Tiger loss to Skyview kills playoff hopes

The Mountain Home Tigers went into Friday night's football game with Skyview still hoping to make the 4A State Playoffs, despite two league losses.

With a win over Skyview, and banking on Caldwell losing to Bishop Kelly, that would mean this week's game at Caldwell would be for second place, and the final State 4A Playoff from District III. Bishop Kelly came through, beating Caldwell, 32-7, handing the Cougars their first conference loss, but Skyview, whose playoff hopes were already shot with losses to Bishop Kelly and Caldwell, had other thoughts -- like a 32-14 win in the rain at Tiger Field, ending Mountain Home's playoff dream.

There were a couple big plays in the first quarter that loomed huge in the outcome of the game.

The first was a fumble on the opening kickoff, Skyview recovering on the Tiger 30 yard-line.

Six plays later, Hawks quarterback Matt Ballenger passed 15 yards to Louie Beech for a touchdown. With Kord Hubbard's PAT, Skyview led, 7-0, with 9:34 left in the first period.

Mountain Home answered quickly, going 70 yards in just three plays, the big one a 64-yard touchdown run by Matt Maurer. With Kyle Cark's PAT, the Tigers tied the game at 7-7, just 75 seconds after the Skyview score.

On Skyview's next possession, the Tigers stopped them after one first down, and forced a punt.

Mountain Home then mounted an impressive drive, going from thier own 16 yard-line down inside the Hawks' one, but, in what was the other huge play of the first half, failed to not only score, but also get a first down inside the one that hopefully would have led to a score.

The two teams then exchanged punts, with Skyview starting from their own 7-yard line.

The Hawks then put together a 13-play, 93-yard drive capped off by a one-yard run by Matt Ballenger. Kord Hubbard was again good on the PAT, making it 14-7, Skyview with 2:19 left in the first half.

The two teams then exchanged pass interceptions, with Mountain Home back in business at the Hawks' 24.

Kyle Clark's 37-yard field goal attempt was short as the first half ran out, Skyview up, 14-7.

Skyview received the ball to start the third quarter, and went on a 64-yard, eight-play drive, capped off by a three-yard pass from Matt Ballenger to Jaeson Rogers.

Kord Hubbard's PAT was blocked, but Skyview let, 20-7, with 8:19 left in the third quarter.

Mountian Home answered with a 68-yard, 10-play drive, Keith Yagues hitting Brock Zamora for a 10-yard score. Kyle Clark brought the Tigers within six, 20-14, with his PAT with 4:02 left in the quarter.

The Hawks then took seven plays to go 73 yards for another score, Matt Ballenger hitting Jose Hernandez on a 16-yard pass play. The two-point try failed, but Skyview led, 26-14, with 1:15 left in the third quarter.

Skyview took advantage of field position to score again in the fourth quarter, going 33 yards in three plays, Matt Ballenger hitting Ben Welk for a 33-yard score. With 6:54 left in the game, Skyview led, 32-14.

The Tigers then had an 18-play drive that moved the ball from their own 13 yard-line down to the Skyview 19, where Louie Beech intercepted a Keith Yagues pass to end the drive.

Skyview was then able to run out the clock for the 32-14 win.

Mountain Home rushed the ball 40 times for 240 yards, led by Matt Maurer, who rushed the ball 12 times for 108 yards and a touchdown. Tyson Sessions carried the ball 16 times for 89 yards. Keith Yagues had nine rushes for 29 yards. Bob Daniels had one carry for eight yards, and Georgio Sutton and Shawn Morin each carried once for three yards.

Keith Yagues completed eight of 24 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. He had two passes picked off. Brock Zamora had two receptions for 34 yards and a score. Josh Reynolds caught two for 25 yards, Matt Maurer had two catches for three yards, Bob Daniels had one catch for 13, and Tyson Sessions had one reception for four yards.

Skyview ended the night rushing the ball 40 times for 209 yards, and passing for 180 yards.

The loss drops the Tigers to 5-3 overall, and 3-3 in league play. Mountain Home closes out their football season tomorrow (Thursday) night at Caldwell against the Cougars, who suffered their first loss of the season at Bishop Kelly last Friday, 32-7.