgate had 289 total yards but hurt itself with five turnovers.

“In other non-league action, Deer Park ran for 26 first downs and had three 100-yard rushers in a 45-12 victory over host Priest River. Aaron Rutt ran for 180 yards and two touchdowns, Chris Pierce added 108 yards and Ian Watson ran for 105 yards and scored once.

“Moscow improved to 6-2, 1-1 with a 24-7 victory over visiting Post Falls in an Inland Empire League game. Nick Mehalechko scored the only touchdown for the Trojans (3-5, 1-4).

“Josh Hawks ran for 196 yards and three touchdowns and Sam Botkin threw for 205 yards and two scores as Bonners Ferry defeated visiting Kellogg (5-3, 2-1) 48-0 to clinch the Intermountain League title. Spencer Behrens had three interceptions for the Badgers (6-3, 4-0). … Nick Puckett ran for 152 yards and two touchdowns and 10 carries as Timberlake defeated visiting St. Maries 62-0. The Tigers (3-5, 2-1) scored twice on defense, including a safety by Logan Cook, and the Lumberjacks (0-8, 0-3) lost four fumbles.

“Cory Pehan ran for three touchdowns and Joe Ploharz added two more scores as Mullan defeated visiting Kootenai (1-7, 1-4) 46-12 on the final night of North Star League play. Jesse James had 13 tackles for the Tigers (6-2, 4-1) and also opened scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run. … Heath Petersen ran for three touchdowns in the first half and eight different Wallace Miners found the end zone in a 70-20 victory over visiting Lakeside-Plummer (1-7, 0-5). Reserve quarterback Marcus Matile threw two touchdown passes for Wallace (6-2, 4-1), including one to starting quarterback Justin Keener. … Ryan Miller ran for 233 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries as Clark Fork remained tied for first place with Mullan and Wallace with a 32-13 victory over host Post Falls Christian (3-4, 2-3). Bill Clayton added 70 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Wampus Cats (5-3, 4-1).