As they kicked off the 2026 campaign, the Tigers — who first took the field in 1898 — had in front of them the opportunity to begin the school’s third consecutive winning season for the first time in nearly 60 years (1965-67).

Meanwhile, the Bear River program — established in 1922 — hoped to get off to a quick start under new head coach Craig Anhder. Anhder spent the past 18 seasons leading Green Canyon and Sky View, winning nearly 60% of his games.

In the 52nd rendition of the matchup, but the first since 2018, the Bears overcame a sluggish start to leave with a comfortable 36-13 victory.

Bear River’s Eli Braegger was the star of the show, finishing with two interceptions, four touchdowns and more than 250 receiving yards, but he was the first to acknowledge that it was a total team effort.

Photo supplied, Linda Abeyta

“Honestly, I’m super excited with our whole team. Like, just through all the work we’ve put in together, from our line to our skill position players,” Braegger said. “We’ve got four of us receivers that we can sling the ball to.

“I love our coaching staff. I’m super positive about this season and excited just to be out here and get a nice ‘W.'”

Frankly, the first half was a menagerie of missed opportunities for both squads, which kept the game close.

The Bears coughed up a couple of opportunities, including a fumble on the Ogden 11 during their opening drive.

The Tigers didn’t fare much better. They reached at least midfield five times during the opening two quarters and came away with zero points. They turned the ball over on downs three times, tossed a pair of interceptions — courtesy of Braegger — and dropped a catchable ball in the end zone.

Photo supplied, Linda Abeyta

Consequently, the contest appeared headed toward a scoreless first half.

But Bear River finally broke through with 2:33 left in the half when quarterback Preston Wilkinson capped a 96-yard drive with a 16-yard touchdown toss to Ty Hess on a crossing pattern.

It set the stage for the rest of Wilkinson’s night; he finished with close to 350 passing yards to go with his five TDs.

After the break, the Bear River offense continued to find success, scoring touchdowns on four of its first five second-half possessions.

Ogden made a pair of charges but ultimately couldn’t slow the Bears enough to give itself a chance to catch up.

Photo supplied, Linda Abeyta

According to Braegger, the Bears didn’t need to make many adjustments; it was just a matter of time before the offense kicked into high gear.

“Just keep pounding what we have been pounding,” Braegger said. “I really love Coach Anhder’s playbook. He’s really experienced; he knows what he’s doing, so you just gotta trust him. He’s gonna run the ball, run the ball, get people open on different plays and use his whole scheme.”

Wilkinson found Braegger on a 49-yard catch-and-run to start the third quarter and give the Bears a two-score lead at 14-0.

The Tigers roared back behind junior Ryker Rice, who racked up nearly 150 rushing yards and capped an answer with a 2-yard touchdown plunge to trim the lead to 14-7. But every time Ogden made a run, Wilkinson and Braegger had the counterpunch.

The Bears responded with a 9-yard Wilkinson-to-Braegger touchdown toss, but Ogden again pushed back with 1:19 to play in the third when Anderson Curry plunged in from 1 yard out.

Bear River ultimately proved to be too much once it got rolling. The defense steadied and the offense continued to forge ahead. Braegger reached the end zone on a 59-yard streak down the sideline and then capped it with an 18-yard TD catch with 2:53 to play.

“I’d say that I think we need to clean up some of our run defense towards the second half of the game, but I think everything’s looking good,” Braegger said. “I just think we’re going to keep getting better as we keep going along through the season.”

Ogden will try to get its first win next week as it hosts Bonneville, while Bear River will host Box Elder in the Golden Spike Game.