MONTPELIER - For the second straight week, Bear Lake jumped out to an early lead before fading in the end Friday.

This time, the 20-14 home loss to Snake River kept the Bears out of the playoffs.

"We knew we had our chances. Unfortunately the last two weeks we ran out of gas," said Bear Lake coach John Homer. "All the credit in the world goes to the kids. We've been playing with about 15 kids the past two weeks, and eventually they wore out. We felt we were right there with everyone we played."

With its win, the Panthers earn the second seed out of the 3A Fifth District following a coin flip to settle a three-way logjam at the top.

Two long Morris Bunn touchdown runs spotted the Bears a 14-0 lead after the first quarter, but Snake River (4-4 overall, 2-1 3A Fifth District) slowly chipped away at the lead, scoring a touchdown in each of the next three quarters.

In the closing minutes, the Bears (2-6, 0-3) drove to the Panthers' 10-yard line, but Snake River's defense held to seal the victory.

Bunn carried the ball 18 times for 147 yards to lead Bear Lake. Snake River got 67 yards on 17 carries from Brock Bench. The Panthers will open the 3A playoffs at home against Salmon.