Tri-Valley Titans fall behind early, lose to Idaho City

Have you ever wondered how school mascots came about? According to Angel Spivey, mascots date back at least to the Civil War where regiments began adopting mascots as a way to represent all that they believed to be good about their organization.  

 Most of these mascots were live animals, like dogs and eagles, which were named and traveled with the regiments into battle. After the war, collegiate sports emerged and the use of mascots carried on the tradition that we enjoy today.  

 Over 14 years ago, Midvale and Cambridge formed an athletic co-op to provide the best opportunity for students to be part of viable athletic programs.  And so it was that the co-op was named Tri-Valley, and the mascot that was chosen was the Titans; the mighty, enormous, colossal, godlike Titans.  

 Last Friday night when the Tri-Valley football team took to the field against Idaho City, they were a group of athletes that brought mighty hearts, and formidable fortitude in a very tough match up.

 Tri-Valley started the game by kicking-off to the Wildcats and endured an offensive pounding that left the Titans down by 26 points halfway into the second quarter. Determined to fight through the adversity, the Titans began a drive on the 50-yard line that resulted in a rushing touchdown by Orion Southwick.  

 After a failed conversion, the Wildcats managed to put together another drive that added 8 more points to end the half with a score of 34-6.

 In the third quarter, the Titans made defensive adjustments that kept the cats at bay and scoreless.  With 5:36 on the clock, Cody Nixon forced a timely fumble and Tyrel Barnett recovered it on Idaho City’s 35-yard line that set up Orion Southwick’s second rushing touchdown as he crashed through the cat’s defensive line.  

 Unfortunately, leg cramps forced Southwick to leave the game and the quarter ended with the cats on top 34-12.

 Despite the loss of Southwick, and an injury to Jarret Mink, the Titans continued to hold the Wildcat line until the last minute and a half of the game that led to another touchdown and two point conversion for Idaho City, making the final score 42-12.

 Top rushers for the Titans were Orion Southwick with 66 yards and Reed Thulander with 23 yards.  Top receivers were Orion Southwick with 33 yards, Tyrel Barnett with 19 yards, Jarret Mink with 13 yards, and Michael Carpenter with 9 yards. Jayden Mink completed 8 of 13 passes. 

 Top defenders were Orion Southwick with 14 tackles and 1 forced fumble; Cody Nixon with 12 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery; Michael Carpenter with 10 tackles and 1 forced fumble; Jayden Mink with 8 tackles; and Tyrel Barnett with 6 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.

 Reflecting on the game, Coach Bob Johnson said, “Idaho City was a good team and they jumped out on us in the first half. However, after making some adjustments at halftime, we were able to play them even in the second half.  The kids can be commended for the way they finished the game.”    

 As the players left the field, battle weary and worn, I couldn’t help but think of our Tri-Valley Titan mascot, a representation of the enormous effort each player gave and the godlike heart it took to keep on fighting.  

 With a bye next week, it will be Sept. 28 before the Titans return to the field to play in Garden Valley for their first league game. As fans, we can add herculean support to our boys.  Let’s go Titans!