Madison Guernsey/Idaho State Journal
Snake River’s Ceaton Howell is brought down by Blackfoot’s Skyler Williams (1) and Jaxson Hinzte (39) during their game Friday at Snake River High School.

By Jeff Papworth, jpapworth@journalnet.com

THOMAS – Blackfoot quarterback Rayce Shelley faced his first big moment on third-and-13 from midfield, with his team clinging to a one-score lead and about one minute remaining in the fourth quarter.

Typical of the day, the offense had a delay of game penalty, but Shelley made up for it with a game-sealing 25-yard completion over the middle to Carter Cooper on a dig route to convert the first down. The Broncos held on Friday at Snake River to win 35-27.

“I moved us back another five yards and that’s on me,” Shelley said. “He ran a great route. It was nice and flat and I had to wait for that window to open up. … Luckily, he caught it and made a great play and got a few extra yards.”

Shelley enjoyed being at Snake River High School, playing against old teammates. His high school career started there before transferring to Blackfoot as a sophomore because he wanted to play basketball under his father, Cody Shelley. Broncos coach Stan Buck said he saw things from Shelley that impressed him, but the quarterback still has some kinks to work out.

“He’s got to settle down in there with his footwork and stuff,” Buck said. “He made a couple nice throws that weren’t caught. You need some icebreakers to build that confidence and keep that momentum going. We kind of struggled at times with that.”

The senior completed 16 of 30 for 214 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions in first varsity start. His second pass of the day was a pick, but his fifth was a 40-yard touchdown, showing he could bounce back from adversity.

It did not hurt to have Aric Vail in the backfield with him. While the running back had not had much experience starting either, he began his day with a 54-yard touchdown run, one of three in the matchup. He compiled 115 yards rushing on 16 carries.

Despite piling up yards, Blackfoot still struggled to pull away. Spotting Snake River 21 first-quarter points did not help. But a slow start was predictable, considering how many new players are stepping into important roles for the first time.

The Broncos return five starters. Each of the nine Broncos who made the 2016 ISJ All-Area list graduated.

At least there is experience behind Buck, the 26-year Blackfoot head coach. As for the rest who haven’t played as much, Buck said they just have to do more of the little things right.

While the Broncos are rebuilding, Snake River is primed to rebound after its first losing season since 2009.

Snake River fans who packed the home stands were witnesses to plenty of things to be optimistic about, including Carson Dance. The senior was responsible for the Panthers’ two biggest plays of the game, a 99-yard kick return and 95-yard reception for touchdowns.

Blackfoot (1-0) plays Friday at Hillcrest, while Snake River (0-1) hosts Shelley.