The Timberline Boys Varsity Soccer team claimed the Idaho State championship once again.  Only two other teams have gone back to back over the last 7 years and no one has won four titles like these young men did Saturday night!!  Timberline was first in the regular season, won the district tournament, won State, and most importantly won the Academic Award for highest team GPA. 

On Saturday night under the lights of Rocky Mountain High School the Wolves took on the Grizzlies in an exciting and surprisingly close State final.  In their previous meeting Timberline had dominated Rocky 5-2, but this was for the state title and both teams had something to prove. 

The Wolves came out firing on all cylinders and it looked like it was going to be a long night for the Grizz.  Shot after shot nearly missed and the Timberline defense shut down Rocky’s fast and skilled strikers.  As time went on both crowd and team alike were noticeably anxious as the Wolves failed to put one of their numerous opportunities into the back of the net.  That is until, in my opinion the player of the tournament, Alain Murhula took matters in his own hands.  He juked numerous Rocky defenders with foot skill that would leave any opposing player in the dust.  And with the outside of his foot he bent a shot from just inside the 18 into the upper V. 

Halftime score 1-0

The second half had a different feel to it.  The Grizzlies came out with some inspired play and put the Wolves on their heels a bit.  The seniors on Timberline rallied the troops, all of them inspiring and motivating the team with encouraging words and leading with inspired play. 

In the 58^th minute, Senior striker, Cole Fuller, injured his shoulder and was taken off the field.  The Wolves took an indirect kick which deflected off a Rocky defender and senior Zach Fishburn volleyed it into the back netting putting the Wolves up 2-0!    With 10 minutes to play, Rocky was awarded a penalty kick that tied the game at one apiece.

Rocky continued to press and the Wolves were noticeably tired, most of the starters played every minute of the game, but Timberline denied every chance Rocky could muster.  As time ticked down a well struck shot from the Grizz looked destined to tie the game but Timberline goalie Parker Billings made a save that not many goalies would be able to do, barely getting his fingertips on the ball sending it wide left.  This was the last of the Rocky offensive chances and sealed the deal on a historical Timberline season.  As the whistle blew the crowd let out a sigh of relief and the boys rushed to celebrate with the student body, ending the celebration with a cheer of “Dirty Wolves”!!

2-1 Timberline, Idaho State Champions!!

Thank you to all the parents, coaches and players for a memorable year and congrats to the Champions!!!