Northwest Notes Aug. 22, 2023
First games scheduled for new artificial turf field at Coeur d’Alene High
Air quality permitting, a girls soccer game tonight is scheduled to be the first varsity game played on the new artificial turf at Coeur d’Alene High.
Coeur d’Alene is scheduled to play host to Lakeland tonight at 6:30.
The first varsity boys soccer game on the new field is slated for Thursday at 6:30 p.m., when Coeur d’Alene plays host to Lewiston.
The first varsity football game on the artificial turf field is scheduled for Friday, when Coeur d’Alene plays host to Rocky Mountain of Meridian at 6 p.m.
A “grand opening” of the new field, which will include recognition of donors, will be held later at a date and time to be determined.
NIC’s Coeur d’Alene Shootout 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament canceled
COEUR d’ALENE — North Idaho College’s Coeur d’Alene Shootout 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday, has been canceled due to air quality and travel concerns, the school announced.
Tournament directors made the decision on behalf of the health and safety of competitors and spectators of the outdoor tournament.
All registration fees will be automatically refunded within three to five business days, NIC said.
For more assistance with refunds, contact Student Accounts at studentaccounts@nic.edu
EWU offense shows efficiency in Monday scrimmage
Conditions allow Eastern to hit the turf at Roos Field for afternoon test
CHENEY — After having its scrimmage on Saturday canceled due to poor air quality caused by nearby wildfires, the Eastern Washington University football team was able to get back on the field on Monday afternoon for its first team scrimmage of fall camp. Offense earned bragging rights after two unexpected off days, turning in several highlight reel plays.
“To be able to do what we were able to do today was because of a lot of people outside of our circle, to be able to fight the fires and do the things they do to put their lives on the line, we get to play a sport because they are protecting our community,” EWU head coach Aaron Best after the scrimmage.
“There’s a lot of other way more important things that are going on outside of our circle. It’s been a whirlwind for us but I can’t imagine what it's like to do what they do, and have been doing since Friday. Hats off to every one of those folks that are allowing us the opportunity to keep our community safe and prepared.”
Monday’s scrimmage was initially scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. but nearby wildfires and the resulting smoke in the air caused a suspension of all activities. EWU athletic training staff, in accordance with NCAA and National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) guidelines, monitored the air quality closely all weekend, clearing the team to resume some activities as the air improved on Monday.
On the field, the Eagle offense was decisive and limited mistakes, combining for 5 touchdowns and a field goal in nine possessions. Quarterback Kekoa Visperas led the first unit and, unofficially, completed 9 of 10 passes for 152 yards and 1 touchdown, adding 4 carries for 22 yards. Jared Taylor took first snaps with the second unit while Michael Wortham also got into the action. Taylor went 11 for 13 through the air for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Tuna Altahir led the ground attack with 41 yards on 8 carries, finding the end zone twice. The Kennewick, Wash., native bounced a 13-yard gain off the left tackle to find the end zone and cap a 10-play opening drive.
Justice Jackson (5-15) and Malik Dotson (6-19) also earned touches from the running back position, with Dotson adding a 21-yard score on a swing pass from Visperas.
Robert Mason III scored on 21- and 84-yard receptions, highlighted by a fingertip snag in stride down the left sideline. Preseason All-Big Sky honoree Efton Chism III hauled in 3 catches for 72 yards, including a 53-yard gain punctuated by a hurdle along the sideline. Malaki Roberson added 2 receptions for 26 yards.
Pending air quality, the Eagles will continue regular practice schedules including their second of two fall scrimmages on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Scrimmages are free and open to the public, with limited in-stadium amenities available.