Photo courtesy of Maddie Hansen
By Braxton Gregory
Sports Editor
Pocatello, Idaho — The Idaho State Bengals showed heart and resilience in their season finale against the Idaho Vandals, but early miscues and critical mistakes proved too much to overcome in a 40-17 loss in the Battle of the Domes. Despite the disappointing result, head coach Cody Hawkins emphasized the bigger picture: the love and effort shared by his team, particularly the seniors, who played their final game in orange and black.
“Yeah, I know we could talk about the game,” Hawkins said. “But I think the thing that overshadows all the games is how much you love the guys on our football team and how much I appreciate all the work those seniors put in. I wish we could’ve played a little bit better in the end—that’s 100% on me. I’ve got to do a better job.”
The Bengals’ offense struggled early, with dropped passes and bobbled catches stalling their first two drives. Quarterback Kobe Tracy showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for 249 yards on 27-of-44 passing, but his three interceptions, including a costly throw across his body, derailed key opportunities. Backup Hunter Hays added a spark with a brief appearance, completing 2-of-3 passes, including a 17-yard touchdown to Michael Shulikov.
On the ground, Dason Brooks led the Bengals with 56 yards on six carries, including an 18-yard burst. Keoua Kauhi II added 32 yards on seven attempts, and Tracy capped a late drive with a 3-yard touchdown run. Shulikov also led the receiving corps with six catches for 61 yards and a touchdown, while Jeff Weimer contributed 57 yards, and Ian Duarte hauled in a 39-yard grab.
“We knew we were going to need to score 30 plus points to win this game,” Hawkins explained. “That was the deal, talking to the team. We were trying to get there, but it just didn’t happen today.”
Defensively, the Bengals introduced a rare four-man front in an effort to disrupt the Vandals’ balanced attack, but poor tackling undermined their effectiveness. Idaho’s Nate Thomas exploited the lapses, rushing for 171 yards, while quarterback Jack Layne added three touchdown passes, including a 41-yard trick play that set the tone early. Special teams compounded the Bengals’ struggles, allowing a 100-yard kickoff return to start the second half—a moment Hawkins acknowledged as pivotal.
“It’s really frustrating,” Hawkins said of a penalty following a first-half touchdown that forced the Bengals to kick off from their own 20-yard line. “The likelihood that another team is going to start in your territory when you have to kick off from the 20 is extremely high, and with a minute left, that’s costly.”
Despite the challenges, Hawkins praised his team’s effort and resilience. The Bengals fought until the final whistle, with Tracy’s late touchdown run serving as a testament to their refusal to give up. “I thought the guys played hard today. I thought they played with passion, and I thought they were resilient. You could tell they loved each other.”
Hawkins also reflected on the senior class, which endured extraordinary circumstances, including starting their college careers during COVID and navigating three coaching changes. “Those seniors welcomed me with open arms. Their willingness to work is extremely high, and that’s going to prove beneficial for them in the long run.”
Long-time fan Bill Peters also praised the growth of the team, noting, “It was fun to see the development of the young men in the program. The team is being built with first-class people. My thanks to the whole team for representing ISU well!”
As the 2024 season concludes, the Bengals can take pride in the progress made under Hawkins’ leadership. With young talent stepping up and a senior class that set a standard for resilience and determination, Idaho State has laid a strong foundation. The lessons from this year, paired with the team’s relentless spirit, leave no doubt that the Bengals are poised for even greater success in 2025.
