Area roundup: Bandits advance to championship round at state

Blake Bozett finished 5 for 6 with four runs and the Spokane Bandits banged out 28 hits to outlast Pepsi Pak 24-20 at the American Legion Senior state tournament at Selah.

The win puts the Bandits (20-16) into the championship round against Bellingham, which is undefeated after the tourney’s first three days. The teams will meet at 5 today and play again at 8 if the Bandits win.

David McNeil homered and went 4 for 6 with four RBIs for the Bandits. Cameron Poland, Joshua Martin and Matthew Miller were all 3 for 5.

Football

Linebacker JoJo Dickson (Jacksonville), running back Deonte Jackson (Tampa Bay), defensive end Aaron Lavarias (New England) and receiver Eric Greenwood (Pittsburgh), all formerly with the University of Idaho, signed rookie free-agent contracts.

“I’m excited for those kids, because you’re talking about dreams come true and those are things that they’ve worked their whole lives for,” Idaho head coach Robb Akey said.

Vandals draftees Nathan Enderle (Chicago) and Daniel Hardy (Tampa Bay) signed their rookie contracts. Enderle, a quarterback, was drafted in the fifth round and Hardy, a tight end, went in the seventh round.

Idaho safety Shiloh Keo was also drafted, in the fifth round by Houston.

• University of Idaho single-game tickets go on sale at 10 this morning.

Tickets are available at the Vandals’ ticket office, at www.govandals.com, or at (208) 885-6466. Ticket prices start at $20 for adults and $10 for youths younger than 18 for general admission.

Idaho’s season and home opener is Sept. 1 against Bowling Green.