Hutto, Kilpatrick lead Bulldogs into final

4A rivals Sandpoint and Bishop Kelly to meet again in final

IDAHO FALLS — A sensational save by freshman goalie Shea Kilpatrick and a timely late game-winning goal from sophomore Jezza Hutto propelled the Bulldogs to a 2-1 win over Twin Falls on Friday in the semis of the 4A state girls soccer tournament at the Idaho Falls Sports Complex.

The win sets up another in what has become an epic series of showdowns between Sandpoint and Bishop Kelly in the championship game tonight under the lights.

The Bulldogs (8-5-5) started slow in the first half, unable to generate much offense, and were struggling in the second half when Twin Falls (13-4-1) took a 1-0 lead in the 56th minute. Bulldogs head coach Conor Baranksi called the goal a turning point in the contest.

“We played very poorly for the first 57 minutes. When Twin Falls scored, that was kind of a wake up call. We played much better, with more urgency,” he said. “I was very impressed with our ability to overcome a very hectic situation when we weren’t doing very well. Kudos to the girls for turning it around.”

Riley Walkington tied the game at 1-1 just six minutes later by converting a penalty kick, and the two teams would continue to slug away for the go ahead goal late in the game.

It would finally come in the 76th minute, when Hutto took a pass from Claire Shaha and beat the keeper for the game winning goal, which Baranski called impressive.

“Claire played a nice little volley pass over their defense,” described Baranski of the game-winner. “Jezza timed her run perfectly, was there in a flash, and touched it around the goalkeeper into an open goal.”

Equally important in the final outcome was a highlight reel save by Kilpatrick in the first half, which when all is said and done, is every bit as important as a goal.

“Shea was undoubtedly the MVP, she made an absolutely incredibly save in the first half,” praised Baranski of his young keeper, who has come up huge at state. “So many people have come up since and said ‘did you see that save?’”

The win sets up another in what has been an epic series of championship games between 4A rivals Sandpoint and Bishop Kelly. The Bulldogs have won the last three meetings between the two girls soccer powers, including ending the Knights’ 88 game win streak a few years ago.

The Knights (19-2-0) once again boast a sterling record, but it hasn’t done them much good in the past against the more battle-tested Bulldogs, who will look to continue the recent trend and claim their third state title in the past four years, having beating the Knights to win in 2013 and 2014.

“We’ll be looking to make it 3 for 3 against Bishop Kelly in the state championship,” said Baranski, who seems to have the magic touch with his teams at state. “Bishop Kelly plays a very similar style to us, as opposed to the last two teams. I’m hoping it’s a very fun game tomorrow.”

The 4A championship game starts at 5:30 p.m. under the lights in Idaho Falls.

First half — None. Second half — 1, TF, Madison Glascock (unassisted), 57:00. Second half — 2, Spt, Riley Walkington (penalty kick), 63:00. 3, Spt, Jezza Hutto (Claire Shaha), 76:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 6, TF 7.

Saves — Spt, Shea Kilpatrick, 5; Twin Falls 3.