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EPHRAIM -- No. 13 Snow College (8-2) wrapped up their regular season Saturday with an undefeated home record as the Badgers handled Green River Community College 49-3 in traditional sophomore game fashion.
Before the game ever kicked off Snow had guaranteed themselves at least a portion of the conference crown. With a non-conference game very little was on the line for the Badgers and they were forced to find motivation from uncommon sources.
"We have to find different ways to motivate (the players) when we're playing a non-conference team," said Head Coach Steve Coburn, noting that all of his sophomores played.
Beyond knowing that with a big lead everyone would get on the field, Snow was striving to keep a few streaks alive. For the last five seasons Snow has finished with at least ten wins and been ranked in the top ten nationally.
Coming into Saturday's game Snow was ranked 13th and had eight wins. With the upcoming bowl game Snow will have an opportunity for a tenth win and may be able to climb a few rungs up the polls to reach that tenth spot or better.
Snow was dominant in almost every way on Saturday gaining 330 more yards in total offense than Green River and had five rushing touchdowns. The Badgers defense held Green river to only a field goal.
"I was pleased with the way the offense played early and the defense played the whole game," said Coburn. "Our number one plan to win is have a great defense; that's the way it's been ever since I've been head coach and that's the way it will continue to be."
Snow had five sacks before the final whistle and allowed Green River only 128 yards of offense. Green River's brightest spot on offense was a four-minute, 70-yard drive at the end of the first half that resulted in its lone field goal.
"We ran the ball well. Travis Zacharie had a good game, Matt Wright too," said Coburn. "I'd say the two running backs had the biggest impact, without looking at film."
Wright indeed showed up big with 94 yards and two touchdowns. Zacharie added a couple TD's of his own and starting quarterback Colter Smith even scrambled for one on Snow's opening drive.
"They run a 3-5 and can bring pressure from anywhere," said Smith. "We had a few plays break down but we were able to make plays out of it without getting sacked. "
Saturday's game was the last for Snow's sophomores in Ephraim, a sobering thought for the coaches and players.
"I'm still just enjoying playing. I haven't thought much about leaving Snow yet," Smith said. "I'm just excited to play in the bowl game. That's probably going to be a little emotional."
