CdA QB Chalich says he’ll play at Idaho

Football: Chad Chalich isn’t one for drama. But his future college coach is known to get a little excited here and there.

The Coeur d’Alene senior quarterback didn’t make Idaho coach Robb Akey wait long for an oral commitment Sunday during a home visit. Just before Akey left after a 90-minute visit, Chalich told the Vandals coach he would be heading to Moscow.

That prompted Akey to jump up and hug everyone at Chalich’s home.

“It’ll be nice playing for him,” Chalich said. “He gets the job done. It’ll be close to home for all my family and friends to come support me. Over time I feel I’ll make an impact.”

Chalich re-wrote CdA’s record book the past two years in leading the Vikings to back-to-back 5A state championships. This year, he passed for 3,641 yards, completing 242 of 331 attempts (.731). He threw 42 touchdown passes and just two interceptions. He also rushed for 471 yards and 14 TDs.

He passed for 2,844 yards and 32 TDs last year while rushing for 541 and six TDs. He was named the 5A player of the year in 2010.

“I think it’s a win-win situation,” CdA coach Shawn Amos said. “He’s a good student and a good kid. They’re getting a quality kid and player.”

Greg Lee

Chiefs’ Kichton makes short list

Hockey: Spokane Chiefs defenseman Brenden Kichton is one of 16 players from the WHL invited to try out to represent Canada in the World Junior Hockey Championships.

Kichton, one of 41 players overall, including 14 defensemen, will be in Calgary for a tryout camp Dec. 10-14. Players who make the team will stay to prepare for the tournament, which begins Dec. 26 in Calgary and Edmonton.

The New York Islanders drafted Kichton in the fifth round in June after he piled up 81 points last season, which tied for the league lead among defensemen. He has two goals and 12 assists in the Chiefs’ last dozen games.

Dave Trimmer

Georgetown next Carroll opponent

Football: Defending national champion Carroll College meets No. 3 Georgetown of Kentucky in the semifinals of the NAIA playoffs on Saturday in Helena.

No. 2 Carroll (12-1) advanced with a 17-14 win over Azusa Pacific while Georgetown (12-0) downed St. Francis of Indiana 26-14 last Saturday.

Frontier Conference player of the year Chance Demarais rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns, including a 1-yard dive with 1:51 remaining. Carroll linebacker Joe Dunning picked off Azusa Pacific quarterback John van den Raadt on the Cougars’ final drive to seal the win.