TWIN FALLS -- Feelings of a career-ending win replaced feelings of a state championship loss for Hayden Thaxton and his Declo teammates.
Ending on a win. Even in an exhibition game.
A Declo Hornet did all the scoring for the South in a 13-10 win over North during the 47th annual District IV Shrine Game (11-man) on Monday at Bruins Stadium in Twin Falls.
"It is an honor to play with all the guys from around here," quarterback Thaxton told the Times-News. "They are all dogs. Feels good. I don't think I had my best game but I mean an award is an award. I guess I will take it. I'm just happy we got the win with the boys one more time."
South used Declo's offensive playbook and it showed with the same run-heavy and physical offense that often fatigued opponents en route to a 3A runner-up finish.
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Silence filled one end of Idaho State's ICCU Dome as Declo relived the same feelings from a year ago.
Declo's Gavin Rasmussen opened the scoring with a 15-yard rush less than two minutes into the second quarter before Declo's Bode Brackenbury ripped off a 93-yard rushing touchdown with less than three minutes remaining in the first half.
"It was like better than winning the Super Bowl, baby," Rasmussen joked with the Times-News.
A third quarter safety put the North within 11 before Minico's Preston Sonner-Cranney recorded a 1-yard rushing score. A conversion put the North within three.
The North forced a South turnover on downs in the North's territory with 43 seconds left in the game.
A few key sacks sealed a South win.
It completed a South sweep as the South stopped North, 40-30, in the eight-man game.
DECLO DOES IT: Hornets boys golf wins Idaho 3A title, 2nd championship in 3 years
"It is always kind of emotional. We had the chance to disappear after our front nine and had to challenge a couple of kids."
Thaxton received South Offensive MVP while Declo's Joey Garrard, a few weeks removed from helping the Hornets win their second boys golf state title in three years, gathered South Defensive MVP.
It marked the final high school game for the Magic Valley's top seniors.
"Just nice to come out here again," Garrard told the Times-News. "Play one more time with all my friends and just ball out."
Wendell's Julian Ponce earned North Offensive MVP and Minico's Preston Sonner-Cranney scooped North's Defensive MVP award.
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Adam Engel is the sports editor at the Times-News. He can be reached via phone at 208-735-3288, via [email protected] or via X @AdamEngel9.
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