High School Football 2013

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

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High School Preview

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Phone: (208) 465-8111; e-mail: sports@idahopress.com; Fax: (208) 467-9562

JOHN WUSTROW Assistant Sports Editor (208) 465-8154 jwustrow@idahopress.com Twitter: @jwustrow

BRUCE MASON C OF I/NNU sports reporter (208) 465-8174 bmason@idahopress.com Twitter: @BMasonIPT

MICHAEL LYCKLAMA High school sports reporter (208) 465-8116 mlycklama@idahopress.com Twitter: @michaellycklama

For the latest high school sports content online, visit idahopress.com/sports and make sure to check the IPT Sports blog at idahopress.com/blogs/sports Follow high school sports results and get breaking news from the Idaho Press-Tribune sports staff on Twitter (@IdahoPressTrib) Get updates and breaking news and updates from high school games all season long at the Idaho Press-Tribune Facebook page at facebook.com/Idaho.Press.Tribune

Greg Kreller/IPT

ON THE COVER: Nampa quarterback Brandon Forsberg, left, Skyview QB Anthony Marin, center, and Columbia QB Grant Salinas.

5A SOUTHERN IDAHO CONFERENCE...................4 Centennial Patriots.....................................................6 Eagle Mustangs..........................................................7 Meridian Warriors.......................................................8 Mountain View Mavericks...........................................9 Rocky Mountain Grizzlies..........................................10 Vallivue Falcons........................................................11 4A SOUTHERN IDAHO CONFERENCE.................12 Bishop Kelly Knights.................................................13 Caldwell Cougars......................................................14 Columbia Wildcats....................................................15 Emmett Huskies........................................................16 Kuna Kavemen..........................................................17 Middleton Vikings.....................................................18 Nampa Bulldogs.......................................................19 Skyview Hawks........................................................20 3A SNAKE RIVER VALLEY.................................22 Homedale Trojans.....................................................23 Parma Panthers........................................................24 2A WESTERN IDAHO CONFERENCE...................25 Cole Valley Christian Chargers...................................26 Marsing Huskies........................................................28 Melba Mustangs.......................................................30 Nampa Christian Trojans...........................................31 New Plymouth Pilgrims............................................32 1A WESTERN IDAHO CONFERENCE...................34 Greenleaf Friends Academy Grizzlies........................35 Notus Pirates.............................................................36 Wilder Wildcats.........................................................38

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2012 STANDINGS

2013 IPT POLL

CONFERENCE OVERALL TEAM W L W L Borah 7 2 7 3 Eagle 7 2 8 3 Capital 7 2 7 3 Rocky Mountain 6 3 6 4 Mountain View 6 3 6 3 Centennial 4 5 4 5 Timberline 3 6 3 6 Boise 3 6 3 6 Vallivue 1 8 1 8 Meridian 1 8 1 8

Predictions by Idaho Press-Tribune staff TEAM TEAM PG Rocky Mountain Grizzlies 10 Borah Lions – Eagle Mustangs 7 Capital Eagles – Mountain View Mustangs 9 Centennial Patriots 6 Boise Braves – Vallivue Falcons 11 Meridian Warriors 8 Timberline Wolves –

2012 PLAYOFF RESULTS NOV. 2 Madison 28, Capital 14

Lake City 24, Eagle 10

Highland 41, Borah 34

Coeur d’Alene 48, Rocky Mtn. 14 NOV. 10

Coeur d’Alene 45, Highland 38

Madison 36, Lake City 0 NOV. 16 Madison 37, Coeur d’Alene 30

LAST 10 STATE CHAMPIONS 2012: Madison 2011: Coeur d’Alene 2010: Coeur d’Alene 2009: Eagle 2008: Highland

2007: Meridian 2006: Lake City 2005: Meridian 2004: Twin Falls 2003: Centennial 2013 state title game set for Nov. 22-23

Rocky Mountain quarterback Riley Bradshaw

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High School Preview

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Patriots need to replace starters

LOGAN BLACKWOOD, SR., LB The 6-foot-1, 210-pound senior linebacker is the anchor of Centennial’s defense. With such a young team on both sides of the ball, the Patriots will need him to guide the less experienced players when coaches can’t. The defensive line is very thin, so he will be used substantially in rush defense and pass rushing situations.

JOE MURPHY, SR., RB The 5-foot-9, 175-pound senior will carry on the Centennial tradition of an aggressive running attack this season, and will most likely receive an increase in touches from last year because of the addition of a new quarterback. He is the only returning starter from an offensive skill position for the Patriots.

Greg Kreller/IPT

Centennial quarterback Blake Bell scrambles out of the pocket during the Patriots’ preseason workouts at Centennial High.

Neumann: Upcoming season will be ‘very challenging’

By JOHN ENGEL

sports@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

The Centennial High football program has been in a transitional phase ever since placing second in the 5A state tournament in 2010. Changes were made to the SIC format since, making Centennial head coach Lee Neumann’s task of making it back in the state championship game even more difficult.

“The way the conference has changed having all the teams play each other, and no pod system, will make 6

Friday, August 30, 2013

the upcoming season very challenging,” Neumann said.

“The SIC has some outstanding teams from top to bottom Lee and teams will Neumann be challenging every week” Centennial’s first obstacle this season will be finding young players to fill the holes of departed seniors from last year’s squad. Only 10 starters are returning this year, and the offensive and defensive

lines are both very thin.

Three starting offensive linemen and four starting defensive linemen are returning, but Neumann still believes the lack of depth on the line will be Centennial’s major pitfall.

“We have a lack of depth on the offensive and defensive line but return some outstanding linemen. If we can stay healthy and can gain some experience and confidence early, we will contend for a playoff spot and go deep into the playoffs,” Neumann said.

BRANDON FERRELL, SR., OL The 6-foot-6, 210-pound senior is the leader of the offensive line and will spend the majority of his fall coaching up the younger players who are stepping in to fill big roles. The offensive line is thin, and Ferrell’s conditioning and health will both have to be at full strength for Centennial quarterbacks to have any time in the pocket.

JACE DEGRANGE, SO., QB The 5-foot-10, 160-pound sophomore quarterback is a first-year varsity starter, and will be taking over the offense this season.

The Centennial coaching staff has been very excited about him since he joined the program and expect good results this fall.

Mustangs ready for another state run

J.T. WILLIAMS, SR., QB He has the ability to take over a game with his arm or his feet when a play breaks down. Eagle coach Paul Peterson touts the senior quarterback as one of his most athletic players on the team. If he should win the position, he will be a dynamic weapon for Eagle on the offensive side of the ball.

DEREK JONES, SR., WR Jones will be used in the receiving core, as well as out of the back field as an H-back. Peterson considers him one of his most dynamic players because of his speed and quickness off the line or out of the backfield. “He’ll be all over,” Peterson said.

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Eagle High quarterback J.T. Williams, left, tries to run the ball past an opposing player during an offensive drill Tuesday.

The 2012 starter, Williams, looks to win quarterback battle

By JOHN ENGEL

sports@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

There’s a bit of uncertainty surrounding Eagle High football this fall.

The 2013 5A Southern Idaho Conference football season may be right around the corner, but Eagle High School coach Paul Peterson is still unsure who he will have under center for the Mustangs’ first game against Boise.

Senior quarterback J.T. Williams and junior quarterback Hunter Floyd are in the middle of a quarterback battle in the final weeks before the season. According to Peterson, it’s Williams’ position to lose, as he is the incumbent, but Floyd has grown immensely over the last year.

Regardless of who is taking snaps this season, Peterson says he is confident the quarterback will

be protected by his young, yet experienced, offensive line. Kevin Ketterling, Blake Vincent, Dakota Martin and Nic Blancett will guard either Williams or Floyd this season.

“They’re still only juniors, but they were exceptional sophomores,” Peterson said.

Eagle is very talented at its skill positions, but the success of the front line will determine the success of the Mustangs’ offense.

SAWYER SHIELDS, JR., LB The 6-foot, 205 pound junior is incredibly versatile for Eagle’s defense, as he can set up inside, over the middle or on the defensive line when the Mustangs switch to a 4-3 defense. He finished with 45 solo tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery last season.

JOSH LABRADOR, DB, RB The 6-foot, 180 pound junior, son of the U.S. Representative for Idaho’s 1st congressional district Raul Labrador, will be used on both sides of the ball during his junior season. “He’s the real deal. He’ll be our only two-way player,” Peterson said. He had 30 solo tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries last season for the Mustangs.

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Warriors starting new with Lacey

BRYSON STOUT, SR., QB The 6-foot-1, 188-pound senior played running back last season but has been moved to quarterback for the Warriors.

Coach Porter Lacey describes Stout as a “very electrifying runner.” Stout’s ability to command the offense with the ball constantly in his hands will tell the story for Meridian this season.

RJ ROE, SR., WR The wide receiver is one of Meridian’s more talented skill-position players, having returned kicks and played at the wide out position last season.

Lacey plans to incorporate playmakers like Roe in as many sets as possible this season.

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Meridian linebacker Kyle Kron tackles Meridian tight end Kealan Pond during a team drill Wednesday at Meridian High.

New coach comes to Meridian from New Plymouth

By JOHN ENGEL

sports@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

Meridian High needed a clean slate. After not being able to break into the 5A Southern Idaho Conference state tournament picture last season, the Warriors have a new coach, new staff and a new start.

First-year head coach Porter Lacey is ready to reverse the trend and implement a new offense into the Warriors’ game plan. He will have surprise on his side to start the

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season, but knows it won’t last for long in the ever competitive SIC. “We don’t want to give away too much,” Lacey said.

“I think there were some great players last year and I think there were some great coaches last year. They had some unfortunate things happen.”

Lacey won’t let Meridian’s recent struggles plague his current team, and he plans to teach his coaches and players to believe in a common concept that the Warriors can

compete in the conference.

“We talk about being tough-minded optimists. We need to be positive thinkers and be tough about it,” Lacey said. “Always think positive.”

That tough-mindedness will be exhibited on defense, which will be the main emphasis for improvement by Meridian this season. Lacey doesn’t believe in trying to run-and-shoot with some of the high powered offenses in the SIC, so he will look to his defense to anchor the team.

RICHARD BETTENCOURT, SR., OL/DL The 6-foot-3, 285-pound lineman will be called on for duty on both sides of the ball this season for Meridian. Lacey will rely on multiple linemen to play on both sides this season because of the size and depth issues on defense.

TYLER SMITH, SR., DB The 6-foot 190-pound senior is the anchor of Meridian’s secondary and will return as a leader for the Mavericks’ defense.

Leadership from veteran players is important during a coaching transition, and it will be up to Smith to command the Meridian defense.

Will offense have more fireworks?

KAI TURNER, SR., QB The 5-foot-9 senior will be the key to the success of the hurry-up offense, and his efforts could determine the Mavericks’ state championship chances. He has ran head coach Judd Benedick’s offense for the last four years and should be the most consistent piece for Mountain View on that side of the ball.

JOSH BUSS, SR., RB, WR The 6-foot-2 senior will play both running back and wide receiver for the Mavericks next season because of his unmatched explosiveness and fluency with the playbook. He was a 5A All-Idaho Second Team selection last season as a junior.

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Mountain View running back Josh Bus returns the ball during a kick off drill Wednesday at Mountain View High School.

Coach: ‘We’re hoping to pick up where we left off’

By JOHN ENGEL

sports@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

Mountain View High would like to continue the 2013 5A SIC football season the way it left last season: scoring.

Mavericks head coach Judd Benedick wants to ride his team’s momentum from last season — winning their final three games by an average margin of 30 points — all the way back to the state tournament.

“We’re hoping to pick up where we left off last year.

We finished really strong,”

Benedick said.

“We have most of those guys back on offense.”

Benedick doesn’t believe in abandoning Judd Benedick the defense for high scoring, but points out that the defensive side of the ball will be much less predictable this season. Mountain View has struggled with being undersized the last two seasons.

“We have a lot of new guys on defense. We finished well

in overall defense last year and we’re just hoping that we’re able to build towards replicating that,” Benedick said.

Depending on only one side of the ball is uneasy for any coach. By being explosive on offense, Mountain View may be able to overcompensate for their shortcomings on defense.

“I hope that we don’t have to try to outscore people. By the same token, we want to be explosive on offense and outscore people if we have to,” Benedick said.

JORDAN DUNCAN, SR., DL Mountain View has relied on the stinginess of the defensive lineman for the last three seasons and will certainly need him for a fourth. He will be looked upon as the leader of Mountain View’s defense, and will once again get the chance to play in the Mavericks’ native 4-3 defense this season.

ASHER WILSON, SR., LB The 5-foot-10 linebacker will be moving from his position as an outside linebacker last season to the middle in 2013.

He will be called on to shoulder some of the load left behind by 5A All-Idaho First Team linebacker Lane Chadwick, who graduated in the spring.

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Criner brings offense from down the road

RILEY BRADSHAW, SR., QB The 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior has a new system to learn, and will be the key to making Grizzlies coach Scott Criner’s spread offense function.

Bradshaw is quick and elusive in the pocket and his coach believes he may emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in the state this season.

KHALIL OLIVER, SR., SS The 6-foot-2 senior is one of Rocky Mountain’s most athletic players, on both sides of the ball, and has committed to Boise State.

Criner emphasized his unique speed and leaping ability, calling him, “pretty exceptional.”

Oliver made the 5A All-Idaho second team last season.

Greg Kreller/IPT

New coach Scott Criner will have the Grizzlies catching many passes in his spread offense this season.

Former Timberline head coach, Eagle OC takes over

By JOHN ENGEL

sports@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

After spending the last five seasons calling offensive plays and watching games from the booth as the offensive coordinator at Eagle High, Scott Criner takes over Rocky Mountain football this season.

The Grizzles started off last season 6-0 before Criner’s Mustangs ended Rocky Mountain’s win streak. They

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finished the season by losing the next three games.

Rocky Mountain became the fourth seed in the 5A state tournament and was eliminated in the first round

by Coeur D’Alene 45-0. The Grizzlies host Lake City in the season opener today.

Criner will attempt to use the slew of Division I talent left behind by his predecessor, Jason Warr, in the same spread offense he ran at

Eagle for the last five years.

Khalil Oliver has committed to Boise State and Jake Knight and Kekoa Nawahine are receiving interest from Division I football programs.

With the Eagle and Rocky Mountain rivalry growing every year, Criner won’t be making relations any more peaceful. Rocky Mountain and Eagle will meet for the first time since Criner left the Mustangs on Oct. 11 at home.

JAKE KNIGHT, SR., H-BACK/TE The 6-foot-4 H-back/ tight end hybrid will be a substantial contributor to Criner’s spread offense and has garnered attention from Division I football programs across the country.

KEKOA NAWAHINE, SR., WR/DB The 6-foot-3 senior will play on both sides of the ball for Rocky Mountain, and has the perfect frame to be a deep threat at receiver. He is a nightmare for any defensive back with his size and speed. He was voted to the 5A All-Idaho second team at defensive back as a junior last season.

Falcons looking for a fresh start

LAYNE LAFOLLETTE, JR., QB After earning the starting spot as a sophomore, LaFollette comes back for his junior season, a year where coach Layne Coffin expects to see a lot of

improvement.

“As long I have been in it, sophomore quarterbacks go through a huge learning curve,” Coffin said. “The benefits of having a sophomore quarterbacks is they become juniors.”

BRANDON GASKINS, JR., RB Gaskins rushed for 122 yards in the Falcons’ opener against Boise last season. But he broke his foot in the third quarter of that game and missed the rest of the year. He comes back as Vallivue’s featured back this season.

“We feel like Brandon, if he stays healthy, he’s going to be a significant part of what we do at running back,” Coffin said.

Aaric Bryan/IPT

Brandon Gaskins rushed for 122 yards in Vallivue’s season opener against Boise last year, before breaking his foot and missing the rest of the season. He returns this season.

Vallivue aims to forget 2012, win games this season

By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

CALDWELL — Don’t bother asking this year’s batch of Vallivue Falcons what their record was last season.

As far as coach Layne Coffin and Co. are concerned, they don’t have one.

“This is a new team and a new day,” Coffin said. “We just want to take care of the football.”

While it may be a little harder to get those on the outside of the program to forget last season’s 1-8 showing, Vallivue hopes a fresh start

can get the ball rolling in the right direction.

“We’re not going to look back on other seasons and the records we had,” Layne quarterback Coffin Layne LaFollette said. “It’s just a new year.

We’re going to play better and hopefully have a better outcome.”

Even if they aren’t publicly speaking about last year’s record, the team still admits it can learn a lot from last year, and there are areas that it

needs to improve.

Coffin admits that turnovers, struggles in the passing game and shaky defense all played a role in the team’s struggles last season and all need to be addressed if Vallivue is going to turn the corner this year.

“Ever since the last day of the season last year, we’ve been going at it,” lineman Ryan Creutzberg said. “We’ve gone to multiple camps, we’ve been out here every day working on our passing game. We recognize the mistakes that we made last year.”

RYAN CREUTZBERG, SR., C/DT Creutzberg will lead the way on the offensive line, where he is one of three returning starters, along with Michael Ermert and Jordan Rowley.

Juniors Jake Cornforth and Kyle Grant will round out the rest of the offensive line.

ZACK LABARBERA, SR., SS/WR LaBarbera will be one of three returning starters in the defensive backfield but will also play a big role on offense. Coffin says he positioned to be in the rotation at slot receiver along with Kyle Henkel and Regan Sondermann.

“We’re really happy with those guys,” Coffin said.

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2012 STANDINGS

2013 IPT POLL

CONFERENCE OVERALL TEAM W L W L Middleton 8 0 10 2 Bishop Kelly 7 1 8 2 Skyview 6 2 8 4 Kuna 5 3 5 4 Emmett 4 4 5 4 Columbia 3 5 4 5 Caldwell 2 6 3 6 Nampa 1 7 1 8 Mountain Home 0 8 0 9

Predictions by Idaho Press-Tribune staff TEAM TEAM PG Bishop Kelly Knights 13 Skyview Hawks 20 Kuna Kavemen 17 Middleton Vikings 18 Columbia Wildcats 15 Emmett Huskies 16 Caldwell Cougars 14 Nampa Bulldogs 19 Mountain Home Tigers –

2012 PLAYOFF RESULTS NOV. 2

NOV. 9 NOV. 10 NOV. 10

Blackfoot 30, Bishop Kelly 20 Middleton 36, Twin Falls 7 Skyview 28, Minico 14 Bonneville 18, Moscow 6 Middleton 32, Bonneville 30 Blackfoot 34, Skyview 27 Blackfoot 48, Middleton 19

LAST 10 STATE CHAMPIONS 2012: Blackfoot 2011: Blackfoot 2010: Bishop Kelly 2009: Blackfoot 2008: Hillcrest

2007: Blackfoot 2006: Pocatello 2005: Bishop Kelly 2004: Bishop Kelly 2003: Century

2013 state title game set for Nov. 22-23

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State’s No. 1 team poses dynamic duo

ROBBY DEGEN, SR., CB He enters his third year starting at cornerback, where he earned firstteam all-conference honors last season. Degen will face the top receiver from opposing offenses.

“He’s one of the better cornerbacks in the state of Idaho, I believe,” BK coach Tim Brennan said. “He’s very physical.”

Degen, who has drawn interest from Santa Clara for baseball, will also play on special teams and offense.

SPENCER KING, SR., TE/DE The 6-foot-5, 228-pound King was an honorable mention selection tight end last year. He’s drawn interest from Idaho, Harvard and Yale. Boise State has talked to him about being a walk-on.

“Spencer might be one of the most — I wouldn’t say most improved — but he is so much stronger than he was last year,” Brennan said. “He is physical, and he’s about as hard a worker as we got.”

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Bishop Kelly quarterback Bowen Ogata tosses a pass against Skyview on Sept. 1, 2012.

Brennan: “You never wanna have that feeling again”

By BRUCE MASON

bmason@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

BOISE — The dynamic passing combination of quarterback Bowen Ogata and receiver Turner Simmons returns for the Knights, who earned the No. 1 rank among all 4A competitors according to the preseason state media poll.

Last year, Bishop Kelly rode the conference’s top-ranked offense and second-ranked defense to six straight wins by an average of 37.8 points.

But the fireworks stopped

short in the opening round of the 4A state playoffs in a defeat to eventual champion Blackfoot.

“We’re Tim Brennan hoping that we can improve and get better every week,” said BK coach Tim Brennan, the winningest coach in the program’s 49-year history (138-41) with state titles in 1994, 2004 and 2005.

“It’s also important to try and host that first game, too

— which makes a difference, which we weren’t able to do last year.”

That’s because the Knights’ lone regular-season loss came against Middleton, a game that ultimately determined the 4A SIC title. Thus, BK faced Blackfoot on the road in the 4A quarters and lost, 30-20.

“I’m sure that’s in the back of their minds and they know how it feels, and you never wanna have that feeling again,” Brennan said. “We’re hoping to be in the playoffs at the end, and play in that weekend before Thanksgiving.”

BOWEN OGATA, SR., QB He’s getting baseball offers from Utah, Washington, Santa Clara and Cal State Northridge.

That said, this is likely his last year of football.

Brennan said Ogata “vastly improved” between his sophomore and junior years, and it showed with his first-team all-conference honor.

“He’s a very smart football player. I think that we’ll be able to be very balanced with him,” Brennan said. “He’s bigger and stronger, and has more confidence.”

DOMINICK FERY, SR., DT/OT Brennan believes the College of Idaho will show interest in Fery, a reigning first-team all-conference defensive tackle. He’s already drawn interest from Puget Sound, an NCAA Division III school. Fery, who enters his third year as a starter and will key the four-man front, benches 340 pounds and has quickness.

“We expect great things out of him,” Brennan said.

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Winning season on the horizon?

CAMERON GABIOLAWEITZ, SR., SLOT RECEIVER/OLB-SS He rushed 43 times for 289 yards and three touchdowns last season.

The Cougars run a lot of side-to-side motion which enables Gabiola-Weitz to head upfield and make defenders miss. “He’s a speedster,” coach Zach McGee said. “He’s not blazing fast, but he’s shifty and makes good cuts.

That’s his strength, being shifty.”

DAKOTA HORSEWOOD, SR., QB/DE He started as quarterback toward the end of the season and accounted for a touchdown in back-toback weeks. “He’s starting to read coverage — that’s something we’re still working on,” McGee said. “He’s starting to move some guys and put them in the right spots, so that we can actually attack defenses and take what they’re giving us.” Horsewood will also play defensive end.

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Caldwell quarterback Dakota Horsewood scores on a 6-yard TD run against Nampa on Oct. 19, 2012.

McGee: “Our guys have set the eye on the prize”

By BRUCE MASON

bmason@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

CALDWELL — The Cougars have won 20.3 percent (13-51) of their games since 2006, but expectations are rising to produce the first winning season in eight years.

Caldwell certainly has the all-important experience factor — seven offensive starters and eight defensive starters return — but will it translate into victories?

“We’re really hopeful,” said third-year coach Zach McGee. “We’re excited about those guys coming back. I 14

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think that’s the strength of our team right now.”

He believes his team is much better — Zach McGee but notes the 4A Southern Idaho Conference is also better top to bottom.

Defensively, Caldwell will need to improve upon last year’s league-worst mark of 332 points allowed. That should happen. McGee’s players are more in-tune with the checks of a 3-3-5 system and

understand responsibilities.

The Cougars started 2-2 last season, then lost four of five. Can they create another solid start and pave the road toward a winning season?

“It’s been a long time,” said McGee, whose team finished 2-6 in 4A SIC action the past two years. “There’s some really good teams in this league.

“But I think our guys have set the eye on the prize, and are starting to work for it.

“We got some guys, I think, that can win some ball games and really surprise some people.”

SAM SMARTT, SR., LT/ NG He earned second-team all-conference honors last year on the offensive line.

Smartt (6-foot-1, 255 pounds) will protect the blind side of the righthanded throwing Dakota Horsewood. “Sam’s a heckuva football player,” McGee said. “He’s one of those guys that’s out there bench pressing, and squatting, and doing some things that you really hope of a guy that’s going to be a big leader.”

AIDEN HORSEWOOD, SR., S/WR He was an honorablemention all-conference selection last year as a defensive back. McGee believes he could have compiled more votes, but probably didn’t get the attention he deserved because of the Cougars’ last-ranked team defense (332 points). Horsewood (6-1, 160), who McGee labeled as a ballhawk in the middle of the field, plays beyond his size and can make plays at the line of scrimmage.

He’s also expected to be a primary receiver.

Harris era set to begin at Columbia

GRANT SALINAS, SR., QB He won out in the quarterback competition to be named the starter for the season opener after his performance during twoa-days and a preseason

jamboree.

“He’s the senior, so he has the intangibles as far as leadership,” coach Brandon Harris said before Salinas was named the starter.

ERIC MITCHELL, SR., WR/DB Mitchell will lead a receiving corps that Harris says could be very deep this season.

“We have three or five guys who can catch the ball,” the coach said.

Columbia’s receivers are boosted by the addition of Mogga Lado, a center for the Wildcats’ basketball team, who will be a 6-foot-7 target for Salinas.

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Devin Thorp (66) is the only three-year starter on this year’s Columbia Wildcats team.

New coach: Columbia is a ‘place really on the rise’

By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

NAMPA — When Columbia High senior Devin Thorp was first hearing about his new head coach, he found out that Brandon Harris had coached Colin Kaepernick in high school.

This tidbit was particularly interesting to Throp, because his older sister had gone to school with the San Francisco 49ers’ Super Bowl quarterback.

“I was like, ‘Weird, my sister probably knows him,’” said Thorp, who moved from Turlock, Calif., to Nampa when he was 8 years old. “My cousin,

my sister’s boyfriend, they all played for him in high school.”

Now Thorp and the rest of the of the Brandon Wildcats are Harris getting to know Harris, who comes to Columbia after 11 years at John H. Pitman High, in Turlock, where he served as offensive coordinator and head coach.

“He’s knows his stuff more than any coach,” said Thorp, who is the Wildcats’ lone three-year starter. “He’s posi-

tive about everything, he has an encouraging attitude. He’s just an awesome guy and an awesome coach.”

Harris, a graduate of Melba High, relishes his opportunity to return to the Treasure Valley. He takes over a team which is two years removed from its first 4A state playoff appearance and just had its first three players sign with NCAA Division I football teams.

“I’m excited with what’s going on at Columbia, all the possibilities,” Harris said. “It’s a place really on the rise, I think.”

DEVIN THORP, SR. C/DL With Nick Edenfield now playing for the University of Idaho, Thorp comes on as the Wildcats’ leader on the line. As the only three-year starter on the team, he is the lone remaining player to start for the Wildcats during their playoff season in 2011.

“Devin’s a guy that’s really reinvented himself this year,” Harris said. “He’s really taken it upon himself to take over that leadership role. I didn’t ask him to be that guy, but he’s gone above and beyond.”

ROLAND SENA, SR., CB Harris admits that he hasn’t watched a lot of game tape on last year’s Columbia team, and he is working off what he’s seen in person. But what he’s seen from Sena has

impressed him.

“All I know is what he’s doing now,” Harris said. “He’s been here every day in the summer, and he’s worked really hard doing all those little things. I think he has the chance to be really effective for us.”

Friday, August 30, 2013

15

A third straight winning season?

DANIEL HECK, JR., OL/ DT Heck (6-foot-2, 260 pounds) was an honorable mention all-conference offensive lineman and shined at defensive tackle.

“Daniel’s got a lot better in the offseason, and we’re expecting big things for him,” coach Mike Schroeder said. “He is a strong kid, he’s a big kid, and hopefully he becomes a serious prospect down the road. He’s really on the right path right now.” Heck is on the recruiting list of a few colleges, according to Schroeder.

ANGUS ROEPER, SR., FB/LB He saw some playing time last year as a backup. But this year, he’ll rotate at middle linebacker and fullback.

“He’s just a hardworking, hard-nosed kid,” Schroeder said. “He’s really one of our most consistent guys — he’s a ‘steady eddy.’ He’s a good leader.”

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Daniel Garz, 15, saw time last year at quarterback and made 21 tackles as a cornerback.

Schroeder: “Our goal is to be more consistent”

By BRUCE MASON

bmason@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

EMMETT — Nearly 12 months ago, the Huskies started off 3-0 and were getting asked about achieving the school’s first playoff berth since 1999.

But coach Mike Schroeder knew it was a challenge for his unpolished football team in a challenging 4A Southern Idaho Conference. And the unblemished record fell apart in a hurry with four consecutive losses — three of which were blowouts to playoff qualifiers Bishop Kelly, Skyview and 16

Friday, August 30, 2013

Middleton.

“We were in the middle of the pack last year,” says Schroeder, who enters his second year.

Mike Schroeder “To get out of that middle, it’s going to take a serious team effort. Every week is a competitive contest. You gotta get better every week.”

The Huskies have a tall task ahead, and a majority of linemen will have to compete on both sides of the football.

But Emmett expects a

quality year from Daniel Heck, a two-way player who had 29 tackles, including four tackles for a loss last season at defensive tackle.

Schroeder believes he has talented football players in key spots. The question is: Can the Huskies achieve their third consecutive winning season?

“We better,” Schroeder said. “Our goal is to be more consistent at Emmett High School — in our football program and in our athletic program.

“Despite being the smallest school in 4A, we try to rise to the challenge.”

WYATT SMITH, JR., QB/SS He was an honorable mention all-conference running back last year who also saw time at quarterback and rushed 124 times for 679 yards and seven touchdowns. As a strong safety, he’s a “striker,” according to Schroeder.

“We gotta keep him on the field,” Schroeder said. “He’s got some agility, and he’s a talented kid with his feet. He’s a pretty versatile player for us.”

NATHAN HUNDLEY, SR., WR/CB “He’s a real good athlete,” Schroeder said. “When he’s disciplined and focused, he’s one of the better guys on the field.

He needs to continue to work on his discipline. But when he’s focused and concentrated, he’s really good. But he’s still a teenager, and he needs to keep focused.”

Particularly, Hundley is a Z-receiver but will play both sides along the line of scrimmage.

‘42’ slogan for Leslie’s Kavemen

SPENCER TRAUTMAN, SR., UTILITY/SS He will be used at multiple positions such as flanker, quarterback and tailback, where he earned first-team all-4A SIC honors. Trautman also earned those same honors as a punter. In camp, he booted a 72-yard kick, according to coach Lee Leslie. “He has incredible field savvy, can run like crazy, can hit like a brick house,” Leslie said. “Spencer, I think, is a kid Chris Petersen (Boise State) will look at, as will Bronco Mendenhall (BYU).”

J.C. ENGLISH, SR., DE He was an honorable mention selection last year at defensive end.

English (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) has a long, swooping reach. He’s fast, physical and his legs are explosive. Leslie said his work ethic rose a notch last winter during wrestling season.

“He kind of went from a little boy to a big man,” Leslie said. “Now he gets it. He’s got his eyes on the prize, and he’s going to be a big-time player. I’ve had a lot of (Division I) kids and he definitely fits that,” Leslie said.

Aaric Bryan/IPT

Coach Lee Leslie compares Spencer Trautman to Bishop Kelly alum Cody McCarthy, the 2010 Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year who now plays at Eastern Washington.

Father figure Leslie: “We wanna be good people”

By BRUCE MASON

bmason@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

KUNA — His team lost a game with 3.4 seconds left to Middleton on a rare passing play. Then came a lopsided loss at Bishop Kelly. A 1-4 start was difficult for Kuna coach Lee Leslie — but he knew he inherited a program that struggled for years.

And he knew Kuna players needed a father figure.

Now, with his roots in place and talent across the board, Leslie believes Kuna can take another step and turn last year’s 5-4 season into a playoff

berth.

“To have all of our coaching staff here for a solid year now is going to be worth it’s weight in gold,” Lee Leslie said Leslie, who is 159-98 in his career and has produced more than 80 college athletes. “Now it’s our program.”

His bond with the players is unbreakable. Leslie yells “Who are you?!” The players shout back “42!!” It’s a team-wide slogan mirroring the splendid character of Jackie Robinson,

who endured racial tensions as the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in 1947.

“The stuff he went through, and what he overcame, the adversity, and how he was able to turn the other cheek but still compete — and be the amazing man he was — that’s what these kids are trying to be,” Leslie said. “The wins and losses will take care of themselves, but we wanna be good people.

“I have never been more dialed-in on that, than I have been on this job. And the kids are answering it.”

JORGE GARCILAZO, SR., DL Garcilazo (6-0, 230) was a second-team allconference selection last year on the defensive line.

He benches around 275 pounds, Leslie said.

“As far as D-tackles go, he’s got an incredible upside,” Leslie said. “He’s fast off the ball, husky, an all-around good (athlete).

“His one step right off the ball is very, very quick.”

JACOB KELLOGG, SR., FB/MLB Kellogg, who runs a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash, will get a bulk of the carries in Leslie’s wide-open offense.

“He has had a huge, huge year working out,” Leslie said. “He’s going to be a tough-running fullback and linebacker.”

Kellogg benches near 315 pounds in the weight room. “He’s probably the strongest guy we’ve got right now,” Leslie said.

Friday, August 30, 2013

17

Middleton looks to keep rolling

KEITH MYERS, SR., DL/TE A three-year starter, Myers had a knack for getting off the ball and getting to the quarterback. He had nine sacks entering the state championship game last season. Middleton coach Bill Brock said they’ve been moving him around to different positions at two-a-days.

“He’s one of our better players, more experienced player,” Brock said. “We’re just trying to put him in a situation where he can not only be successful, but can help the team as well.”

PAYTON AH YOU, SR., TE/DL In a offense which completed just 24 passes all season last year, Ah You came down with five receptions. Three of those he turned into

touchdowns.

Defensively, Ah You also showed the ability to get to the quarterback, recording three sacks during the season.

Greg Kreller/IPT

Payton Ah You (4) had five receptions last year in Middleton’s run-heavy double wing offense, and turned three of them into touchdowns.

Vikings coming off second straight 4A state final trip

By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

MIDDLETON — Many of the familiar faces are gone, but the goal remains the same.

Gone are the 21 seniors who graduated after Middleton’s second-straight state championship game loss to Blackfoot. But for those who are returning, the desire to continue what has been started — and maybe even get one step further — remains strong.

“I don’t know if it’s worse not to get there or to get there and lose,” senior quarterback Jake Skinner said. “We hope 18

Friday, August 30, 2013

that we can get there again, because it’s a really good challenge.

We expect to get there again, but it would be really nice to Bill Brock win it.”

Skinner is back, leading Middleton’s double-wing offense, which gained more than 4,000 total yards last season and averaged 35.5 points per game.

Gone, however, are many of the other pieces. Gone are 1,600-yard rusher Victor Dias and Max Foote, who ended the

season just short of 900 yards rushing.

Many key pieces of the defense were also lost to graduation, but that doesn’t deter the Vikings, who are coming off their first outright conference title since 2003.

“It’s always tough when you lose that many guys in one season,” said tight end and defensive end Keith Myers.

“We had a lot of positions that they really helped out with. I think as a team, we’ve already progressed towards replacing all of them, and we’re going to have a really good core group this year.”

JAKE SKINNER, SR., QB/LB Skinner’s 375 passing yards last season may not seem all that impressive, but this is a team which ran the ball on more than 90 percent of its snaps.

But Brock has still been impressed with the improvement his quarterback has shown.

“Believe it or not, we do practice it,” Brock said about the passing game. “The amount of improvement Jake’s had from this point last year to now is night and day. It’s not even comparable.”

JOVAN OVIEDO, SR., OL/DL A returning all-conference offense lineman, Oviedo will lead Middleton’s front line, which lost some key players to graduation.

“He leads by example,” Brock said. “You ask ‘Jovan do this,’ and he does it to the best of his ability, as hard as he can go. You can’t ask any more than that.”

O-line is X-factor for ‘Dawgs’ success

CONNER ZIMMERLY, SR., LB/TE, H-BACK Zimmerly is growing into a vocal leader. In the latter stages of 2012, he became a fixture at the inside linebacker position when starter Matt Grover was injured. “He showed a flare for being able to ‘bring the hat,’ and be a big hitter for us,” Nampa coach Jon Choate said. “He’s like an intimidator-type guy for us. That’s what we’re going to mainly look for.”

NATE VALLEJO, SR., RB/LB He rushed 57 times for 309 yards last season — good numbers for a rushing offense that ranked eighth out of nine teams in the conference. Vallejo, who can squat 400-plus pounds, is a powerful runner, the “thunder” in the Bulldogs offense, according to Choate.

“He’s going to carry the load for us this year,” Choate said. “He’s definitely earned the right to be ‘the guy.’”

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Nampa coach Jon Choate is looking for big things out of senior running back Nate Vallejo.

“Our kids take a lot of pride in winning the city”

By BRUCE MASON bmason@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

NAMPA — Nampa coach Jon Choate is a firm believer in setting goals. One target is winning the City Championship. Another is winning all four home games against Canyon County schools.

But he also realizes the tasks will be difficult and require health, luck and preparation.

“It doesn’t start with Friday night results,” Choate said. “It starts with details in practice and being disciplined all the way through.”

The road to conference respectability may hinge on the Bulldogs’ offensive line, which is a question Jon Choate mark. It has suffered numerous injuries already.

Starter Brandon Drussel had surgery in July and will miss the entire season. Cory Lester (concussion) and Victor Gallardo (knee) also missed valuable time in camp, but if they regain full form, the Nampa O-line could be a strong spot.

Gallardo (5-foot-10, 289

pounds), who was an honorable mention all-4A SIC selection, will be needed for Nampa to establish a run game that ranked eighth out of nine teams last season.

“We saw some glaring deficiencies and a majority of them were strength,” Choate said. “A year ago, I wouldn’t have matched them up against anybody in the weight room. Now, I would.”

As for those goals?

“Our kids take a lot of pride in winning the city,” Choate said. “I took it a step further.

I said, ‘We wanna be Canyon County champs.’”

BRANDON FORSBERG, SR., QB He was behind starter Kade Wilcox last year when the coaches saw his athleticism and wanted to find ways to get him on the field at another position. But Forsberg stayed strictly focused on becoming the next Nampa quarterback and started two games during the tail end of the year. He nurtured his craft in the offseason during 7-on-7 action and went above and beyond Choate’s training expectations.

“He’s worked his tail off,” Choate said. “He knows our offense, inside and out, and can direct everybody.”

JAMES LINEMAN, SR., CENTER/MLB He was an honorable mention all-conference selection on the offensive line last season. “He’s kind of our poster boy,” Choate said. “He’s everything that we try to embody as Bulldog football: Good in the classroom, always willing to help out in the community, and do whatever it takes to help his fellow teammates. He’s just a great leader and a good kid.”

Friday, August 30, 2013

19

Hawks anxious to get year going

ANTHONY MARIN, SR., QB Skyview coach David Young says that Marin knows every single offensive position, and in his second year as starter, the game should start to slow down for the quarterback.

“I think he’s going to be able to make more checks in our passing game than he did last year,” Young said.

The coach added that, if he let him, Marin would be able to call plays.

JAXON PRYOR, SR., RB Young says Pryor has the strength to carry the ball 30 times per game if the Hawks needed him to. He proved that in a playoff win against Minico last season, when he rushed 32 times for 247 yards.

With all the pieces around him, Pryor shouldn’t need to do that every game. But he will still get roughly two-thirds of the carries, Young said.

“I think he wants the ball for all the right reasons,” Young said. “He wants to carry the load, he wants to help the offense be successful.”

Greg Kreller/IPT

Jaxon Pryor looks to power a Skyview offense this season that returns its entire starting backfield from 2012.

Skyview expectations high with returning players

By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

NAMPA — Without a week zero game this year, an already long wait for the Skyview Hawks will seem even longer as Skyview starts its season Sept. 6, as opposed to Aug. 24 last season.

But once the players take the field for their home opener against Bishop Kelly, the Hawks will look to improve upon last season’s run to the 4A state semifinals.

“We have a lot of expectations for ourselves,” senior quarterback Anthony Marin 20

Friday, August 30, 2013

said. “We set some pretty high bars and standards in the beginning of the summer and in the weight room. I think David Young we’ve met that so far, and we of course we have expectations for the season.”

There are good reasons for the high expectations brewing at the corner of Powerline and Greenhurst Roads. Skyview returns a quarterback (Marin) who passed for 2,283 yards a

season ago. They return two running backs (Jaxon Pryor and Austin Ball), who combined for 1,666 rushing yards.

And while the Hawks did lose their top receiver to graduation, they replace him with Hagen Graves, a second-team 3A All-State transfer from Fruitland High.

“I think our offense is going to be the forefront, just to start, while we retool on defense,” Skyview coach David Young said. “We lost a lot of bodies on defense, but the defense is definitely going to be right there.”

HAGEN GRAVES, SR., WR/DB Graves, along with his younger brother, Kody, join the Hawks after the family moved to Nampa from Fruitland. Young says he envisions Graves as being the next Lane Robbins, who had 957 receiving yards for Skyview in his senior season last fall.

“When you get a family like the Graves, Hagen and Kody, that want to be here... we’re grateful to have them,” Young said.

“We thank our lucky stars.”

PEARCE ROBERTS, SR., LB Skyview’s defensive leader, Roberts, returns after leading the team with 69 total tackles last season. With transfers Cody Graves and Jensen Rapp joining him in the linebacking corps, the unit could be the key to the defense this season for Skyview.

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State runner-up Fruitland a favorite again

By BRUCE MASON

bmason@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

Weiser coach John Shrolec Jr. knows a thing or two about the 3A Snake River Valley Conference. He enters his 15th year on the Weiser sidelines and again expects a competitive team in a tough division.

In fact, Shrolec believes the caliber of the 3A SRV will raise a notch.

“Judging from the results of jamborees, it should be a real dog fight,” he says.

Even though Fruitland loses transfers Hagen Graves and Kody Graves, and both Alec Dhaenens and Joe Martarano to graduation and Boise Sate football, Shrolec expects the Grizzlies to be the team to beat. Homedale is big and physical, Payette had

a quality showing at a Jamboree, and Parma — after several years of struggling on the 3A level — has a lot of large-bodied athletes returning.

“They’re a dark horse to win the league,” Shrolec says about the Panthers.

WEISER WOLVERINES The rotation in the three-man backfield consists of fullback Dustin Kistenmacher, A-backs Austyn Grothaus and Andrew Williamson and running back Thomas Crawford.

Athletic quarterback Ty Johnson (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) is a defending state champion in the 110-meter hurdles and will run the flex bone offense.

The last time Weiser did not make it to the state quarterfinals was 2006.

FRUITLAND GRIZZLIES

First-year Fruitland coach Ryan Tracy believes he has one of the best offensive lineman in the Treasure Valley in the likes of Garret Larson, who is 6-foot-4, 240 pounds and can down block anybody.

Larson, a junior, has started all 24 games since his first snap of freshman year. He’s the first player Tracy has seen accomplish the feat in his 13 years at Fruitland — not even Martarano and Dhaenens, who are now at Boise State.

Tracy has spoke to BYU about Larson’s prospects. Larson has visited Oregon State.

“Boise State is looking at him pretty heavily,” Tracy said. “I’m a little bit surprised there hasn’t been more schools looking.”

Fruitland’s patented Wing-T

offense will feature quarterback Jerred Seamons and running back Chase Fiddler, who is one of the best athletes in the 3A SRV, according to Tracy.

There’s also running back Austin Stelling and 5-foot-10, 190-pound physical fullback Ryan Rule, who did not play as frequently last year strictly because of personnel, but will carry a much bigger role this season.

“He’s going to be a kid that’s going to carry the rock for us, and do a really good job,” Tracy said.

“He has plenty of speed to take it to the house.”

Josh Rhinehart will be the goto receiver and also play outside linebacker.

Fiddler will play linebacker, Stelling is a defensive back and Larson plays defensive tackle.

PAYETTE PIRATES

First-team all-state defensive back Chase Neill will be in the slot in the fly offense and play in the secondary again.

Sophomore quarterback Jonathan Herrera will start under center after playing just three games last year, due to a broken ankle.

Jacob DeLeon and Mark De La Pena will receive a majority of handoffs and Aaron Murdock will get a lot of touches in the fly offense.

Linebacker Tim Jewkes is a physical player who coach Troy Gleave believes will have to be a presence and Alex Dovalina is another starter. Tanner Grant returns at cornerback.

Jose Alcala, an all-state kicker the past two years, will also play guard and linebacker.

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Friday, August 30, 2013

Trojans rely on senior leadership

LANE SALE, SR., WR/DB A transfer from Vallivue High, Sale figures to be one of the top targets for first-year quarterback Lawsen Matteson in this offense.

“He’s a bigger wide receiver and he’s going to be a big weapon for us this year,” coach Matt Holtry said.

BRITT EUBANKS, SR., OL/DL Eubanks returns to help lead an offensive and defensive line that will be one of the more experienced lines in the 3A Snake River Valley Conference, if not the 3A level across the entire state.

“He’s a real big senior captain,” Holtry said.

“He’s key for us.”

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Homedale defensive back Angel Cardenas (7) attempts to strip the ball from a Caldwell player last season

16 players enter final season at Homedale High

By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

HOMEDALE – Perhaps the biggest difference between last year’s Homedale Trojan football team and this year’s is the number of seniors on the team.

A year ago, the Trojans graduated just six players from a team which went through a 2-6 campaign and missed out on the playoffs after dropping two matches in a Kansas City tiebreaker.

This season, the Trojans have more players who can provide the senior leadership, as 16 players enter their Matt final season at Holtry Homedale High this fall.

“The biggest difference is having the kids in the program for four years,” Homedale coach Matt Holtry said. “They know who you are. They know

what your expectations are.

It just brings that foundation that the younger kids follow.”

The most noticeable seniorheavy group for the Trojans comes on the offensive line.

Homedale returns all five starters from last year’s team, providing the team with a big boost up front.

“Any time you can establish the line of scrimmage, you set the tone of the game,” Holtry said. “We’re hoping to be able to do that a little more this year.”

ANGEL CARDENAS, SR., WR/DB With Homedale’s top two leading receivers from last year graduated, Cardenas is the leading returning receiver. As a junior, Cardenas had 12 catches for 144 yards and scored two touchdowns.

He will start on both sides of the ball and Holtry said he will be a leader both for the receivers and defensive backs.

NATHAN LESLIE, SR., TE/LB Leslie led the team in tackles as a junior, recording 39 solo tackles and 19 assists last year. At the tight end position, the 6-foot, 2-inch, 195-pound Leslie will provide a big target for Matteson.

“He’s all that you would hope for as a football player on your team,” Holtry said.

Friday, August 30, 2013

23

Panthers hope to add ‘W’s to record

MARCO GONZALEZ, SR., RB On a team with plenty of rushing options last season, Gonzalez led the Panthers with 649 rushing yards on 112 carries. He also had five touchdowns.

Coach Luke Platz says Gonzalez is his finesse running back.

DENVER RIGGS, SR., RB/LB Platz says Riggs, who rushed for 474 yards a season ago, is his go-to guy when Parma needs to pick up short yardage.

“If I need two or three yards, I’m going to get my two or three yards from Denver,” Platz said.

At linebacker, Riggs finished with 77 tackles.

He was a first-team all-conference selection at running back and an honorable mention on defense.

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Parma Coach Luke Platz says Denver Riggs (12) is his go-to guy when the Panthers need two or three yards.

Parma seniors have had eight wins in first three years

By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

PARMA — When this group of Parma Panther seniors were eighth graders, the high school was winning its second-straight 2A football state championship.

The next season, Parma moved up to the 3A classification, where it has gone 8-18 since, including a 2-10 record in conference play.

Now, those seniors who 24

Friday, August 30, 2013

entered the program just after the height of its success are looking to get the team back on the road to victory.

Luke Platz “We plan on taking every game as if it’s a playoff game,” senior running back Marco Gonzalez said. “Just have that mentality of winning and going far this year.”

Parma finished the regular season with a 2-6 record last year, then grabbed the final state playoff spot from District III in a Kansas City tiebreaker. In their playoff game, Timberlake shut out the Panthers.

While a playoff appearance was nice for the players, they want to build off of that.

“We want to lose less and win more,” senior halfback and linebacker Denver Riggs summed up.

MASON SHEPHERD, SR., OL/DL An honorable mention all-conference selection a year ago, Shepherd says he is talking with colleges like Eastern Oregon, Montana, Montana State and even FBS schools like Boise State and Idaho.

On defensive line, Shepherd had 60 tackles and five sacks a year ago.

“He’s become a very physical kid, a lot stronger,” Platz said. “He’s set himself up to have a good year.”

JASON CAPISTRAN, JR., DB Capistran will anchor the defensive backs, giving the Parma defense a leader in a unit that Platz says has been missing one for the past few seasons.

“We’ve kind of struggled the last few years in that position, the DBs,” Platz said. “I’m hoping he’s a huge staple for us.”

2012 STANDINGS

2013 IPT POLL

CONFERENCE OVERALL TEAM W L W L Fruitland 4 0 10 1 Weiser 3 1 5 5 Payette 1 3 4 4 Homedale 1 3 2 6 Parma 1 3 2 6

Predictions by Idaho Press-Tribune staff TEAM TEAM PG Fruitland 22 Weiser 22 Homedale 23 Parma 24 Payette 22

2012 PLAYOFF RESULTS OCT. 26 Weiser 42, Kimberly 0

Gooding 31, American Falls 24 NOV. 2

Gooding 27, Teton 15

Fruitland 35, Payette 18

Shelley 41, Snake River 14 NOV. 9 Shelley 47, Gooding 7 NOV. 10 Fruitland 33, Timberlake 0 NOV. 16 Shelley 37, Fruitland 10

2012: Shelley 2011: Snake River 2010: Fruitland 2009: Shelley 2008: Salmon

The 3A Snake River Valley could very well could come down to another head-to-head game between longtime rivals Fruitland and Weiser.

Weiser, coached

by John Shrolec for the 15th season, and Fruitland, guided by first-year coach Ryan Tracy, expect to have teams to challenge for the league title.

2013 state title game set for Nov. 22-23

GAME OF THE YEAR

CONFERENCE OVERALL TEAM W L W L Marsing 4 1 9 2 New Plymouth 4 1 6 2 McCall-Donnelly 2 3 5 3 Nampa Christian 2 3 4 5 Melba 2 3 4 4 Cole Valley Christian 1 4 3 6

Predictions by Idaho Press-Tribune staff TEAM TEAM PG Marsing Huskies 28 Cole Valley Christian 26 Melba Mustangs 30 Nampa Christian Trojans 31 New Plymouth Pilgrims 32 McCall-Donnelly Vikings –

West Side 39, N. Fremont 8 Salmon 48, Malad 45 Firth 63, Valley 14 Marsing 27, Orofino 16 Grangeville 42, Nampa Christian 6 Declo 55, Aberdeen 26 Wendell 35, McCall-Donnelly 14 Firth 70, Wendell 6 West Side 21, New Plymouth 13 Marsing 20, Salmon 14 Declo 18, Grangeville 17 Firth 22, West Side 14 Declo 36, Marsing 0 Declo 22, Firth 12

OCT. 18, 7 P.M.

2007: Shelley 2006: Fruitland 2005: Shelley 2004: Marsh Valley 2003: Shelley

2013 IPT POLL

OCT. 25

OCT. 26

NOV. 1

NOV. 2

NOV. 10

NOV. 19

FRUITLAND GRIZZLIES AT WEISER WOLVERINES

LAST 10 STATE CHAMPIONS

2012 STANDINGS

2012 PLAYOFF RESULTS

GAME OF THE YEAR

LAST 10 STATE CHAMPIONS 2012: Declo 2011: Grangeville 2010: West Side 2009: Parma 2008: Parma

2007: West Jefferson 2006: Firth 2005: Firth 2004: West Side 2003: Wendell

2013 state title game set for Nov. 22-23

MARSING VS. MELBA, OCT. 25, 7 P.M. The rivals square off in the final regular season game of the season on Oct. 25 at Melba High. The game could be a deciding factor in conference positioning and have state tournament implications.

Friday, August 30, 2013

25

Once a doormat, now playoff bound?

MASON VANDERHOFF, SR., QB He completed 67.6 percent of his passes last year (132-of-195). He tossed for 1,668 yards and 14 touchdowns for a passer rating of 155.03.

Coach Mike Vanderhoff says his son performed well against 5A schools in summer tournaments. “His confidence is pretty high,” Mike Vanderhoff says.

REMINGTON KUEHL, JR., RB/DB The Chargers lost him last year in the third game to a high-ankle sprain.

But now he’s back and healthy.

“We’re looking for him to be fast,” the coach said. “He’s a lockdown corner.”

He’s the son of Kenny Kuehl, who was an All-American at Boise State during his tenure from 1987-89. He is eighth in Bronco history with 332 career tackles.

Greg Kreller/IPT

Receiver Tallen Eveland runs through the Nampa Christian defense on Oct. 5

Coach: “Two plays away from being in the playoffs”

By BRUCE MASON

bmason@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

MERIDIAN — Mike Vanderhoff feels like his team is ready to take the next step.

Despite finishing in last place of the 2A Western Idaho Conference one year ago, the coach of the Cole Valley Christian Chargers believes his team is dialed-in.

“It’s going to be exciting,” said Vanderhoff, who brings back a powerful passing combination featuring his son, quarterback Mason Vanderhoff, and receiver Tallen Eveland.

“They’re right there, I’m 26

Friday, August 30, 2013

telling you.”

Last year, the Chargers missed a 35yard field goal to lose by one point against Nampa ChrisMike Vanderhoff tian. And there was double misfortune against Melba: A dropped touchdown, then a spike-the-ball controversy at the 3-yard line in the final seconds.

“Maybe we’ll get a ball to bounce our way this year,” Mike Vanderhoff said.

The Chargers were 1-4 in 2A WIC action last year — but

that victory came against eventual league champion Marsing, its lone defeat until the 2A state semifinals.

Will the Chargers take another step this year — and have more fortune in a league featuring four playoff teams?

“Cole Valley has been kind of a doormat, when I came in. We got to the point where it’s just not checking off a ‘W.’ … now we’re competing,” Mike Vanderhoff said. “Last year we had a couple of heart breaks. We were basically two plays away from being in the playoffs, and I think the kids are ready to go.”

TALLEN EVELAND, SR., WR/S He’s Mason Vanderhoff’s primary target. Last year, he caught 43 passes for 853 yards and eight touchdowns. Coach Mike Vanderhoff says he will pass 70 percent of the time this year and could feature four wideouts, which could boost Eveland’s stats even further. He had multiple 100-yard receiving games last season. Eveland was a first-team 2A WIC defensive back last year.

CHASE RENFROW, SR., WR/CB Two years ago, he broke his foot. Last season, he broke the opposite foot during the opening series against Nampa Christian.

Now, Renfrow is healthy, and his presence on the line of scrimmage is pivotal for the Chargers’ passing game. It will free-up Eveland, who was often double teamed last season.

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2A semifinalists change offense

AUSTIN WILLIAMS, SR., TB/OLB Williams was a first-team all-conference player last year at quarterback and defensive back. He’s started the past three years at the Huskies’ signal caller, but will now shift to tailback. That could bode well for the Huskies, considering running is his primary asset. He rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries to push Marsing into the 2A semis last year.

CHARLIE GALVEZ, SR., LB/TE He’s the reigning 2A Western Idaho Conference defensive player of the year and Wood thinks Galvez can repeat the task.

“He’s just one of those guys that has ball sense,” Wood says. “Wherever the play goes, Charlie is going to be around it. He may have not been the first guy that brought him down, but he’s going to be in it.”

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Tristan Jacobi, left, will be a primary feature in the Huskies revamped offense.

Wood: “I hope we get the same ol’ crowd again”

By BRUCE MASON

bmason@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

MARSING — Year by year, the Huskies have progressed under the guidance of fourthyear coach Jaime Wood. Last season marked the program’s first conference title since 1997 and first trip to the semifinals in 22 years. They traveled to Holt Arena brimming with confidence but ran into the buzz-saw known as the Declo Hornets, who stung the Huskies with a 36-0 rout and went on to win the 2A state championship.

28

Friday, August 30, 2013

Can the Huskies return to the state semifinals?

Or will it be too difficult to overcome the losses of Jaime Wood dynamic playmakers such as defensive end/ wide receiver Jason Galligan, speedy running back Jesus Lino and shut-down cornerback Miguel Leon?

“It’s the same exact thing for us this year — and it’s pretty boring stuff — but we’re

going to take it one game at a time,” said Wood, the reigining 2A WIC coach of the year who will now be a co-head coach with Brad Hill. “If we stay healthy and we all do our jobs, I think it will be good for us at the end.”

The hope is to repeat as 2A Western Idaho Conference champions and draw more home playoff games. Last year, Marsing’s stands were rollicking in postseason victories against Orofino and Salmon.

“I hope we get the same ol’ crowd again this year,” Wood said.

TRISTAN JACOBI, SR., OLB/WING BACK The explosive, shifty runner displayed multiple big gains last season and will be a force in the Huskies offense again. Jacobi had a 54-yard reception in the opening round of the 2A playoffs and a 64-yard catch in the 2A quarterfinals against Salmon. “Tristan’s a great runner,” Wood said.

“If we give him some space on the corner, he’s not going to get caught.” Jacobi was also a first-team linebacker last year.

GAGE RAMIREZ, SR., OT The Huskies’ Pistol/Wing-T offense relies on the pulling of both offensive tackles, a task which Ramirez has performed admirably.

“He’s just bringing some enthusiasm to the game,” Wood said. “You tell him to block to the whistle, and he’s going to make some guys mad.

“He’s right there in their grill until the whistle blows.”

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High School Preview

29

Coffin has numbers up at Melba High

DANNY TALBOT, SR., QB He was thrown into the starting quarterback position midway through his freshman year and has held the position ever since.

Now in his third full season as the starter, coach Jordon Coffin says Talbot is everything he wants his football players to be.

“He’s a fantastic kid, a hard worker, a good person and a guy we feel very lucky to have leading our huddles,” Coffin said.

ADAM SAUREY, SR., RB/LB While both Saurey and Russell Laursen are two powerful backs who will drive Melba’s run game, Coffin says there is a distinct difference between

the two.

Saurey, the coach says, is a more powerful back, who will run downhill and pick up the quick yards.

Aaric Bryan/IPT

Melba’s Wyatt Helm runs into the end zone for a two-point conversion last season against McCall-Donnelly.

Mustangs hopes high turnout translates to success

By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

MELBA — When he took the head coaching job at Melba High two years ago, Jordon Coffin knew that he was coming into a community that could get behind its football team.

Now entering his third year, he’s starting to see a much larger turnout than he did when he first came out.

“Coach Coffin, he’s done a great job,” senior running back Adam Saurey said. “This 30

Friday, August 30, 2013

is his third year here, and I believe this is the year he’s started picking people up. I remember my sophomore year, when he Jordon first came here, Coffin he was already picking out sixth graders.

He’s really got things done.”

Coffin estimates that he has between 40 and 50 players who have come out for the Melba varsity and junior varsity teams. And after a couple

of years with only four or five seniors on the roster, Coffin says he has a full senior class for the first time.

Now, coming off a .500 record for the first time since 2008, the Mustangs hope the numbers can result in a few more wins.

“Most of the seniors know we haven’t had this big of a turnout, so we have to put a lot more effort than we have in the past,” senior lineman Shane Harrington said.

“We’re ready to go this year.”

RUSSELL LAURSEN, SR., RB/LB Laursen, on the other hand, is more of a fast, shifty back, Coffin says.

The senior will move around in the backfield and work to find the open field before he begins advancing the ball.

SHANE HARRINGTON, SR., OL/DL Harrington has started for Melba ever since Coffin first arrived before the start of his sophomore year. Now in his third season, Coffin says Harrington will be a leader on both sides of the ball for the Mustangs.

“He’s a guy who’s done it on the ‘O-‘ and ‘D’-line, continuously,” the coach said.

Trojans hope for bounce-back year

JAKE TIERSMA, RB/ DB, SR. While many of the running backs from last year graduated, Tiersma is one who returns to this year’s team with some experience running the ball.

He will share the load and help Nampa Christian bring up some of the juniors and sophomores who could get in on the mix.

“That’s the key, those young guys, how do they develop,” coach Bill Barr said. “It’s going to take some time for us to develop them.”

NATE MILLER, SR, OL/ DL The only three-year starter on this year’s team, Miller will play tackle on both sides of the ball this season.

“He’s been there,” coach Barr said. He’s played in the big games and the championship (games).

Greg Kreller/IPT

After transferring from Kuna High, Bradan Brothers returned to football after a few years away, and by midseason earned a starting spot at wide receiver for Nampa Christian last year..

Nampa Christian ended season with losses in 4-of-5

By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

NAMPA — The 2012 season did not go the way the Nampa Christian Trojans hoped it would.

A year removed from an undefeated record in 2A Western Idaho Conference play, the Trojans appeared to come into last season as one of the teams to beat in the conference.

But injuries took their toll late in the season as Nampa Christian finished with losses in four of its last five games —

including a 42-6 loss to Grangeville in the first round of the playoffs — finishing with a sub-.500 record.

Bill “It was Barr frustrating for the kids, it was disappointing for us,” Nampa Christian coach Bill Barr said. “We expected more and we wanted to do better. But circumstances, for whatever they were, we just weren’t able

to do that.”

Because of the amount of injuries, Nampa Christian started three freshmen in the playoff loss to Grangeville, including quarterback Steve Tiersma, who will step in as the full time starter of a young team.

“After a year like that, your expectations drop down,” Barr said. “There’s no pressure on us. I think our expectations are let’s show up and find out what what we can do this year.”

TOMMY TAYLOR, SR., RB/WR/DB Taylor runs out of the wing back position, where the Trojans will be able to utilize him as both a running back and wide receiver. It’s the same role he played last season “He’ll run counter plays, and then he runs out on pass plays,” Barr said, “It’s kind of like (running) the Wing-T out of the I. It just fits better with my personnel this year.”

BRADAN BROTHERS, SR., WR/DB After taking a couple seasons away from football, Brothers returned to the game last season after transfering to Nampa Christian when his father, Randy, was named the schools’ boys basketball coach.

The senior stepped in and was able to earn a starting spot by the midpoint of last season.

Barr says Brothers has developed into an even stronger player this year.

Friday, August 30, 2013

31

As Lacey departs, Rupp era begins

COLE PATTEE, SR., RG/ NG A transfer from Rimrock, Pattee has made his presence known in camp.

“Right away, he came in and brought a lot of intensity to the team — which is great,” coach Dallan Rupp said. “He’s fired up. He wanted to prove something.

He wanted to show that he belongs on the football field — and he did. So he brought some leadership. They can definitely follow his example.”

CHASE BOWEN, JR., FB/LB As a fullback, he gives the offense a lot of versatility. He can be used in the power-running game to plow through an opponent, or he can line up in the slot and use his deceptive speed on a passing route. “A lot of our offense is centered around him — not necessarily because he’s going to get the ball more than everybody else, but because we can do a lot of things behind him, around him,” Rupp said.

Greg Kreller/IPT

Tyler Powell caught 20 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Coach: “We’re going to be in the thick of things”

By BRUCE MASON

bmason@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

NEW PLYMOUTH — Five straight trips to the playoffs.

Can it be six? If so, it will have to come without Porter Lacey, who took the head coaching position at Meridian High, and with an inexperienced team under first-year coach Dallan Rupp.

But Rupp is well-equipped for the gig after working multiple positions at Mountain Home the past seven years.

Plus, he grew up playing at 2A Kamiah and has an affinity for 32

Friday, August 30, 2013

the small-town football atmosphere.

“New Plymouth is just really appealing to me,” Rupp said.

“This is a great Dallan Rupp community.”

He’s excited about the young talent as he plants his roots into the program. There are five seniors. And not much varsity experience. But he believes that’s a good thing.

Plus, the Pilgrims have talent in the likes of returners

Chase Bowen, Tyler Powell and Marcus Davis.

The question is: How will the Pilgrims finish in the 2A Western Idaho Conference?

“It will be interesting to see how it shakes out,” Rupp said. “I keep hearing about Marsing, so they seem like the team to beat. I hope we can compete with them. But after that, it’s really up in the air. It can definitely go a lot of different ways.

“I’m thinking we’re going to be in the thick of things, come the end of the year.”

TYLER POWELL, JR., WR/FS Rupp likes the motivational drive and leadership qualities of Powell, who played frequently as a sophomore. “He’s a ball hawk,” Rupp said.

“Sometimes he’s a little bit too aggressive, but he’s definitely around the ball all the time. He’s in the middle of the field, he sees what’s going on to communicate that to the other kids.” As a receiver, Powell can run outside fade routes or inside seams. He could play quarterback, too. “If we can get the ball in his hands, he can make things happen,” Rupp said.

NATE WINTERTON, SR., WR/CB He’s mainly focused upon playing Z-receiver, but Rupp likes to move wideouts around to create mismatches. His speed can be a factor in motions and shifts. “He’s a really fast kid, good hands,” Rupp said. He will also start at cornerback, a spot where Rupp likes his instincts.

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High School Preview

33

2012 DIVISION I STANDINGS

CONFERENCE OVERALL TEAM W L W L Rimrock 2 1 3 5 Notus 2 1 6 2 Greenleaf Friends 1 2 4 3 Idaho City 1 2 2 6

DIVISION I 2012: Kamiah 2011: Hagerman 2010: Troy 2009: Oakley 2008: Prairie

2012 DIVISION II STANDINGS

CONFERENCE OVERALL TEAM W L W L Salmon River 4 1 6 2 Garden Valley 4 1 7 1 Wilder 4 2 6 2 Council 3 2 4 4 Horseshoe Bend 2 3 2 6 Cascade 1 4 1 5 Tri-Valley 0 5 0 7

GAME OF THE YEAR

LAST 10 STATE CHAMPIONS

DIVISION II 2012: Salmon River 2011: Lighthouse Christian 2010: Carey 2009: Salmon River 2008: Carey

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Greenleaf, which lost in the first round of the playoffs in 2012, plays at Notus on Oct. 25.

Notus lost in the first round of the playoffs to Butte County last season.

2007: Salmon River 2006: Carey 2005: Mackay 2004:HorseshoeBend *2003: Cascade *One 1A division

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Friday, August 30, 2013

Back-to-back playoff berths?

JAKE SAMS, SR., QB, LB-S Coach Paul Stephens wants to showcase Sams’ talent in the spread offense in the hopes it can draw attention from the College of Idaho, Eastern Oregon or George Fox. “He’s got a great arm, great decision making, good legs,” Stephens said. “He likes to play at that next level.

“He’s kind of soft spoken, but I’m trying to get him as a quarterback to speak out.”

GIOVANNI PERINA, SR., WR-TE/MLB As a native of Brazil, it’s his first year playing football.

“He’s very disciplined. He takes care of his body,” Stephens said. “He’s got incredible hands – just incredible hands.

“Even though he’s never played the game before, he’s really picked up a lot of the concepts and grasped them.”

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Greenleaf quarterback Jake Sams aims to take the Grizzlies to their second straight playoff berth.

Stephens wants to host a playoff game in 2013

By BRUCE MASON bmason@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

The groundwork was established last season when Greenleaf Friends Academy qualified for the 1A Division I playoffs for the first time in recent history.

The five returning players for the Grizzlies have a taste of the postseason now, says firstyear coach Paul Stephens. And now the 8-man football squad hopes to rise another level.

“Our thing is not to just make the playoffs, but to host a playoff game,” says Stephens,

who was an assistant last year under Doug Anders. “We’re in a good situation.”

That’s because three Paul Stephens of four teams in Greenleaf’s division will qualify for the postseason. Seven Grizzlies graduated from last year’s team that lost 54-8 to Hagerman, but Stephens believes he has more athletes this season.

One of those athletes is senior quarterback Jake Sams,

who will run the spread offense.

“As the year goes along, and he understands the offense more, I’m going to give him the opportunity to make his own calls,” said Stephens, who will start with 12 players, but the roster may grow to 15.

Stephens wants to establish a booster club for the alumni of past teams that had success in the state playoffs and create banners for the gymnasium — a feature the school lacks.

“That’s how you build programs,” Stephens said.

JAKOB BEHRENDS, JR., TB/DB-LB Also the backup quarterback, Behrends is starting to fill out physically.

His brother, Cale, was a physical linebacker under the tutelage of Stephens and earned first-team all-conference honors.

“I think he’ll be a good linebacker like his brother,” Stephens said. “He’s got the skills.

He wants to give it a shot at running back.

Great hands as a receiver, too.”

ZEPHY STEPHENS, JR., WR-TE/DE Stephens believes his son is athletic and being around Sams and Behrends is helping him break out of his shell.

“He doesn’t have enough confidence, I don’t think,” Paul Stephens said.

“But I think it’s starting to change.

“For the most part, he’s always been athletic and very blessed and skilled — it’s just a matter of putting those two together.”

Friday, August 30, 2013

35

Crockett looks to continue success

DEVIN KRASOWSKI, SR., WR/DB Krasowski makes the move from running back to wide receiver in an effort to utilize his speed more. Coach Sam Crockett says it’s a move the senior has adapted well to.

“He’s kind of the glue that keeps everything together, and he knows he’s probably one of the fastest on the field,” Crockett said.

“Being able to use that speed on the outside is quite nice.”

JUDD BUCKINGHAM, SR., RB/LB Buckingham returns from Middleton High to Notus High, the school where he played his freshman season. Buckingham was on the Vikings’ football roster last fall, but returned to Notus in time to play for the Pirates’ basketball team in the winter. Crockett says he plans to use the senior as a power running back.

“He’s a fun kid, he’s always got a joke, always got something to say that’s pretty funny,” Crockett said. “But when he comes on the field, it’s all business.”

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Devin Krasowski was a running back for the Notus Pirates last season, but he moves to the wide receiver position for his senior season.

Notus hopes to build upon last year’s playoff appearance

By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

NOTUS — Sam Crockett had spent roughly the past five-or-six years looking to land his first head coaching job.

So far, he likes the one he was able to land.

Crockett enters his first year coaching the Notus Pirates, stepping in for Brad Huter, who took a lighter workload after last season. Huter, who serves as the school’s athletic director, is an assistant coach under Crockett.

36

Friday, August 30, 2013

“It’s pretty easy, because the kids are so coachable,” said Crockett, who was a receiver coach at Ontario (Ore.) High.

“We never have to say ‘Hey, shape up.’ Once you tell them to do it, it’s done. I think that’s why they had success before, and hopefully I can carry that on.”

Notus has qualified for the postseason in three of the past four seasons. Last season, they were in contention for an outright 1A Division I District III title before a loss to Rimrock in the regular season finale put both teams at 2-1 in

league play.

Notus lost the next week to eventual state runner-up Butte County in the opening round of the 1A Division I playoffs.

It’s been a dream of Crockett’s to be a varsity head coach for a while, and after a stint as the offensive coordinator at Vale (Ore.) High, he figured that would serve as a perfect resume builder.

“This is my first shot, and when I started meeting everyone, it’s just been amazing,” he said. “Everyone’s been so cool.”

JAYLAN HIBBARD, JR., QB Crockett says his quarterback’s game reminds him, to an extent, of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning’s game. And while the coach isn’t saying how much he plans to throw the ball, he is impressed by Hibbard’s arm strength.

“He’s not necessarily fast, but he’s shifty,” Crockett said. “He can throw deep. The short passes we’re still working on, but he can throw it far.”

AUSTIN HUTTON, SR., OL/DL The Pirates’ leader on both the offensive and defensive line, he comes off the ball powerfully and can deliver a crushing hit, Crockett says. He will start on both sides of the line, along with Jose Sandoval.

“Those two will be our anchors on the line, and they’ll do a great job,” Crockett said.

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Wildcats hoping for redemption

A.J. CASTELLANOS, JR., QB/RB/DB Wilder’s third-year quarterback is a three-sport star, earning all-conference honors in football, basketball and baseball.

Simply put, Castellanos is an athlete who coach Kyle DalSoglio says could succeed in just about any position he is put in.

“He does it all,” DalSoglio said. “If he wasn’t my quarterback, he’d be my best running back, my best receiver, my best (defensive back). And he’s a leader.”

FERNANDO LEMUS, JR., LB/TE He’s one of the few returning starters on defense and will be a leader for the Wildcats from the linebacker position.

“He just shows up and works his (behind) off,” DalSoglio said. “He works hard, he’s a field working type of kid. Works all summer, pays his bills. But when it’s football time, he brings it.”

BEN RODRIGUEZ, JR., G/DE Rodriguez is the veteran leader on the offensive line and is the guy whom the players go to when they have a question what to do on offense, the

Greg Kreller/IPT

Wilder quarterback A.J. Castellanos drops back to pass during preseason practice at Wilder High School.

6-2 record not enough to make state playoffs in 2012

By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

© 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune

WILDER – For the Wilder Wildcats, the way last season ended was a tough pill to swallow.

Sure, the Wildcats ended their season with a 54-24 victory against Council on Wilder’s senior night. Sure, that win put Wilder at 6-2 to end the regular season.

But it was those two losses, 38

Friday, August 30, 2013

one to Salmon River, the other to Garden Valley in double overtime, which left Wilder on the outside looking in as Kyle DalSoglio only two teams from District III qualified for the 1A Division II state playoffs.

“It felt bad, because we worked hard,” quarterback A.J.

Castellanos said. “We had four wins in a row (to begin the season). Losing those two, it just felt bad.”

Castellanos and crew are looking to erase the bitter taste left by sitting at home during last year’s postseason.

“We thought we had it, we thought we were going to make it to the playoffs,” Isaac Lopez said. “This has just given us more motivation, so we can do better this year.”

coach says.

“He’s a very smart player,” DalSoglio said. “He knows everything we’re doing. I don’t have to spend a lot of time teaching him what we’re doing, he helps me teach the kids.”

ISAAC LOPEZ, SR., LB/ DB/WR Lopez was an all-conference player on defense two seasons ago, but he did not get the same recognition last year despite having four interceptions.

“I think he’s got something to prove,” DalSoglio said. “He’s the senior on the team, he’s probably got the most experience of our seniors.

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