PREP SOCCER: Stevens, Pettit lift Priest River boys over Orofino

OROFINO — Senior Connor Stevens scored in the first half, sophomore Gunnar Pettit early in the second and Priest River defeated the Maniacs 2-1 in a 3A Central Idaho League match held at Orofino High on Friday.

During the 26th minute, Stevens scored the first goal of the contest from roughly 40 yards out at center defender position. In the second half, Pettit scored from 30 yards out during the 48th minute to give the Spartans a 2-0 lead.

In the 78th minute, Orofino High junior Cash Nelson scored on a penalty kick, but the Spartans would ultimately hold on for the victory.

Junior goalkeeper Baylor White had 11 saves for Priest River. Senior goalkeeper Garrett Sanders had 15 saves for Orofino.

Priest River High head coach Ryan Carruth said other notable Spartan performances came from senior Carter Cook, senior Cameron Howell, senior Nathan Stifel and sophomore Jack Zalewski.

"We had some very bright moments today and created some good chances on goal," coach Carruth said. "Obviously it's always nice to find the back of the net and to grind out a result against a tough opponent while we are still early in the season, building our form and fitness levels. I was pleased with the attitude of our young men today — they were up for it and this gives us lots to build on as we look ahead to our next match."

It was the Spartans' first win over the Maniacs since 2021.

Priest River (2-0) hosts Timberlake on Thursday.

1st half — 1, PR, Connor Stevens, 26’. 2nd half — 2, PR, Gunnar Pettit, 48’. 3, ORO, Cash Nelson, 78.

Shots on goal — not reported.

Saves — Baylor White, PR, 11. Garrett Sanders, ORO, 15.