Boise State Game Balls for week of September 18

The Broncos were able to get some good wins this past weekend and make a pretty awesome Saturday even awesomer with crucial in-conference wins in volleyball and soccer.

So, let us give out some Game Balls!

Game Ball One:

Raimee Sherle (soccer)

The hometown product from Meridian, Idaho (Rocky Mountain HS) is doing what she does: scoring goals. This time, it was to lead the Broncos to a 1-0 win. The Broncos have had a pretty rough go of it in the out of conference slate—dropping seven of their first nine games. But, apparently, playing other Mountain West Conference teams solves all problems as the Broncos were able to finally notch another one in the W column. At this time, winning the conference is the most important part and the Broncos are starting off on the correct foot with this one.

Congratulations to Ms. Sherle on an OBNUG Game Ball!

Game Ball Two:

Brenna Peloquin (cross country)

The women’s team finished a respectable fourth place overall at the Griak Invitational on Saturday. The field was pretty impressive with the likes of Michigan State, Penn State, Michigan, UCLA, Arizona, Duke, etc.—big names to say the least. One of the biggest names, in at least recognition, is Ms. Brenna Peloquin—only the no. 6 runner in the country, and she lived up to that billing by taking first place overall with a time of 20:50. The women’s team is going to be a force this year and Ms. Peloquin is only going to bolster those expectations.

Ms. Peloquin, I know you were sweating this one, but you have earned it!

Game Ball Three:

Jeremy McWeapon McNichols (football)

I was slightly torn on this one (well, not really) because there were some pretty awesome performances/moments in this game. I could have gone Darren Lee with his awesome forced fumble recovery for a touchdown. Or David Moa Constrictor for his 2.5 sack performance. Even Thomas Sperbeck put up another hundred yard receiving performance, despite no touchdowns. But have to give it to the guy who will probably not get the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week. I mean, 208 rushing yards and four total touchdowns? Against a Pac-12 opponent? (Who cares if it was against Oregon State.) That is a quality output against any team, let alone a Power 5 opponent. The man is more machine than, well, man. Like Mr. Jay Ajayi before him, the Broncos would do well to make sure he gets his touches. But, boy, that will be a lot of touches.

Mr. McNichols, congratulations!

Game Ball Four:

Maddy O’Donnell (volleyball)

Ms. Maddy O’Donnell led the Broncos to split a pair of road matches at UNLV (3-1 loss) and another at New Mexico (3-2 win). At UNLV Ms. O’Donnell 17 points on 13 kills, one service ace, one block solo and four block assists. And at New Mexico she had a double-double with 10 kills and a career-high 14 digs. The win at New Mexico was the first time the Broncos have been able to take down the Lobos on their own court. A good competitive match that went the Broncos’ way due to Ms. O’Donnell’s hearty effort.

Congratulations Ms. O’Donnell and keep up the good work!

Game Ball Five:

Yusuke Uchikosi (cross country)

Mr. Yusuke Uchikosi powered a solid performance at the same Griak Invitational with a time of 25:19. The no. 14 Broncos placed third in the field (the best the Broncos have ever done at the event). The Mountain West had pretty decent representation with Jerrell Mock of Colorado State winning the overall event.

Mr. Uchikosi, congratulations for your effort and helping the Broncos get the third place finish!

Your turn

There are always a lot of these things to go around. So let me have it in the comments!