Boise-Borah Football in the 1960's

My favorite Veterans Day Game, 1963

                                                                            

                                                                                   

Entering the 1963 season, Borah had won all of the previous five Veterans Day games against the Boise Braves. There was no clear favorite the first or second year, but Borah was a solid favorite in years three through five. But 1963 was different. Borah opened the season with a two-touchdown loss, their only loss, to a team from Missoula, Montana -- it was the Lions' worst loss of the decade. Boise was 9-0 coming into the big game with a number of impressive wins including a 25-0 win over Oregon powerhouse, Medford. The Braves were a 14-point favorites, led by an outstanding passing game spearheaded by their quarterback, #16 Paul Gentle.

It was the only game of the Veterans Day era that was televised, yet nearly 14,000 fans showed up for the annual tradition. Borah jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the second quarter before Boise scored; however, they missed the extra point which proved costly because in those days there was no 2-point conversion. Ron Imel's (#13) passing was just good enough and Dale Cady scored three touchdowns for the Lions who won their 6th straight Veterans Day game and Southern Idaho Conference championship. Borah 21, Boise 20.