2014 High School Football Preview by APG-West (Idaho Press)

MOVING ON UP FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

COLUMBIA, NAMPA JOIN THE RANKS OF 5A

Photo by Adam Eschbach/IPT

Columbia’s Daniel Rodriguez (left) and Nampa’s Cory Lester (right)

GET BACK TO YOUR GAME FASTER AND STRONGER. The Foot and Ankle Medical Center offers a wide range of surgical & medical treatment services. We specialize in treating all injuries of the foot and ankle.

T.J. Martin D.P.M. Phillip N. Burk, D.P.M.

VISIT OUR LOCATIONS

466-FEET (3338) Nampa Office 203 12th Avenue Road, Suite A Nampa, ID 83686

Emmett Clinic

Walter Knox Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic 1024 E. Locust Street, Emmett, ID 83617

1148417

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

JOHN WUSTROW 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

B.J. RAINS Boise State beat writer (208) 465-8190 bjrains@idahopress.com Twitter: @bjrains

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 (@iptsports) 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

Leo Garcia and the Nampa Bulldogs make the transition to the 5A classification this season.

Preseason Polls ......................................................... 3 5A SOUTHERN IDAHO CONFERENCE...............4-11 Centennial Patriots..................................................... 4 Columbia Wildcats..................................................... 5 Eagle Mustangs.......................................................... 6 Meridian Warriors...................................................... 7 Mountain View Mavericks.......................................... 8 Nampa Bulldogs........................................................ 9 Rocky Mountain Grizzlies......................................... 10 Vallivue Falcons........................................................ 11 4A SOUTHERN IDAHO CONFERENCE.............12-16 Bishop Kelly Knights................................................ 12 Caldwell Cougars...................................................... 13 Kuna Kavemen......................................................... 14 Middleton Vikings.................................................... 15 Skyview Hawks........................................................ 16 3A SNAKE RIVER VALLEY CONFERENCE........17-20 Emmett Huskies....................................................... 17 Homedale Trojans.................................................... 18 Parma Panthers........................................................ 19 Fruitland/Payette/Weiser......................................... 20 2A WESTERN IDAHO CONFERENCE...............21-25 Cole Valley Christian Chargers.................................. 21 Marsing Huskies....................................................... 22 Melba Mustangs...................................................... 23 Nampa Christian Trojans.......................................... 24 New Plymouth Pilgrims........................................... 25 1A DISTRICT III.........................................26-27 Greenleaf Friends Academy Grizzlies/Notus Pirates..26 Wilder Wildcats........................................................ 27

We Want To Welcome You To

Population 41,000 TeamMazdaSubaru.com 2

Friday, August 29, 2014

Happy Customers 1149865

CLASS 5A Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L Pts 1. Coeur d’Alene (6) 9-3 43 2. Highland (2) 11-1 37 3. Capital (2) 10-2 26 4. Rocky Mountain 10-2 16 5. Eagle 7-3 12 Others receiving votes: Lake City 8, Post Falls 4, Lewiston 2, Idaho Falls 1, Skyline 1. CLASS 4A Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L Pts 1. Bishop Kelly (7) 12-0 42 2. Skyview (2) 10-2 33 3. Rigby 7-3 13 4. Twin Falls 7-3 11 t-5. Blackfoot 3-6 9 t-5. Century 7-4 9 Others receiving votes: Jerome 6, Kuna 5, Lakeland 5, Minico 5, Moscow (1) 5, Middleton 4, Pocatello 3. CLASS 3A Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L Pts 1. Shelley (8) 11-1 43 2. Fruitland 10-2 35 3. Emmett (1) 6-3 12 4. Gooding 8-3 10 t-5. Homedale 9-2 9 t-5. Snake River 8-3 9 t-5. Timberlake 6-4 9 Others receiving votes: Bonners Ferry (1) 5, Weiser 5, Buhl 4, Priest River 4, Kellogg 3, Sugar-Salem 1, Teton 1. CLASS 2A Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L Pts 1. Declo (5) 10-2 38 2. West Side (1) 10-2 29 3. Grangeville (2) 7-3 27 4. Firth (2) 9-2 23 5. Nampa Christian 3-6 8 Others receiving votes: Wendell 7, Orofino 6, Malad 5, New Plymouth 4, Bear Lake 1, Cole Valley Christian 1, West Jefferson 1. CLASS 1A DIVISION I Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L Pts 1. Hagerman (5) 13-0 36 2. Troy (2) 11-1 29 3. Prairie (1) 8-3 22 4. Wallace 9-1 17 5. Raft River (2) 8-3 16 Others receiving votes: Genesee 6, Kamiah 6, Butte County 4, Oakley 4, Valley 3, Challis 2, Idaho City 2, Potlatch 2, Notus 1. CLASS 1A DIVISION II Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L Pts 1. Salmon River (5) 12-0 42 2. Council (4) 9-3 26 3. Lighthouse Christian 10-1 23 4. Dietrich 9-2 17 5. Deary 8-2 15 Others receiving votes: Carey (1) 11, Castleford 4, Clark Fork 3, North Gem 3, Kootenai 2, Mackay 2, Timberline 1, Wilder 1. Poll voters: David Bashore, Times-News; Byron Edelman, Lewiston Tribune; Jason Enes, Blackfoot Morning News; Jimmy Hancock, Idaho State Journal; Paul Kingsbury, IdahoSports.com; Greg Lee, Spokesman-Review; Mark Nelke, Coeur d’Alene Press; Jeff Pinkham, Post Register; Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman; John Wustrow, Idaho Press-Tribune.

5A SOUTHERN IDAHO CONFERENCE Division 1 Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L 1. Capital (5) 10-2 2. Rocky Mountain 10-2 3. Borah (1) 2-7 4. Timberline 4-6 5. Centennial 3-6 6. Nampa 3-6 Division 2 Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L 1. Eagle (3) 7-3 2. Mountain View (2) 7-3 3. Vallivue (1) 3-7 4. Meridian 3-6 5. Boise 1-8 6. Columbia 3-6

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Bishop Kelly celebrates after beating Skyview 42-34 in November to cap an undefeated season and win the 4A state title. The Knights enter 2014 as the favorite in the 4A Southern Idaho Conference and the top-ranked 4A team in the state.

Greg Kreller/IPT

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Eagle’s Hunter Floyd (9) shared the quarterback position last fall with J.T. Williams. But the position is all his now and he’ll lead the No.-5 ranked Mustangs against Idaho Falls tonight.

Skyview’s Holton Hyde switches back to his natural position at quarterback after lining up as a wide receiver last year. Hyde and the No. 2-ranked Hawks kick off the season Saturday against Nevada’s Mojave High in Pocatello.

Pts 35 29 21 19 16 6 Pts 33 31 23 18 14 7

4A SOUTHERN IDAHO CONFERENCE Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L 1. Bishop Kelly (3) 12-0 t-2. Kuna (2) 7-3 t-2. Skyview (1) 10-2 4. Middleton 2-7 5. Caldwell 2-7 6. Mountain Home 1-8

Pts 32 28 28 17 12 9

3A SNAKE RIVER VALLEY CONFERENCE Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L 1. Emmett (5) 6-3 2. Fruitland (1) 10-2 3. Homedale 9-2 4. Weiser 2-6 5. Payette 1-7 6. Parma 3-6

Pts 34 28 23 16 13 12

2A WESTERN IDAHO CONFERENCE Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L 1. Nampa Christian (2) 3-6 2. New Plymouth 4-5 t-3. Cole Valley Christian (1) 9-1 t-3. Melba (1) 5-4 5. Marsing 5-3 6. McCall-Donnelly 0-8 Note: Two coaches did note vote.

Pts 20 18 17 17 7 5

1A DIVISION I DISTRICT 3 Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L t-1. Horseshoe Bend (2) 6-3 t-1. Idaho City (2) 4-5 3. Notus 5-4 4. Greenleaf Friends 0-6 5. Rimrock 2-8 Note: One coach did note vote.

Pts 16 16 13 8 7

1A DIVISION II DISTRICT 3 Team (1st-place votes) ’13 W-L 1. Council (4) 9-3 2. Salmon River (1) 12-0 3. Garden Valley 5-3 4. Wilder 4-4 5. Tri-Valley 1-8 6. Cascade 1-7 Note: One coach did not vote.

Pts 27 22 18 17 11 10

Friday, August 29, 2014

Today vs. Boise Sept. 5 at Meridian Sept. 12 vs. Eagle Sept. 19 at Mountain View Sept. 26 at Nampa* Oct. 3 vs. Borah* Oct. 10 at Capital (at Dona Larsen)* Oct. 17 vs. Rocky Mountain* Oct. 24 vs. Timberline* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 5A SIC Division 1 game

PARKER BURLINGAME, SR., OL The 6-foot-1, 275-pound senior returns for his second year starting on the Patriots’ offensive line. He started at center last year. But Centennial also experimented with him at guard during training camp, trying to find its strongest offensive line combination. Strength is in no short supply for Burlingame. “He’s going to be a big anchor on our offensive line,” Centennial coach David Koch said.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: David Koch, first season COACH RECORD: 0-0 LAST YEAR: 4-6, 3-6 5A SIC PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 4 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 3 LEAGUE: 5A SIC Division 1 (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3.25

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Centennial senior linebacker Kenton Bartlett, left, sheds a blocker during a tackling drill at Centennial High.

New era begins at Centennial under David Koch By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

4 1988

1996

1999

2003

Finals

Missed playoffs

2009

2010

Missed playoffs

2011

2012

2013

Friday, August 29, 2014

The Patriots’ first-year coach, David Koch, knows exactly what it takes to win at Centennial. As an assistant, he was on the sideline when Centennial won its last state title in 2003 and played in its last state title game in 2010, when he was the offensive coordinator. Koch returns to the program after spending the past two years as the offensive line coach and run-game coordinator at Rocky Mountain. The former Boise State lineman knows he’s inheriting a rebuilding effort as the Patriots haven’t reach the playoffs since 2010. But despite a couple down years at Centennial, he sees a lot of similarities between the 2010 team and this year’s squad. “That 2010 team, when they were freshmen, they

didn’t win single game,” Koch said. “By the time they were seniors, they were in the state championship. I see that same kind of core. Maybe we don’t have that same depth. But we have the same passion and David Koch dedication.” Koch said he wants Centennial to return to its roots and control the game with its rushing attack. He helped Rocky Mountain build a potent offense the past two years as its run-game coordinator. But he’s not looking to spread the field with Centennial like he did with the Grizzlies. “It’ll be a lot of Centennial of old — two-back sets and get back to more power football,” Koch said. “We want to be able to control the tempo of games and take care of some ball-

security issues. We’re going to be more ball control and help keep our defense off the field.” A standout running back hadn’t emerged early in training camp to replace Joe Murphy, who ran for 768 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Senior running back Cameron Floyd returns after a back injury kept him from playing a single down last season. And Sam Harmon also is battling for playing time. Koch said Centennial is blessed with a bevy of 6-foot-1 to 6-3 receivers. And a deep group of linebackers figures to anchor the Centennial defense. Kenton Bartlett and Hunter Bradley both return after starting last season. And the 6-3, 225-pound Griffin Kasper will add strongside linebacker to his left tackle duties on offense. “He’s a college football player at some level,” Koch said.

NICK BOWCUTT, SR., OL The 6-2, 280-pound senior started two games last year for the Patriots. But he’s stepped up into a leadership position already for Centennial. Paired with Burlingame, the two provide plenty of strength and toughness up front. The two will also likely rotate at nose guard on Centennial’s defensive line. KENTON BARTLETT, SR., LB The 6-3, 225-pound senior has started every year at Centennial since his freshman season. His position, however, has changed. He began as a center, then moved to outside linebacker. The Patriots plan to plant him in the heart of their defense at middle linebacker after he racked up 33 tackles last season. And his offensive line background and raw athleticism make him a weapon at tight end. HUNTER BRADLEY, SR., OLB The 6-foot, 195-pound Bradley provides Centennial flexibility. The returning defensive starter will also see time at fullback. But the Patriots love him in their 3-4/5-2 defense as an outside linebacker/stand-up end who can stuff the run, drop back into coverage or rush the passer, keeping opposing offensive lines guessing.

Today at Borah (at Dona Larsen) Sept. 5 vs. Nampa Sept. 12 vs. Middleton Sept. 19 at Canyon Ridge Sept. 26 at Eagle* Oct. 2 at Vallivue* Oct. 10 vs. Meridian* Oct. 17 vs. Mountain View* Oct. 24 vs. Boise* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 5A SIC Division 2 game

DAKOTA HALL, SR., HB/FS The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Hall started last season with a bang, returning an interception for a touchdown and adding 80 yards rushing in the opener. Columbia coach Juan Colunga called him the Wildcats’ best player through two games. Columbia will look for more of that this season as Colunga plans to feature him in the running game and let him continue to prowl the defensive secondary.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Juan Colunga, first season COACH RECORD: 15-10 LAST YEAR: 3-6, 2-6 4A SIC PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 6 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 4 LEAGUE: 5A SIC Division 2 (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3.25

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Columbia’s Connor Warr, right, makes the transition from tight end to wide receiver for the Wildcats this season.

Columbia joins 5A with third coach in three years By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

Quarters Missed playoffs

Missed playoffs

2009

2010

2011 Note: All at 4A

Missed playoffs

2012

2013

Columbia looked poised for a breakout season in 2013. The Wildcats started the year 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the 4A Southern Idaho Conference. But injuries mounted and Columbia lost its final six games. This fall brings its own challenges. Juan Colunga takes over as Columbia’s third head coach in three years. The Wildcats join the 5A classification for the first time in school history. And the program opened camp with only eight seniors. Colunga joined the staff last season with Brandon Harris, avoiding a complete restart in the program. He went 15-10 from 2010-12 as the head coach at Rimrock High. He also previously served as an assistant at Marsh Valley High. Colunga knows the move to 5A brings challenges and

not many expects much from the Wildcats. But he said it also provides an opportunity. “One of the biggest things is we know we’re embarking on a journey at Columbia unlike any other,” Colunga said. “We’re stepping Juan Colunga up to the challenge. I don’t know how many wins we’ll have, but these guys are competing.” Colunga said he wants to return to the Wing-T rushing attack that served Columbia so well during its 3-0 start to 2013. Once injuries started mounting, Columbia took to the air. But Colunga plans to reverse that trend. Senior running back Dakota Hall will take the bulk of the carries, and Colunga called him a home run threat. An injury has already thinned the group. Fullback Tanner

Hughes is out four to six weeks with a torn meniscus, and sophomore Gabriel Camario will fill in. But Colunga said the success of the run game will rely mostly on his offensive line, which returns plenty of experience after last year’s injuries. Brad King and Daniel Rodriguez started all nine games last season. Cesar Epsarza started the final three games at center, and Brandon Kipper started the final two at tackle. “That’s a huge plus for us,” Colunga said. “Our skill guys have talent and potential. But it doesn’t matter how good your quarterback and skill guys are if you can’t block. Having nice, big, beefy guys up front will help us. “I’m a big run-control guy — run the clock and control the game. We’ll be able to do that this year with a decent sized line.”

GARRETT TURNER, SO., QB Turner started camp in a battle for the starting position. But after two weeks, he earned the starting nod for the opener against Borah. Colunga praised his footwork and his touch and anticipation on throws, and he said he’s polished beyond his years. But at 5-9, 135 pounds, Columbia will need to avoid too big many hits on him. CONNOR WARR, SR., WR/LB Warr started every game last season at tight end and defensive end. But after slimming down in the offseason, Columbia will move him to wide receiver and outside linebacker to get him the ball in space. Colunga said the 6-2, 185pound senior has shown impressive technical skills despite limited playing time. “He’s gone to camps, and his footwork and cuts are legit for not playing it a lot,” Colunga said. CESAR ESPARZA, JR., C/DL Injuries forced the Wildcats to call up Esparza from the JV squad and insert him as the starting center for the final three games of 2013. That experience will pay off the next two years for the 5-10, 250-pound junior. “He controls the line really well,” Colunga said. “He commands the respect of the line. Whenever we’re checking off, he does a good job communicating it.” Friday, August 29, 2014

Today vs. Idaho Falls Sept. 5 vs. Capital Sept. 12 at Centennial Sept. 19 vs. Rocky Mountain Sept. 26 vs. Columbia* Oct. 2 at Boise (at Dona Larsen)* Oct. 10 vs. Vallivue* Oct. 17 at Meridian* Oct. 24 at Mountain View* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 5A SIC Division 2 game

KAM LANE, SR., WR Lane didn’t see a lot of the ball last year. But he turned his few opportunities (20 receptions) into plenty of production (433 yards, eight touchdowns). Those numbers led Eagle to focus on finding ways to get creative with the 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior, Eagle coach Paul Peterson said. “We have to figure out how to get the ball in his hands more,” Peterson said of the Washington State baseball commit.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Paul Peterson, 10th season COACH RECORD: 93-40 LAST YEAR: 7-3, 7-2 5A SIC PLAYOFFS: Lost 36-21 to Rocky Mtn. in first round RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 9 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 4 LEAGUE: 5A SIC Division 2 (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3.25

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Eagle returns all five of its starting offensive linemen from a season ago.

Mustangs poised for big year with returning talent By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

3 1998

2001

2009

Title

Finals

Quarters

2009

2010

Quarters Quarters

2011

2012

Friday, August 29, 2014

2013

Eagle coach Paul Peterson starts the season with a problem: One football and a bounty of returning offensive talent. He won’t find much sympathy around the 5A Southern Idaho Conference. Eagle brings back nine starters on offense, including junior tailback Bucky Schrader (596 yards, 5 TDs in 2013) and senior wide receivers Kam Lane (20 rec., 433 yards, 8 TDs) and James Hull (6 rec., 151 yards, 2 TDs). The entire offensive line — senior left tackle Nick Blancett, sophomore left guard Brennan Condie, senior center Dakota Martin, senior right guard Kevin Ketterling and senior right tackle Michael Vincent — is back. And so is senior quarterback Hunter Floyd, who split time last season with J.T. Williams

in Eagle’s two-quarterback system. Add in senior running back Colby Nyce, and Eagle owns plenty of weapons. “One of the problems is we need more footballs,” Peterson said. But it’s on Paul Peterson the offensive and defensive lines where Eagle could really dominate. In addition to five returning starters on the offensive line, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Sawyer Shields moves from middle linebacker to defensive tackle. Peterson called him “a rhinoceros,” and he’s one of eight to 10 players Peterson sees rotating through the defensive line, allowing the Mustangs to keep fresh legs on the field. “If you combine the offensive and defensive lines, just the interior line play, as a

whole in all my years coaching, this may be the most talented and experienced collection,” Peterson said. “We’re not necessarily, weight-wise, the biggest, but we’ve got a great combination collectively of 15 guys that are good sized and good, explosive athletes.” Peterson knows he’ll have to find more balance on offense this season. The Mustangs ran for nearly three times as many yards as they threw for in 2013, and Floyd was big part of that as a gamebreaking option quarterback. But Peterson said he’ll have to call a more balanced game with only one quarterback. “Last year, we were just QBrun heavy, but we knew had two very, very good athletes,” Peterson said. “That’s what we felt was in our best interests. I think it’s in our best interest right now to spread it out, move the ball around and get the ball to the guys we should be getting it to.”

HUNTER FLOYD, SR., QB Floyd split time last year with J.T. Williams, but the job is all his now. His athleticism has never been questioned — he finished third out 588 entries this summer at Salt Lake City’s Nike SPARQ combine, which measures an athlete’s 40-yard dash, agility shuttle, kneeling power ball toss and vertical jump. If he show his arm is also a threat, Eagle could become a nightmare to stop. JOSH LABRADOR, SR., RB/DB The 6-foot, 210-pound senior owns an offer from Idaho State and started the past two years at corner, locking down one side of the field. But Eagle moved him to strong safety this fall to place him closer to the ball and to take advantage of his his tackling ability. “Now, it’s going to be easier for people in the stands to recognize his contributions,” Peterson said. SAWYER SHIELDS, SR., FB/DL Eagle will make Shields a rare two-way starter. After manning middle linebacker the last two years, Eagle moves its 6-2, 235-pound bulwark down to nose tackle to let him wreak havoc with opposing blocking schemes. But it’s at fullback where he could have a future. “He has a chance of being a big-time fullback,” Peterson said. “I’m talking a Stanford, Arkansas-type fullback. He’s been on those campuses this summer.”

Today vs. Timberline Sept. 5 vs. Centennial Sept. 12 at Rocky Mountain Sept. 19 vs. Kuna Sept. 26 at Boise (at Dona Larsen)* Oct. 3 vs. Mountain View* Oct. 10 at Columbia* Oct. 17 vs. Eagle* Oct. 24 at Vallivue* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 5A SIC Division 2 game

NATHAN MORTON, SR., WR Morton posed a legitimate threat down the field for the Warriors last season, hauling in 25 passes for 378 yards. But Meridian coach Porter Lacey said the 6-foot-4, 194-pound senior has developed a more physical edge to his game. Add that to his route running and huge frame, and he’s a hard target to miss as well as a big playmaker for the Warriors.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Porter Lacey, second season COACH RECORD: 25-17 LAST YEAR: 3-6, 3-6 5A SIC PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 4 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 5 LEAGUE: 5A SIC Division 2 (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3.25

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Meridian senior wide receiver Nathan Morton, top, hauls in a pass during a preseason practice at Meridian High.

Meridian ahead of the curve in Lacey’s second year By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

3 1986

2005

2007

Quarters Missed playoffs

Missed playoffs

2009

2010

2011

Missed playoffs

2012

2013

Former New Plymouth coach Porter Lacey enters his second year at Meridian. And during fall camp, he said his program has made a lot of strides in its first full offseason. “Last year, the program was what not at all where we wanted it,” Lacey said. “This year, it’s starting to be more contagious with the kids. Our numbers are up, and a lot more kids are out. It’s more of a professional atmosphere, and they’re doing the things they need to do to make themselves successful.” Lacey returns a solid group of talent for his sophomore campaign. In Meridian’s spread attack, graduation only robbed the Warriors of one starting wide receiver, Robert Archuleta, and one running back, Joe Bohrn.

Nathan Morton and Hunter Graefe return for their senior years at receiver. And a three-way running back battle between Brian Owings, Joe Passero and Talon Kreft, who Porter Lacey averaged 4.8 yards per carry last year before a concussion, was waging as camp started. “The kids we have coming back were our features guys last year,” Lacey said. “Talentwise, we’re ahead of the game as far as where we were last year.” The big loss came at quarterback, where Bryson Stout is now running track at Utah State. Senior Noah Baxter steps under center. Two years ago, Meridian couldn’t field a JV team. But Lacey said he’s made up for lost time in the offseason.

“It set him back a little bit,” Lacey said. “Talent-wise, he could have been our starting quarterback (last year). He just didn’t have that experience. Over the offseason, he’s made some huge strides.” A young offensive line will try to protect Baxter with only one returning starter, junior Colton Smillie. But Meridian’s 3-6 season last year didn’t hinge on its offense. It was a defense that surrendered an average of 40.3 points per game that hampered the Warriors. Brandon Harris comes over after one year as the head coach at Columbia to revive the defense. “Last year at times, we were confused with what we were doing,” Lacey said. “This year, I feel like we have a complete understanding of our assignments. The biggest thing we’re doing is we have all 11 guys running to the ball, swarming.”

COLTON SMILLIE, JR., DL The 6-1, 240-pound Smillie racked up 44 tackles last year as a defensive lineman who played both inside and at end. But it’s on offense where he shines. His ability to get downhill and his agility in open space make him both a great run and pass blocker. “Out of a group of pretty gifted seniors we had last year, he was our left tackle,” Lacey said. “That says something.” CALEB FROST, SR., OLB Frost moves from strong safety to outside linebacker for the Warriors this year. Lacey said that’s not a big change in responsibilities in Meridian’s defense. But he needed to get the 5-11, 160-pound Frost, his toughness and his tackling prowess closer to the line of scrimmage. “Having his physicality on the edge is something that’s going to help us,” Lacey said. HUNTER GRAEFE, SR., WR The 6-1, 185-pound Graefe caught 20 passes for 328 yards last year. But Meridian will move its slot receiver all over the field this season in order to find him favorable matchups and space to operate in. Because once he gets in space, he can start eating up the yards after catch in a hurry. Friday, August 29, 2014

Today vs. Nampa Sept. 5 at Rocky Mountain Sept. 11 at Capital (at Dona Larsen) Sept. 19 vs. Centennial Sept. 26 at Vallivue* Oct. 3 at Meridian* Oct. 10 vs. Boise* Oct. 17 at Columbia* Oct. 24 vs. Eagle* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 5A SIC Division 2 game

GARRETT COLLINGHAM, SR., QB The 6-foot-4, 215-pound senior started at wide receiver last year and served as the backup quarterback. But with four-year starter Kai Turner graduated, the Mavericks’ offense is all Collingham’s to lead. Mountain View coach Judd Benedick said his combination of size and athleticism has already drawn attention from a couple Division-I schools.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Judd Benedick, eighth season COACH RECORD: 45-23 LAST YEAR: 7-3, 7-2 5A SIC PLAYOFFS: Lost 37-17 to Highland in first round RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 6 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 3 LEAGUE: 5A SIC Division 2 (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3.25

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Mountain View senior Garrett Collingham hauls in a snap during a preseason practice. Collingham replaces Kai Turner, a four-year starter for the Mavericks.

Mavericks look to reload behind offensive line By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

Quarters

Quarters Missed playoffs

2009

2010

Quarters Missed playoffs

2011

2012

Friday, August 29, 2014

2013

Graduation hit few teams as hard as Mountain View. The Mavericks not only lost four-year starting quarterback Kai Turner, but also 5A AllIdaho Player of the Year Josh Buss, who is in camp at the University of Montana. Buss accounted for 2,286 total yards and 27 touchdowns, while Turner had a hand in 2,029 yards and 22 touchdowns. Combined, the two totaled 4,315 of Mountain View’s 4,529 yards of total offense last season. Senior quarterback Garrett Collingham slides over from starting receiver/backup quarterback to replace Turner. His 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and athleticism allows the Mavericks to keep a running threat at quarterback in the spread offense. And Mountain View coach Judd Benedick said his strong arm shows on

his deep-ball passes. “He doesn’t have all the experience Kai had, but he’s worked really hard knowing he’s going to be the guy,” Benedick said. “He’s put in a ton of time in the classroom, in the film Judd Benedick room, in the weight room and on the field.” Mountain View will turn to a stable of running backs in order to fill in Buss’ large shoes, each with their own speciality. Senior Chance Smith is the between-thetackles, hard-nosed runner. Benedick said junior Trey Bell may be the fastest player on the team, a trait that fits with Mountain View’s quick screens and stretch run plays. And senior Kole Goodwin owns a steady pair of hands as a receiver and poses a threat inside the tackles as well.

“Josh filled a lot of roles by himself, so it’ll take multiple guys to do a little bit of everything,” Benedick said. “We have three different kids at running back. All are really good and really capable.” A strong and experienced offensive line figures to make the transition at the skill positions easier. Mountain View returns four of five starters up front, including senior Camren Fraser, a 6-foot, 270-pound, three-year starter, senior James Alba-Reed (5-10, 230), senior James Eldredge (6-3, 270) and senior Blake Maculley (6-0, 245). “If you have a good O-line and maybe not as much experience at the skill positions, you can make up for it with that group,” Benedick said. “If you flip that and have lot of talent and experience at the skill positions, and nothing up front, you’re really going to struggle. Going in, it gives us some stability.”

CAMREN FRASER, SR., OL The 6-foot, 270-pound Fraser returns at left tackle and leads an offensive line that comes back with four of its five starters intact. The three-year starter earned second-team All-Idaho honors last year, and Benedick said it’s his aggressiveness that earned him the recognition. “He finishes his blocks really well,” Benedick said. “You don’t often see that from high school kids. He’s kind of got an ornery streak to him.” MICHAEL ALBARRAN, SR., LB The 5-10 middle linebacker comes back for his second year in the heart of Mountain View’s defense. He racked up 80 tackles and three sacks last year, and he’ll make all of the Mavericks’ defensive calls. “He’s really strong, has great mobility and a nose for the ball,” Benedick said. KALEB TURLINGTON, SR., LB The 6-foot, 200-pound senior teams with Albarran to form a formidable pair of linebackers for the Mavericks. Turlington, who recorded 46 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions last season, gives Mountain View an advantage on the outside. He’s equally adept at sticking his nose in to stop the run, dropping in coverage or blitzing off the edge.

LEO GARCIA, SR., WR/ DB The 5-foot-8, 155-pound senior will bounce around between slot receiver, split end and even line up in the backfield and receive handoffs in Nampa’s triple-option attack. Nampa coach Jon Choate said Garcia, who will also start at corner, dedicated himself over the offseason and has emerged as Nampa’s best route runner.

Today at Mountain View 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at Columbia 7 p.m. Sept. 12 vs. Caldwell 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at Vallivue 7 p.m. Sept. 26 vs. Centennial* 7 p.m. Oct. 2 vs. Rocky Mountain* 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at Timberline (at Dona Larsen)* 7 p.m. Oct. 17 vs. Capital* 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Borah (at Dona Larsen)* 7 p.m. Oct. 31 State playoffs TBD Nov. 7 State quarterfinals TBD Nov. 14 State semifinals TBD Nov. 21 State finals TBD * – 5A SIC Division 1 game

COACH: Jon Choate, third season COACH RECORD: 4-14 LAST YEAR: 3-6, 3-5 4A SIC PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 7 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 9 LEAGUE: 5A SIC Division 1 (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3.25

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Junior quarterback Kooper Wilcox will lead Nampa and its triple-option attack into the 5A classification this fall.

Nampa not buying doom and gloom in move to 5A By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

1 1984

Quarters Missed playoffs

Missed playoffs

2011 Note: All at 4A

2012

2013

Missed playoffs

2009

2010

Nampa returns to the 5A classification for the first time since 2004. And Nampa coach Jon Choate has heard all the reasons the Bulldogs are doomed. Nampa only went 3-6 last season at 4A. The program doesn’t have enough players. It’s a different level of football at 5A. Choate admits the jump to 5A has hurt participation. But he’s not buying the sky-isfalling scenario. “We’ve talked about 5A. So what? It’s still football,” Choate said. “If you look at our schedule and you take out Rocky (Mountain) and insert (Bishop Kelly), and you take out Capital and insert Skyview, it’s not that much of a difference.” Depth remains a concern. While Rocky Mountain

saw 207 players turn out for football, Nampa fielded 24 players at one fall varsity practice after a couple injuries thinned the ranks. Choate estimates the Bulldogs will only dress about Jon Choate 45 players on Friday nights. So most, if not all, players will need to play both ways. “My last year at Meridian, we were a 6-3 playoff team and had 25 kids contribute, and that’s it,” Choate said. Choate and Nampa have known the move to 5A was coming for years, and they’ve prepared. Choate reworked the Bulldogs’ pistol offense to simplify it, allowing those two-way players to spend less time learning a playbook and more time focusing on the ex-

ecution of blocks and tackles. The reworked playbook includes more focus on a tripleoption attack, which junior quarterback Kooper Wilcox will lead. Last year’s quarterback, Braydon Torres-Moore, opted to focus on baseball. Wilcox doesn’t have any varsity experience at quarterback, but Choate said his vision as a point guard on the basketball team should transition nicely. He made it clear in spring workouts he was the one to lead Nampa under center. “He’s a big-time competitor,” Choate said. “He’s never really satisfied with his performance. He’s got that experience at the varsity level — since his freshman year he’s been leading the basketball team at the point guard position. We’re trying to utilize that vision on the football field.”

ANDREW HILTON, SR., H-BACK/ILB Hilton will provide the toughness in Nampa’s pistol, triple-option attack, serving as the H-back, bouncing between the backfield and the tight end position. The 5-9, 185-pound senior will also man an inside linebacker position in the heart of Nampa’s defense. “On defense, we’re really going to lean on him to be that guy in the middle of the field,” Choate said. MASON SCHULER, SR., OL/DL Nampa made Schuler a tight end last season due to a lack of depth at the position. But with that spot locked down, the 6-5, 220-pound senior can slide down to tackle and focus on paving the way for the run game. He’ll also start at defensive end and provide a bookend in Nampa’s odd-man front line. KEENAN WILCOX, SR., TB/WR/DB At 5-8, 157 pounds, Wilcox isn’t the most imposing figure stepping off the bus. But pop in the game tape and you’ll change your mind. Choate said his extra gear and his physicality makes him stand out on film, and he’s a threat for six points any time with the ball in his hands. “We have a minimum 10-touch-agame rule for him,” Choate said. Friday, August 29, 2014

Today vs. Lake City Sept. 5 vs. Mountain View Sept. 12 vs. Meridian Sept. 19 at Eagle Sept. 26 vs. Timberline* Oct. 2 at Nampa* Oct. 10 vs. Borah* Oct. 17 at Centennial* Oct. 25 at Capital* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 5A SIC Division 1 game

DEVYN CHRISTIAN, SR., WR Rocky Mountain’s 5-foot6, 145-pound receiver hauled in 44 passes for 437 yards and turned 55 carries into 335 yards as a junior. The Grizzlies will continue to move Christian all over the field, inventing ways to get the ball in his hands. “We can put him at tailback and hand it to him 30 times a game and he can hurt you that way, or you can throw it to him deep,” Rocky Mountain coach Scott Criner said.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Scott Criner, second year COACH RECORD: 27-13 LAST YEAR: 10-2, 8-1 5A SIC PLAYOFFS: Lost 24-6 to Highland in semifinals RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 5 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 7 LEAGUE: 5A SIC Division 1 (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3.25

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Rocky Mountain plans to get creative in finding ways to get senior wide receiver Devyn Christian, above, the ball.

207 turn out to play football at Rocky Mountain By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

Semis

Quarters

Quarters Missed playoffs

2009

2010

2011

2012

Friday, August 29, 2014

2013

Rocky Mountain graduated five players who signed NCAA Division-I football scholarships off last year’s state semifinalist. But despite the loss of a talent-rich senior class, the Grizzlies look to reload instead of rebuild. Two-hundred-and-seven players began football camp this fall, giving the Grizzlies plenty of depth to fill out varsity, junior varsity and freshman teams. “If that’s not the most in the state, it’s got to be close,” Rocky Mountain coach Scott Criner said. Criner said this year’s senior class may include only two or three college players — still an enviable amount — but he said the overall program is farther along in his second year at the helm. “We have a bigger offensive line than a year ago,” Criner

said. “We’re going to be faster. And our work ethic is better because we have more buy-in in the program. Because of our cohesiveness, I like our team better than last year because of the natural progression.” Senior left Scott Criner guard Conner Vrba anchors that bigger offensive line. The 6-foot-2, 285-pound bulwark was a first-team All-Idaho member last year, and he owns an offer from Idaho. “He looks like the nicest kid when you talk to him,” Criner said. “But he plays nasty, he’s mean and he has really good feet.” Rocky Mountain graduated several playmakers from an offense that averaged 45.6 points per game last season, including quarterback Riley Bradshaw (Weber State) and

wide receiver Kekoa Nawahine (Boise State). But Jake Roper showed he’s capable of handling the running game as the No. 2 running back as a sophomore, and quarterback Christian Blaser, a transfer from Capital, adds an explosive element under center. “It’s going to be fun watching Christian,” Criner said. “He has some innate ability to make something special happen. He can do some things with the football. He can dish it like he’s running the fast break.” Criner said the Grizzlies feel like they came up short after losing to Highland in the semifinals last season, creating an “unfinished business” mindset in fall camp even with five Division-I players departed from the program. “To our kids, they were seniors,” Criner said. “To them it’s, ‘Now it’s my opportunity, and let’s go. Let’s take this further another step.’”

CONNER VRBA, SR., OL Five Rocky Mountain players signed Division-I football scholarships last season. Vrba could be the next. The 6-2, 285-pound senior earned first-team All-Idaho honors last year and has already hauled in an offer from Idaho. Criner said Stanford and BYU are also showing interest. “I thought last year he was best offensive lineman in the 5A SIC,” Criner said. JAKE ROPER, JR., RB Roper was officially a backup last season. But he saw plenty of playing time due to injuries, racking up 505 yards rushing on 79 carries, catching 12 passes for 142 yards and also serving as the Grizzlies’ quarterback in wildcat packages. The No. 1 job is all his now, and his speed adds another weapon to a dangerous Rocky Mountain attack. AUSTIN CARLSON, SR., OT The 285-pound Carlson started at nose guard last season for Rocky Mountain. But his toughness and road-grading mentality on the defensive line convinced Rocky Mountain coaches to switch him to left tackle, where he doesn’t have to worry about finesse moves and can focus on burying opponents into the turf. Criner thinks the switch can draw college recruiters.

Today at Caldwell Sept. 5 vs. Bishop Kelly Sept. 12 at Kuna Sept. 19 vs. Nampa Sept. 26 vs. Mountain View* Oct. 2 vs. Columbia* Oct. 10 at Eagle* Oct. 16 at Boise (at Dona Larsen)* Oct. 24 vs. Meridian* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 5A SIC Division 2 game

ATIAI MATAAFA, SR., OL/NT Mataafa arrived at Vallivue midway through last season and has dominated opponents since with his imposing frame and mix of athleticism. The 6-foot-3, Hawaiian-born right tackle dropped 30 pounds to reach 320, and he’s drawn visits this summer from Wyoming and Idaho. “He’s is the most powerful kid I’ve ever coached,” Vallivue coach Layne Coffin said.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Layne Coffin, ninth season COACH RECORD: 38-38 (at Vallivue) LAST YEAR: 3-7, 2-7 5A SIC PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 1 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 1 LEAGUE: 5A SIC Division 2 (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3.25

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Vallivue senior offensive lineman Atiai Mataafa rips a move on a blocking dummy during a practice at Vallivue High.

Vallivue looking to turn close loses into victories By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

2 1979

1999

Quarters Missed playoffs

2009

2010

Missed playoffs

2011

2012

2013

Three minutes. That’s all that separated Vallivue from a potential playoff berth last season. The Falcons lost three games in the final minute in 2013 — 39-34 to Centennial, 36-30 vs. Timberline and 47-43 against Meridian — turning a potential 6-4 season into a 3-7 campaign. But behind a beefy offensive line, Vallivue plans to turn those close losses into victories this season. The Falcons return just one starter along its offensive front, Kyle Grant at 6-foot-1, 265 pounds. But it owns the size to compete with anyone between Atiai Mataafa (6-3, 320) and tight end Jake Cornforth (6-4, 215). The other projected starters at the beginning of camp dent the scales at 305, 280 and 235

pounds, allowing the Falcons to build from the inside out. “It is the key for us,” Vallivue coach Layne Coffin said. “We’re going to run the ball, and then come off it with play action. If we can Layne Coffin run ball, you’ve got to come up. The difference is we’ve got speed on the outside this year.” Junior quarterback Lane Lehman will direct the attack after starting two games last season. Layne Lafollette, the Falcons starting quarterback the past two seasons, moves to wide receiver. “He is quite a competitor, pretty calm,” Coffin said of Lehman. “The kid has got a heck of an arm, and he’s pretty darn accurate.” Coffin said Lehman has a strong cast of receivers to

throw to, including Jaden Pattis, Regan Sonderman, Jeremiah Wheeler and sophomore Kade Linder. The Falcons should see drastic improvement after spending the offseason focused on their passing attack, Coffin said. “The past couple years, we haven’t really focused on the passing game,” Coffin said. “We’ve spent a lot of time this summer running routes.” Vallivue’s size also transitions to the defense, where Esai Longoria (6-2, 280) and Cornforth lock down the defensive end spots. Mataafa will rotate in at nose tackle with senior Robert Schuler, and Drue Johnson (6-6, 235) mans a hybrid defensive end/ defensive tackle position, allowing the Falcons to build from the inside out on defense too. “We’re not trying to hide anybody this year,” Coffin said.

ESAI LONGORIA, JR., DE A hamstring injury forced Longoria to sit out the first six games last season. But in four games, the then-sophomore racked up racked up 3.5 sacks and earned second-team all-conference honors. The 6-2, 280-pound junior has drawn an offer from Washington for baseball, but Coffin thinks he could have a future on the gridiron. “I think he is one of the best players in the state,” Coffin said. “He’s young, but he’s amazing.” JAKE CORNFORTH, SR., TE/DE Vallivue plans to start a different player at nearly all 22 positions. The only exception? Cornforth. The 6-4, 215-pound senior moves from tackle to tight end on offense where the Falcons see him locking down one of the most important positions in their I-formation attack. He’ll team with Longoria to form a pair of imposing defensive ends. KYLE GRANT, SR., OL The 6-1, 265-pound Grant moves from left tackle to left guard and will lead the Falcons’ strength, their offensive line. He earned second-team all-conference honors last year, and Coffin raved about his toughness. “He’s just a kid you want to be in a fight with,” Coffin said. “You want him on your side.” Friday, August 29, 2014

Saturday at Bishop Monogue (Reno, Nev.) Sept. 5 at Vallivue Sept. 12 vs. Timberline Sept. 19 vs. Borah Sept. 26 vs. Mountain Home* Oct. 3 at Caldwell* Oct. 10 vs. Kuna* Oct. 16 at Middleton* Oct. 25 vs. Skyview* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 4A SIC game

TYLER ALLUMBAUGH, SR., QB/DB Allumbaugh broke out for a monster game in last year’s 4A state championship, hauling in four catches for 147 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Knights past Skyview. But with the graduation of Bowen Ogata, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior moves from backup QB to the starter. He comes with some experience, leading the Knights under center in a 56-0 win at Mountain Home last year.

1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Tim Brennan, 19th season COACH RECORD: 150-41 (at BK) LAST YEAR: 12-0, 8-0 4A SIC PLAYOFFS: Beat Skyview 42-34 for 4A state title RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 1 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 3 LEAGUE: 4A SIC (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Bishop Kelly linebacker Vincent Galindo returns after garnering second-team All-Idaho honors last season.

Knights reload after undefeated 2013 campaign By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

1994

2004

2005

2013

2010

Title

Playoffs

Playoffs Missed playoffs

2009

2010

2011

2012

Friday, August 29, 2014

2013

The Knights steamrolled their way to an undefeated season and fifth state title in school history last year, finding challenges only from Century and Skyview. But graduation hit Bishop Kelly hard, robbing it of 19 seniors and starters at 17 of 22 positions. So Bishop Kelly coach Tim Brennan is looking for growth during the Knights’ nonconference schedule early in the season. “We’re going to have to gain some experience early,” Brennan said. “We go to Nevada, then we play Vallivue, Timberline and Borah, three 5A schools. So we’re going to have to grow up fast.” One position the Knights won’t have to worry about is linebacker, where Vincent Galindo returns at inside linebacker after a junior

campaign that saw him earn first-team all-conference and secondteam All-Idaho honors. The sideline-to-sideline linebacker will make the defensive calls and lends a steady hand to a Tim Brennan young team. At outside linebacker, Robbie Rebholtz fills one returning position, and cornerback Conner Charles slides over from the No. 2 position to draw the opponents’ top receiver. Wide receiver Tyler Allumbaugh moves to quarterback, but the list of returners stops there. So Brennan said the Knights focused on conditioning in training camp in order to prepare a few players for playing both ways. “We won’t have the depth we had last year at some posi-

tions,” Brennan said. “Some kids are going to be playing a lot of minutes. But that’s what they want to do. They don’t want to leave the field.” Allumbaugh leads the offense and gives Bishop Kelly a more elusive option at quarterback. Bishop Kelly will call some designed runs for Allumbaugh, who started one game last year at Mountain Home with Bowen Ogata injured. But Brennan said he’s at his most dangerous when a play breaks down. “He’s a very good athlete, he’s competitive and he makes plays,” Brennan said. “He gives us something different than what we’ve had the last two years in a sense that he can make something out of nothing. He can run the ball real well, and he has a good enough arm to make the throws he needs to make.”

VINCENT GALINDO, SR., FB/LB Galindo (6-3, 195) returns to man one of Bishop Kelly’s two inside linebacker positions. He teamed with 4A SIC Defensive Player of the Year Cole Oliver last season to form a dominant duo. Now the first-team all-conference, second-team All-Idaho linebacker inherits the duties of calling the defense and making adjustments at the line of scrimmage. He’ll also see some carries at fullback. ROBBIE REBHOLTZ, SR., TE/OLB Teamed with Galindo, Rebholtz provides Bishop Kelly a strong linebacking corps to build around. Bishop Kelly coach Tim Brennan called the 6-4, 190-pound senior a disciplined football player who flat out knows how to tackle. “He’s one of those kids that knows how to make form tackles without teaching him,” Brennan said. “He’s always in good position.” CONNER CHARLES, SR., WR/DB Charles manned the No. 2 cornerback position for the Knights last year. But he’ll slide over to No. 1 this fall and draw all the tough matchups around the 4A SIC. With his technical skill, his ability to read offenses and his football IQ, the 6-1, 165-pound corner should help the Knights lock down one side of the field.

Today vs. Vallivue Sept. 5 vs. Weiser Sept. 12 at Nampa Sept. 19 vs. Payette Sept. 26 at Kuna* Oct. 3 vs. Bishop Kelly* Oct. 10 at Middleton* Oct. 17 at Skyview* Oct. 24 vs. Mountain Home* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 4A SIC game

MAX WEITZ, SR., WR/CB The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Weitz has already proven himself as a corner. But Caldwell is looking to transfer his mix of athleticism and playmaking abilities to the offensive side at wide receiver. He rotated in at wide receiver last year, but Caldwell coach Zach McGee is looking for him to shine this season. “He’s got some speed and athleticism to beat guys on the outside,” McGee said, “which we’ve been looking for for quite some time.”

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Zach McGee, fourth season COACH RECORD: 7-20 LAST YEAR: 2-7, 2-6 4A SIC PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 4 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 5 LEAGUE: 4A SIC (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Caldwell fullback/middle linebacker Victor Elias is one member of a strong junior class for the Cougars.

Loaded junior class lifts Caldwell’s hopes for ’14 By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

Missed Missed Missed playoffs* playoffs* playoffs

2009

2010

Missed playoffs

2012

2013

2011

* — Competed at 5A

Caldwell coach Zach McGee believes his program made strides last season. But with a loaded 4A SIC in 2013, the results didn’t show in the win-loss column, as the Cougars posted their eighth straight losing season and missed the playoffs for the eighth year in a row. But with a loaded junior class coming into the program, Caldwell looks to snap both of those streaks. Forty-two sophomores filled the program last year, and McGee figures 30 or so will play their junior year. He saw a talented group enter the school as freshmen and opted to keep it together, letting it learn to win on the freshman team, then on junior varsity. Mixed in with seven to 10 seniors, McGee feels his junior class is ready to change the

dynamic around the Caldwell football program. “My junior class is going to be determinate if we win or lose,” McGee said. “If those guys can transfer from JV to Zach McGee varsity, we can do something. If not, we’re going to take some lumps and we’re going to be dynamite next year.” Caldwell took its largest stride last year in the evolution of its passing offense. A new pistol formation resulted in 956 passing yards, as opposed to approximately 400 the year before. The passing attack figures to take another step forward behind junior quarterback Austin Van Horne. He saw a little playing time last year on the varsity team in designed packages. But McGee wanted

to keep him with his classmates to continue developing their relationship and their winning attitude. Senior wide receiver Max Weitz looms as Van Horne’s No. 1 target, and McGee said he gives the Cougars a dynamic threat on the outside for the first time in years. The defense will need some tweaking after surrendering 35.9 points per game last year. But if Caldwell’s juniors can adjust to varsity game speed, that number ought to come down and allow them to threaten for a playoff berth. “They’ve played with each other. They know the nuisance of playing with a guy,” McGee said of his junior class. “Theirs is a class that can do things and change things. We’re riding a lot on that class to continue to stay together and do the things they’ve been doing.”

AUSTIN VAN HORNE, JR., QB/S Van Horne leads a talented group of juniors flowing into the Caldwell program. The Cougars worked him into a few roles last year, and he turned 15 carries into 135 yards and four touchdowns. But they wanted to keep him with his classmates, and now they plan to release him, his speed and his strong arm on the 4A Southern Idaho Conference. CHANCE NALL, SR., OLB/FB Nall returns as the Cougars’ starting outside linebacker and as one of the leaders of a small senior class. He owns two years of varsity experience and while he doesn’t bring a ton of flash, he provides solid and steady production at Caldwell’s “cat-backer” position and quiet leadership. VICTOR ELIAS, JR., FB/ MLB Elias will anchor the heart of Caldwell’s defense. His toughness and runthrough-a-wall attitude play well there. But they’ll really carry over onto offense where he’ll team with senior David Sio at fullback in the Cougars’ pistol offense. His quick feet, soft hands and ability to shake defenders make him a dangerous option coming out of the backfield. Friday, August 29, 2014

Today vs. Emmett Sept. 4 at Borah (at Dona Larsen) Sept. 12 vs. Vallivue Sept. 19 at Meridian Sept. 26 vs. Caldwell* Oct. 3 at Skyview* Oct. 10 at Bishop Kelly* Oct. 17 vs. Mountain Home* Oct. 24 vs. Middleton* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 4A SIC game

JAKE JOHNSON, JR., WR/FS The 6-foot-6, 200-pound receiver’s ability to go up and pull in passes makes him a weapon that demands help. But the Kavemen want to stress defenses into finding him first before cheating his way. “To make sure teams are honest, we’re going to move him around, get in him in the slot, move him into the backfield, put him at tight end and make sure they can’t find him easily,” Kuna coach Ian Smart said.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Ian Smart, first year COACH RECORD: 0-0 LAST YEAR: 7-3, 6-2 4A SIC PLAYOFFS: Lost 49-6 to Bishop Kelly in first round RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 5 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 4 LEAGUE: 4A SIC (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3

Loren Orr for the Idaho Press-Tribune

Kuna junior quarterback Ben Ruwe (8) returns for his second year leading the Kavemen’s attack.

Kuna trying to maintain momentum under Smart By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

1 1991

Quarters Missed playoffs

Missed playoffs

2009

2010

2011

2012

Friday, August 29, 2014

2013

Kuna made history last season, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2007 in Lee Leslie’s second year leading the program. Leslie left in the offseason for Hawaiian power Kahuku High, but former Boise State defensive lineman Ian Smart moves up from defensive coordinator to head coach to keep continuity in the program. Smart returns five starters on offense and four more on defense as he looks to continue the momentum Kuna built in the past two years. “The program as a whole is starting to buy in,” Smart said. “We have people in the community, on our coaching staff and in our school that have been a part of Kuna for a long time. For the last eight years it’s been, as one of the coaches stated, ‘a dark time.’

But in the last two years out at Kuna, we’re trying to develop an attitude that we can compete with anybody.” Graduation took away Kuna’s most explosive offensive weapon, Ian Smart Spencer Trautman, a twotime selection as a first-team all-conference running back. But Kuna still returns plenty of firepower. Six-foot-6, 200-pound receiver Jake Johnson poses a matchup nightmare on the outside. And Smart said Kuna will move him all around the field to find even more favorable matchups. “He reminds me a lot of (former Boise State receiver) Austin Pettis in the way he goes and gets the ball,” Smart said. “He will make incredible plays on both sides of the

ball.” Johnson won’t have to worry about who’ll get him the ball as Kuna also returns its quarterback, Ben Ruwe, after he finished on the second team in all-conference voting. Smart said he’s adjusting the playbook, adding more formations in an effort to disguise their attack and outflank their opponents. A returning quarterback aids in that effort. Smart also said he’s tweaking the defense he ran last year. Leslie preferred to let his defensive backs play contain. But Smart wants to turn the group of Johnson, Camden Six, Mikhail Kid and Jameson Tolbert — all of whom started last year — loose to wreak havoc and create more big plays. “We want to make sure no quarterback is comfortable seeing what we’ve got,” Smart said. “We’re going to be diverse.”

BEN RUWE, JR., QB Ruwe directed Kuna to its first playoff appearance since 2007 as a sophomore, earning secondteam all-conference honors in the process. He still has two years left of varsity football, and Smart said he hasn’t rested on his laurels. “This year, he’s really worked his tail off in the weight room to get his arm strength up, and it shows on the deep balls,” Smart said. “To be able to take the shell off defenses is a big, big help for us.” JONAH MINNICK, SR., OL/DL The 6-2, 280-pound Minnick will line up alongside his fraternal twin brother, Elijah, at left tackle. The two make an imposing left side of the line. And Smart, a former Boise State defensive lineman, said he appreciates Minnick’s nastiness in the trenches. CAMDEN SIX, SR., CB Six will lead the charge in a revived secondary that Smart said will take chances to make plays. Six figures to make plenty of them as a shutdown corner that emerged over the offseason. And Smart said he’s embraced the new playmaking defense and is willing to stick his nose in to set the edge to stop runs.

Today vs. Fruitland Sept. 5 vs. Emmett Sept. 12 at Columbia Sept. 18 at Timberline (Dona Larsen) Sept. 26 at Skyview* Oct. 3 at Mountain Home* Oct. 10 vs. Caldwell* Oct. 16 vs. Bishop Kelly* Oct. 24 at Kuna* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 4A SIC game

HAYDEN BENNETT, SR., QB The 5-foot-11, 175pound Bennett got his feet wet last season and led Middleton’s push to develop its passing game, throwing for 772 yards and six touchdowns. With a year under his belt, Middleton’s aerial attack poses an even greater threat. “The difference between him at this point last year and now is night and day,” Middleton coach Bill Brock said.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Bill Brock, 15th season COACH RECORD: 183-83 LAST YEAR: 2-7, 2-6 4A SIC PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 7 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 4 LEAGUE: 4A SIC (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Middleton senior quarterback Hayden Bennett, left, hands the ball off to junior running back Caleb Harrel during a fall practice at Middleton High.

Limiting turnovers key to bounce back year for Vikes By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

Finals

Quarters Quarters Missed playoffs

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

After reaching the state finals two years in a row, Middleton hit a bump in 2013, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Middleton coach Bill Brock points to a singular cause to last year’s struggles: Turnovers. “It’s pretty simple for me,” Brock said. “We’ve got to limit the turnovers. That didn’t do us any favors. We were in games and battling away, and a turnover here and there, and it gets away from you. “Ball security is something we talk about all the time. Hopefully, last year was just an outlier in that regard. We’ve always done a good job in taking care of the football.” Brock’s vaunted double wing returns in his 15th season at Middleton after dropping to 17 points per

game. The Vikings have to find a way to replace graduated Jake Skinner’s production. He rushed for 895 yards and seven touchdowns while throwing for 464 yards Bill Brock and four touchdowns in a hybrid running back/quarterback role. Caleb Harrel returns after a sophomore campaign as a starting running back. Harrel, senior Nick Cordell and sophomore Jade Coones will battle for Skinner’s carries. And senior quarterback Hayden Bennett returns as Middleton’s traditional double-wing quarterback. Brock added a few wrinkles last year to take advantage of Bennett’s arm and force defenses to respect Middleton through the air. Another year should give

defenses even more reasons to keep a defender deep for help. “He’s playing much faster,” Brock said. “He seems to be in command of what we’re doing. At this point last year, he was still learning how to be a varsity football player. He’s got that part down good.” Middleton also broke in a new defensive scheme last year, compounding its offensive struggles with a stilllearning defense. Brock said the Vikings have made a lot of strides mentally on the defense, which should translate to Friday nights. “We have a lot of work to do, but I think the kids understand their roles and how they fit into it much better than at this time last year,” Brock said. “I felt we progressed as the year went along, and, hopefully, we pick up where we left off last year.”

JOSEPH KERSHAW, SR., OL The 5-11, 190-pound senior enters his second year as a starting guard. In addition to the mental acumen he accrued last season, Brock said Kershaw has developed physically. He’ll also take some snaps on the defensive line. “He doesn’t take a rep off,” Brock said. “He’ll go full speed on everything he’s doing, whether it’s an everyday drill or a game situation.” CALEB HARREL, JR., RB/DB Harrel started both ways for Middleton as a sophomore last season — at running back and at corner. He, along with senior Nick Cordell and sophomore Jade Coones, will vie to fill take over the carries of graduated Jake Skinner, who shouldered the bulk of Middleton’s rushing attack in 2013. PIERCE SCOTT, SR., TE Few positions are more important, and unheralded, in the double wing than the tight end. Middleton won’t have to worry about one side of the line with the 6-6, 240pound Scott sealing the edge for the Vikings’ sweeps. “He does a great job working in tandem with the tackle and with the wing,” Brock said. “He’s a tall kid, but he understands leverage and how to get in position.” Friday, August 29, 2014

Saturday vs. Mojave, Nev. (at Idaho State) Sept. 5 vs. Post Falls Sept. 13 at Madison Sept. 19 at Emmett Sept. 26 vs. Middleton* Oct. 3 vs. Kuna* Oct. 10 at Mountain Home* Oct. 17 vs. Caldwell* Oct. 25 at Bishop Kelly* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 4A SIC game

HOLTON HYDE, SR., QB The 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior manned a slot receiver position for the Hawks last year, hauling in 47 catches for 607 yards and eight touchdowns. But that was just a temporary move for Hyde, a natural quarterback. He doesn’t possess the raw athletic skills of 2013 quarterback Anthony Marin, the 4A All-Idaho Player of the Year. But he’s bigger, stronger and deceptively agile.

1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: David Young, 12th season COACH RECORD: 60-50 LAST YEAR: 10-2, 7-1 4A SIC PLAYOFFS: Lost 42-34 to Bishop Kelly in 4A finals RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 5 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 4 LEAGUE: 4A SIC (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 3

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Skyview senior offensive lineman Holden Montgomery plants the Hawks’ flag into their field on the first day of practice.

Young: Hawks will lean on experienced O-line By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

Finals

Semis

Quarters Missed playoffs

2009

2010

2011

2012

Friday, August 29, 2014

2013

Skyview broke through last season and reached its first 4A state title game in school history. Graduation robbed the Hawks of their all-time leading passer and four firstteam All-Idaho members. But with a program that keeps growing, Skyview coach David Young expects the Hawks to still compete for a conference title and a fifth-straight playoff berth. “We don’t expect to skip a beat,” Young said. “We expect to be the Skyview Hawks from last year. Different kids will be leading way. But we’ll be right in the thick of it again.” Young said graduation delivered a hit to Skyview’s athleticism and skill positions. But the Hawks will be bigger and stronger in 2014. His offensive line is the

primary reason. Skyview returns four starting linemen — senior Holden Montgomery (5-foot-11, 250 pounds), senior Garrett Douglass (6-2, 210), senior Justin Harrison (6-1, David Young 210) and senior Chase Ashworth (6-3, 235) — who paved the way for an offense that averaged 44 points and 476.9 yards per game last season. “Last year, I would dare say our skill guys made the offensive line look better,” Young said. “This year, it’s going to be vice versa. We’ve got to break in so many guys, but the O-line is going to give them a little more time.” Rounding out the line is Chance Salutregui, a 6-4, 235-pound transfer from Ontario, Oregon. He’ll play two

ways and start at defensive end, where he’s drawn college interest. Ashworth and Douglass will also start both ways. “He really completes us,” Young said of Salutregui. “Our offensive line in summer camp was tremendous. They have the potential to be the best offensive line in my 12 years at Skyview.” Senior Holton Hyde moves back to his natural position at quarterback, where he’ll try to replace Anthony Marin, the 4A All-Idaho Player of the Year and the school’s record holder for single-season passing yards and touchdowns, as well as career passing yards and touchdowns. Young said Skyview won’t need to change its playbook after Marin left. But with a bigger, stronger offensive line in front of him, Hyde won’t need to scramble as much as Marin did.

KODY GRAVES, SR., RB/ WR/LB The 6-2, 210-pound linebacker drew an offer from Idaho State based off his junior campaign (6.3 tackles per game, 10 tackles-for-loss, 2 sacks). He moves from inside linebacker to outside linebacker this year, and he’ll also morph into a slot receiver/running back on offense. “I think he could be in the running for defensive conference player of the year and still be superb on the offensive side of the ball,” Skyview coach David Young said. “He could see more offers come in when they see what kind of an athlete he is.” CODY GHIGHINA, JR., RB The 5-9, 190-pound junior steps in for firstteam All-Idaho running back Jaxon Pryor. But he brings more of a homerun threat to the Skyview offense. He can drive coaches mad with his side-to-side running. But he can also break nearly any run. “The kid is capable of having some 300-yard games,” Young said. JOSH RUDDER, SR., WR/DB Rudder missed half of last year with a broken collarbone. But he healed in time to help the Hawks make their first run to the state championship game. Now, Skyview is asking its big-play defensive back to translate those skills to the offensive side, where it could use some of jaw-dropping, play-making abilities.

Today at Kuna Sept. 5 at Middleton Sept. 12 vs. Canyon Ridge Sept. 19 vs. Skyview Sept. 26 vs. Parma* Oct. 2 vs. Payette* Oct. 10 at Homedale* Oct. 17 vs. Fruitland* Oct. 24 at Weiser* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 3A SRV game

DANIEL HECK, SR., OL/DL The 6-foot-2, 263-pound senior has already drawn an offer from Idaho State. Heck starts at both left tackle and a defensive tackle. But it’s on defense where he’s excited college recruiters. “He’s the most technical guy we’ve had,” Emmett coach Mike Schroeder said. “He’s very fundamental. He does a great job in his gap fits, and he squeezes right in. He can feel pressure and fights pressure well. And his mobility is exceptional for his size.”

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Mike Schroeder, third season COACH RECORD: 109-61-1 LAST YEAR: 6-3, 5-3 4A SIC PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 3 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 5 LEAGUE: 3A SRV (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 5

Ken Levy for the Idaho Press-Tribune

Junior Mason Farnsworth looks for running room during a varsity-junior varsity scrimmage Aug. 16 at Emmett High.

Emmett’s 18-year playoff drought may end at 3A By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

Missed playoffs

2009

2010

2011 Note: All at 4A

2012

2013

Emmett was poised for a breakout season as it moved down to the 3A classification this season. But its campaign absorbed a major blow long before the season even started. Wyatt Smith, a two-year starter and a first-team All-4A Southern Idaho Conference selection last year, broke his neck during the first week of summer. He landed wrong while going down a slip ’n slide and broke three vertebrae. The loss still stings. But Smith has recovered, regained movement in the left side of his body and is helping coach the Huskies this fall while going through rehab. “Due to his athletic ability and his strength and power, he’s made a great recovery,” Emmett coach Mike Schroeder said. “His surgery was

extremely successful. He’s been walking around practice and helping coach.” The loss of Smith hurts the program. But Emmett still returns a loaded squad capable Mike Schroeder of challenging in its first year back in 3A. Senior offensive and defensive lineman Daniel Heck owns an offer from Idaho State. Senior tight end and defensive end/outside linebacker Luke Hyde earned second-team All-Idaho honors last year at 4A and is drawing interest from Division-I schools. And despite Smith’s injury, the Huskies should still prove loaded in the backfield. Junior Mason Farnsworth moves back from fullback to tailback, where he can showcase more of his speed and

big-play ability. And 5-foot-11, 225-pound sophomore Collin McGinley takes over at fullback after seeing varsity playing time the last couple games last year as a freshman. McGinley will also start at middle linebacker, where Schroeder likes his front seven and run defense. He’ll team with two-year starter Jeremy Walker at linebacker, and Heck, Hyde and Hayden Clayton (6-2, 230) return as starters on the defensive line. Schroeder knows Emmett’s drop to 3A has brought expectations that the Huskies will compete for a state title right away. But he points out Emmett hasn’t qualified for the playoffs in 18 years. “I know people are putting the cart in front of the horse and making us a state title contender,” he said. “But I don’t know about that until we beat somebody that we’re not supposed to beat.”

LUKE HYDE, SR., TE/DE/OLB The 6-3, 216-pound Hyde gives Emmett a second recruit that has colleges wearing out a path to Emmett. Schroeder said several Division-I programs have shown interest in his outside linebacker/defensive end, projecting his length and build will fill out even more for the college game. “He’s a great edge player,” Schroeder said. “Fundamentally sound, very smart, very instinctive.”

COLLIN MCGINLEY, SO., FB/LB Emmett called up McGinley to the varsity team as a freshman at the end of the season last year, something Schroeder said he’s done only once before in his coaching career. The 5-11, 225-pound sophomore will start at middle linebacker and also fullback for the Huskies. “We just have no choice to continue to ride him like a mule,” Schroeder said.

MASON FARNSWORTH, JR., RB/DB Farnsworth started at fullback last season. But with the injury to Wyatt Smith, the 5-9, 190-pound junior will switch to tailback. He proved himself last year as a lead blocker, and Schroeder said he’ll emerge as dynamic weapon this fall. “He’s a guy you’d want as a tailback in any program,” Schroeder said. “He’s very consistent and can break one and get to the end zone.” Friday, August 29, 2014

Today Bye Sept. 5 vs. Nampa Christian Sept. 12 at Vale, Ore. Sept. 19 vs. Marsing Sept. 26 at Weiser* Oct. 3 vs. Fruitland* Oct. 10 vs. Emmett* Oct. 17 at Parma* Oct. 24 vs. Payette* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 3A SRV game

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Matt Holtry, sixth season COACH RECORD: 25-20 LAST YEAR: 9-2, 4-0 3A SRV PLAYOFFS: Lost 30-29 to Fruitland in state semis RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 6 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 6 LEAGUE: 3A SRV (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 5

1981

1982

1986

1987

1991

1992

1997

Semis

2009

Playoffs

Missed playoffs

2010

2011

Holtry: Trojans not satisfied with league crowns sports@idahopress.com

1977

Missed playoffs

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Homedale junior quarterback Lawsen Matteson, left, earned first-team All-Idaho honors last season as a sophomore.

By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA

Playoffs

LAWSEN MATTESON, JR., QB The reigning first-team All-Idaho quarterback returns. And he’s just entering his junior year. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Matteson threw for 2,328 yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 picks in leading the Trojans to the state semifinals. But it was his 63.1 completion percentage that convinced Homedale coach Matt Holtry to rework his play calling, letting him throw 36 times in the 2013 opener vs. Caldwell. “As staff, we weren’t sure that’s what we wanted to do,” Holtry said. “But he gives you that confidence.”

2012

Friday, August 29, 2014

2013

Homedale broke through in 2013, claiming the 3A Snake River Valley Conference title for the first time in school history, winning its first playoff game in 10 years and reaching the state semifinals for the first time since 2003. But Homedale coach Matt Holtry knows the Trojans haven’t accomplished anything yet. He said he took the job in Homedale because of its championship history (eight state titles) and the expectations of more to come. And those still loom. “The parents and the families in the community know all about the glory days and still talk about it,” Holtry said. “We haven’t accomplished those expectations yet, so we’re still building toward that.” Last year represented at

least a strong foundation, and Holtry sees the Trojans contending again. Homedale lost 18 seniors to graduation. But it also returns six starters on both sides of the ball, and its JV Matt Holtry program won the conference title for the first time in nine years, showing they too can compete with the Fruitlands of the league. Junior quarterback Lawsen Matteson leads the offense after throwing for 2,328 yards and 31 touchdowns as a sophomore, earning him first-team All-Idaho honors. Homedale loses a pair of first-team allstate receivers — the 6-foot-5 Lane Sale and the 6-3 Talon Freelove. But with the Trojans’ entire backfield returning and senior Brady Brown and sophomore twins Connor and

Garrett Carter on the outside, Holtry still sees his passing attack as lethal, especially off play action. “A lot of people are going to make that assumption because we lost two all-state wide receivers we’re not going to be able to throw the ball,” Holtry said. “I think they’re going to be surprised. This summer, we’re as far as long, if not father, in our passing game. So they’re in for a rude awakening.” A concern looms up front as Homedale loses four starting offensive linemen. Senior Bo Pickett comes back for his third year at center fresh off a junior year that earned him first-team all-conference honors. Seniors Amos Aguilera (6-1, 215 pounds) and Blake Patton (6-2, 205) figure to plug two of those holes. But the other two positions remained open at the start of fall camp.

DAYNE JACOBS, SR., TE/LB Jacobs enters his third year as a starter. He began as a safety in 2012, then moved to linebacker as he bulked up and now stands at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds. The middle linebacker missed eight games last year with a broken bone in his foot. Now, he’s looking to make up for lost time.

BO PICKETT, SR., OL/DL Pickett lines up on top of the ball for the third straight year as Homedale’s center. And the 6-1, 195-pound, second-team All-Idaho member gives the Trojans a needed steady influence on an offensive line breaking in four new starters. Holtry raved about Pickett’s football IQ, calling out and adjusting blocking schemes at the line. He’ll also return as a starter at defensive end.

JOSH TOLMIE, JR., RB/DB The 6-foot, 175-pound Tolmie leads a Homedale backfield that returns completely intact. He led the Trojans with 970 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns during his sophomore campaign. This marks his third year of varsity experience after seeing playing time as a freshman. And Holtry said he’s faster than ever.

Today vs. Marsing Sept. 5 at Vale, Ore. Sept. 12 at Nampa Christian Sept. 19 Bye Sept. 26 at Emmett* Oct. 3 vs. Weiser* Oct. 10 at Payette* Oct. 17 vs. Homedale* Oct. 24 at Fruitland* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 3A SRV game

KADE WALGAMOTT, SR., TE/LB The 5-foot-11, 200-pound senior racked up more than 100 tackles last season on his way to second-team all-conference honors. Growing up on the sideline as a coach’s son has honed Walgamott’s instincts and his ability to read opposing offenses. “In fifth and sixth grade, he basically told his coaches what they needed to do,” Parma coach Jake Walgamott said. “And for the most part, he was right.”

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Jake Walgamott, first season COACH RECORD: 2-7 LAST YEAR: 3-6, 2-2 3A SRV PLAYOFFS: Lost 42-14 to Gooding in first round RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 6 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 8 LEAGUE: 3A SRV (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 5

Greg Kreller/IPT

Parma junior Jimmy Dawson will lead the Panthers as they switch to an I-formation attack this fall.

Parma searching for first playoff win as 3A school By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

3 1996

2008

2009

Title*

Playoffs

Missed playoffs

2009

2010

2011 2012 * — Competed at 2A

2013

Former defensive coordinator Jake Walgamott takes over the Parma program this fall, and he’s bringing some changes. Gone is the double-wing offense the Panthers relied on. In is an I-formation attack that Walgamott, an assistant at Parma the past four years and the former Marsing head coach, hopes will allow Parma to strike more balance. Any change away from the double wing comes with growing pains as players have to relearn how to throw and catch. But Walgamott said the Panthers picked it up after a slow start. “The kids are embracing it,” Walgamott said. “They’re having lots of fun. With the double wing, it was just line up and pound things. Now, we have to make sure our

splits are good, they have their angles and they’re letting backs hit the holes. It’s all about changing the depth and timing. We went to the Eastern Oregon camp, and by end of Jake that, we were Walgamott running the ball well.” Junior running back Jimmy Dawson figures to receive plenty of carries in the new I-formation attack. He took more than half of the team’s carries last season and broke the 800-yard mark before a broken collarbone kept him out of the Panthers’ first-round playoff loss. Walgamott likes his group of linemen, which he thinks is deep enough for no one to start both ways. But a prime reason for the offensive change is senior quarterback

Aaron Hazeltine. He’s started since midway through his sophomore year, but he never had the chance to show off his arm. He will now. “I want to see what he can do,” Walgamott said. “His intelligence is amazing. He’s really stepped up and taken over.” Parma dominated at the 2A level, winning back-toback titles before moving up to 3A. The Panthers haven’t won a playoff game since. That’s a streak Walgamott sees ending this fall. “I think this is going to be our year to change things,” he said. “We’re just changing our mindset. We got into 3A and were 15 kids over the cutoff. We were intimidated. We’ve been there for (four) years. We’ve realized it’s not going to change, and this is what it is. “We may be the smallest school. But the other team still has to play 11 guys.”

COLTON STELL, SR., OL/DL The 6-3, 270-pound senior barely left the field last season, earning second-team allconference honors on both the offensive and defensive lines. Walgamott said he’s one of Parma’s best blockers. But he hopes to limit his snaps on offense to allow him to go all out at defensive end, where he tallied six tackles-for-loss last year. “When he gets his motor turned on and decides to go, he’s unstoppable,” Walgamott said.

OSCAR CAMACHO, SR., OL/DL The 5-10, 250-pound senior took fifth last year at the 3A state wrestling tournament in the heavyweight division. And Walgamott said he plays like a wrestler. He shined in camp this summer on the offensive line, and he’ll team with Stell as the weakside defensive end for pair of imposing bookends.

JIMMY DAWSON, JR., RB/LB Dawson took more than half of the carries and topped 800 yards last year as the feature back in Parma’s double-wing offense. Parma shifts to an I formation this season, allowing the Panthers to feature its 5-11, 190-pound junior more and spread the field. “He reads the holes really well, he can make cuts and he’s hard to tackle,” Walgamott said. Friday, August 29, 2014

By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA mlycklama@idahopress.com

FRUITLAND GRIZZLIES COACH: Ryan Tracy, second season COACH RECORD: 10-2 LAST YEAR: 10-2, 3-1 3A SRV PLAYOFFS: Lost 17-14 to Shelley in 3A finals RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 4 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 3

Fruitland ended 2013 with its eighth straight trip to the 3A state championship. But the Grizzlies found a new road there, winning three playoffs games on the road and overcoming injuries and transfers out of Fruitland along the way. The aura dimmed a bit on the Fruitland program, which lost its first league game last fall since 2009. But Fruitland coach Ryan Tracy believes that path forged the Grizzlies in his first year, and he’s looking to reap the benefits this fall. Fruitland builds around offensive lineman and Boise State commit Garrett Larson, a 6-foot-4, 275-pound senior that has started every game of his high school career thus far. Tracy said he’ll also start at defensive tackle, lining up on whichever side Fruitland believes the opponent will run the ball. “He has a lot of games under his belt and has grown tremendously through the years,” Tracy said. “I’m really excited to see what he does this year as a senior.” Add in senior Christion Ketchu, and the Grizzlies should continue to dominate teams up front. Senior quarterback Jerred Seamons returns under center after a strong junior campaign that saw him take the reins of the Fruitland playbook. Tracy said he often comes to the sideline with insights his coaches missed. And Ryan Phillips and Patrick Murphy figure to carry the bulk of Fruitland’s ever-powerful rushing attack.

PAYETTE PIRATES COACH: Troy Gleave, 11th season COACH RECORD: 33-56 LAST YEAR: 1-7, 0-4 3A SRV PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 5 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 6

Payette struggled last season, going 1-7 and 0-4 in the Snake River Valley Conference. The league only gets tougher with the addition of Emmett. But the Pirates 20

Friday, August 29, 2014

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Fruitland quarterback Jerred Seamons dives for extra yardage during at 3A state semifinal game last November at Homedale High. Fruitland lost the Snake River Conference crown to Homedale, but the Grizzlies got revenge in the semifinals to clinch their eighth straight trip to the state finals. return five starters on offense and six on defense as they try to end their one-year playoff drought. Senior wide receiver Tanner Grant returns after earning second-team allleague honors last season, and Payette coach Troy Gleave said he’ll be an explosive playmaker on both sides of the ball. Senior safety Alex Dovalina will add some pass-catching and edge-rushing duties on offense to his ball-hawking skills on defense. And senior linebacker Marky DeLaPena anchors the heart of the Pirate defense. Payette will have to rely on that speed to make up for a lack of size and experience on both the offensive and defensive lines. Senior Luis Nunez (6-foot, 225 pounds) is

the only returner on the offensive line, and two starters come back on the defensive line. So Gleave said the Pirates will spread out their attack and force opponents into their speed game.

The Wolverines return a solid corps, including senior quarterback Ty Johnson (6-2, 175 pounds), a second-team all-conference selection in 2013 and the two-time defending state champion in the 110 hurdles. WEISER WOLVERINES Blocking for him up front is senior COACH: John Srholec, 16th season Hayden Herrick (6-2, 270), a first-team allconference pick, as well as Evan Loomis (6COACH RECORD: 141-95 1, 190). And a mixture of seniors Thomas LAST YEAR: 2-6, 1-3 3A SRV Crawford (5-11, 200) and Devin Long (5-8, PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs 165) figure to eat up the bulk of the carries. RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 8 But Payette’s 16-year coach, John RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 8 Srholec, cautioned his program remains Weiser fell on hard times last year, young and full of first-year players. He said stumbling to 2-6 for its first losing season how those first-year players develop will and first season short of the playoffs since determine if the Wolverines can return to 2004. the playoffs.

Today Bye Sept. 6 vs. Declo Sept. 12 at Salmon Sept. 19 at Nyssa, Ore. Sept. 26 at Marsing* Oct. 4 vs. Melba* Oct. 10 vs. McCall-Donnelly* Oct. 18 vs. New Plymouth* Oct. 24 at Nampa Christian* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 2A WIC game Note: All home games at Meridian High

JACOB BOOKER, SR., RB/FS/LB The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Booker led the Chargers in rushing last season with 661 yards and eight touchdowns, and he also caught 27 passes for 424 yards and two scores. He figures to rack up even more yards this year as Cole Valley moves away from its pass-first attack to feature Booker and its running game.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Dan Reece, first season COACH RECORD: 0-0 LAST YEAR: 9-1, 5-0 2A WIC PLAYOFFS: Lost 40-26 to Firth in second round RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 3 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 5 LEAGUE: 2A WIC (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 4

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Cole Valley Christian senior Jacob Booker should see plenty of carries as the Chargers turn their focus to the run game.

Chargers will rely on defense to defend 2A WIC title By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

Quarters

Missed playoffs

2010

2011

2012

No program 2009

2013

LANE HOLTROP, SR., MLB The 6-1, 210-pound senior has been Cole Valley’s hardest hitter since his sophomore year, Cole Valley coach Dan Reece said. He garnered first-team All-2A Western Idaho Conference honors last year. But Reece said he has bigger goals this year — first team all-state. He’ll also see some time at tight end.

The fledgling program at Cole Valley Christian had a banner year in 2013, recording not only its first winning season in school history, but winning the 2A Western Idaho Conference and going undefeated until falling to perennial power Firth in the second round of the playoffs. The Chargers saw a coaching change and lost the dynamic duo of quarterback Mason Vanderhoff and receiver Tallen Eveland, the conference player of the year. But they still look poised to defend their conference title. Dan Reece, the school’s defensive coordinator the past three years, takes over the head coaching reins, providing some stability. He knows the Chargers can’t reproduce the Vanderhoff-to-Eveland connection. (Vanderhoff

threw for 2,286 yards and 23 touchdowns; Eveland caught 54 passes for 1,036 yards). So he said Cole Valley will rely on its defense and balance out its offense with the running game. “That’s going to be where we make our money,” Reece said of his defense, which surrendered a league-low 14.2 points per game last year. “Offensively, we’re just going to have to develop a run game. We’re going to try to stray away from being one so dimensional.” Senior Jacob Booker figures to get the bulk of that work in the run game. He earned second-team, allconference honors last season after rushing for 661 yards. But add in his receiving yards in a pass-heavy attack, and he was a 1,000-yard back. He’ll add some defensive responsibilities to his plate, either at safety or linebacker, but

Reece said he expects him to make the jump to first-team all-league this season. “He’s a got a great football IQ,” Reece said. “He’s not only a hard runner, but he’s definitely got more jukes on the team than anyone else.” Reece knows success is fleeting, especially at a young program like Cole Valley’s. But with a tough nonconference schedule that includes Declo, the two-time defending 2A state champion, and Oregon’s Nyssa, a 3A state finalist last year, he thinks the Chargers will be ready by the time conference play starts. “We’re looking to keep on winning football games,” Reece said. “Last year was our first winning season ever, and it’s starting to get contagious. We’ve been predominantly a basketball school. But we’re starting to build on that success from last year, and going deep in playoffs is our goal.”

JAMES LAMB, JR., WR/DB The 5-11, 160-pound Lamb broke onto the scene last year as a sophomore, racking up 12 interceptions. But he was no opportunistic defensive back, playing center field and pouncing on mistakes. Lamb lines up at corner and drew every opponents’ No. 1 receiver. “When you look at him on paper, he’s pretty skinny,” Reece said. “But he’s got great make-up speed and he’s a great baseball player, so he knows how to play the ball.”

REMINGTON KUEHL, SR., WR/DB Kuehl returns as Cole Valley’s No. 2 cornerback, giving the Chargers a potent pair of defensive backs to man up with receivers in the 2A Western Idaho Conference. Kuehl will also move over to offense and play wide receiver, where Reece called him the fastest player on the team and likes his physicality to help the Chargers’ new focus on the run game. “At our first point of attack, our wide receivers going to be run blockers,” Reece said. “He’s going to do very well in that regard.” Friday, August 29, 2014

Today at Parma Sept. 5 vs. Grangeville Sept. 12 Bye Sept. 19 at Homedale Sept. 26 vs. Cole Valley Christian* Oct. 2 at New Plymouth* Oct. 10 at Melba* Oct. 17 vs. Nampa Christian* Oct. 24 at McCall-Donnelly* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 2A WIC game

RODRIGO ACUNA, JR., QB/RB/CB The 5-foot-8, 150-pound junior took all the snaps for Marsing last year. But he found himself in a battle with fellow junior Brett Grossman for the starting spot as of the second week of fall camp. Marsing coach Brad Hill said Acuna brings a dynamic aspect with his feet to the field, and he has the upper hand because of his experience at the position and running the Huskies’ Wing-T offense.

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Brad Hill, first season COACH RECORD: 0-0 LAST YEAR: 5-3, 2-3 2A WIC PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 2 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 1 LEAGUE: 2A WIC (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 4

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Marsing’s Rodrigo Acuna started at quarterback last season. But he’s in a battle for the position with Brett Grossman.

Young Marsing squad trying to replace 17 seniors By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

Semis

Playoffs

Missed playoffs

2009

Missed playoffs

2010

2011

2012

Friday, August 29, 2014

2013

Marsing missed the playoffs for the first time in four years last season thanks to a tiebreaker, and the offseason brought a coaching change. But the Huskies shouldn’t see too many alterations as former defensive coordinator Brad Hill takes the reins. Hill served as the defensive coordinator the past five seasons at Marsing, so that side of the ball won’t change. And during his six years at the school, he said last season’s switch to the Wing-T offense resulted in one of the Huskies better years on the scoreboard. So he won’t ask his players to run a third system in three years. “They just had learned the offense and the terminology,” HIll said. “There wasn’t as much coaching and review as you do when you change to a

new coaching staff (this fall). That’s made a big difference to these young kids.” But the Huskies still need to find a way to replace 17 seniors, including four first-team Brad Hill all-conference members and the entire back seven of the defense. In fact, only two starters return from last season — junior quarterback Rodrigo Acuna and senior offensive and defensive lineman Noah Grossman. Acuna comes back at quarterback, but his spot won’t necessarily be there for him. Junior Brett Grossman created a position battle in training camp. Hill said Acuna provides a more lethal weapon with his feet. But Brett Grossman’s arm and leadership give him a shot to earn the spot.

“Whoever doesn’t get the job is going to play one running back spot,” Hill said. “We’re not going to have a good athlete on the sideline.” Noah Grossman, the reigning 220-pound state wrestling champion, will anchor the offensive line at center. Marsing will need to break in three sophomores alongside him — guards Nick Lankow and Marcos Quebroda and tackle Sam Galligan. Hill said the youngsters have picked up the defensive side of the line. But the offensive side, with its adjustments based on what the defense presents, is taking time. “I think the biggest thing is getting them to understand is how to read the different defensive fronts they’re going to see,” Hill said. “I think we have some young talent though. As a head coach, we have a lot to look forward to over the next couple years.”

NOAH GROSSMAN, SR., OL/DL Grossman is one of two returning starters, and he’s the only Husky that started both ways last season. The 5-10, 230-pound senior is the reigning 220-pound state wrestling champion, a skillset he transitions onto the football field, Hill said. “Especially on the offensive and defensive lines, if you’ve got good hands and good feet, most of time you’re going to win the battle in the trenches,” Hill said.

LORENZO LANKOW, SR., RB/ILB Marsing will have to do without the services of Lankow for the first three weeks of the season after he broke his ankle while competing in the Owyhee County Rodeo. Hill said Marsing misses his leadership. But once he’s back, he’ll provided tough, northsouth running for the Huskies at fullback in the Wing-T. “Last year, he played through a broken leg,” Hill said. “So it’s not like he won’t play through pain.” BRETT GROSSMAN, JR., QB/RB/DB Acuna returns as the full-time starting quarterback from 2013. But Grossman’s arm convinced coaches to keep the position battle going during the second week in camp. Hill said he’s most impressed with Grossman’s leadership though. “He’s a take-charge kind of kid,” Hill said. “You call for the quarterback to get a huddle together, and boom, he’s in there getting going and getting everybody ready.” Hill even floated the idea of letting both play in the opener against Parma to see if one runs away with the job during live action.

Today vs. Wendell Sept. 5 vs. Gooding Sept. 12 Bye Sept. 20 at West Side (at Burley High) Sept. 26 at Nampa Christian* Oct. 4 at Cole Valley (at Meridian High)* Oct. 10 vs. Marsing* Oct. 17 vs. McCall-Donnelly* Oct. 24 at New Plymouth* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 2A WIC game

1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Sherm Blaser, first season COACH RECORD: 1-7 LAST YEAR: 5-4, 3-2 2A WIC PLAYOFFS: Lost 63-28 to Declo in first round RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 3 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 3 LEAGUE: 2A WIC (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 4

Adam Eschbach/IPT

Melba’s Wyatt Helm (7) searches for a block for Trey Cook against Declo in the first round of the playoffs last year. The Mustangs will turn Helm into a quarterback this year in a new zone-read option attack.

Blaser aiming to make Mustangs two-dimensional By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA

2 1991

Playoffs

2009

sports@idahopress.com

2002

Playoffs Missed playoffs

2010

Playoffs Missed playoffs

2011

WYATT HELM, SR., QB/LB Helm earned co-defensive player of the year honors in the 2A WIC last season as a strong safety. But he’ll drop down to an outside linebacker in Melba’s new 3-5-3 scheme, allowing him the versatility to rush off the edge and make plays in space. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior also starts under center in Melba’s new zone-read option offense. “He’s one of the most athletic kids I’ve ever coached,” first-year Melba coach Sherm Blaser said. “He can move. What we’re asking him to do fits well with his skillset.”

7 p.m. 7 p.m.

2012

2013

A new coach walks the sidelines at Melba after Jordon Coffin resigned after three years at the helm. The new man, Sherm Blaser, spent the past three years as an assistant at Skyview and previously led Madison for one year at the 4A level. And with the new coach comes plenty of changes. Melba will shift away from its shotgun wishbone formation that saw the Mustangs feature their rushing attack, but totaled fewer than 50 passes last season. Blaser is installing a spread, zone-read option attack, similar to the offense Oregon and Auburn have popularized. Senior Wyatt Helm transfers from a part-time running back to full-time quarterback in the switch, and Blaser said

the Mustangs will rely on his athleticism and decisionmaking skills with the ball. “He’s too good not to put him on the field,” Blaser said. “At this point, we’re planning to put the ball in his hands, let him make decisions and go with it.” Junior Brian Reyes will take the bulk of the handoffs, and freshman Kobe Phillips will also take a few carries. With Melba’s history of running the ball, Blaser isn’t worried about the ground attack. But he said the passing aspect of the spread offense still has a long way to go. Dropbacks and timing routes just weren’t something the Mustangs relied on in the past. “We’ve got some work to do throwing the ball,” he said. “The plan at this point is to be more balanced than in the

past. But we’ll still be run-first until we can develop that passing game and develop quarterbacks and receivers we can rely on in the future.” The defense will also change under Blaser from a 4-4 scheme to a 3-5-3. Without a bounty of defensive lineman and an excess of linebackers, Melba will try to take advantage of the athletes it has. And the scheme allows Blaser to call a more aggressive game because the formation hides blitzes and coverages better. Helm and Coy Jones will man the two STUD outside linebacker positions. And junior defensive lineman Loren Westphal (6-foot-4, 260 pounds) will keep his inside linebackers free of extra blockers. “It’s a little bit of a perfect storm in terms of personnel and scheme,” Blaser said.

COY JONES, JR., TE/LB Jones may officially be listed as a tight end. But in Melba’s spread offense, he’ll spend plenty of time lined up in space, stretching defenses and using his hands to haul in passes. Blaser said he loves the returning starter’s and bull rider’s ball skills and how he tracks the ball in the air. “He catches everything you put within arm’s reach,” Blaser said. He’ll also start as one of the outside linebackers in the Mustangs’ 3-5-3 defense.

AUSTIN BALSIZER, JR., OL/DL The 6-1, 280-pound junior earned firstteam all-conference honors as a sophomore last season as Melba’s center. He’ll remain at center and continue to anchor the Mustangs’ offensive line, and he’ll start on the defensive side too. “He’s rancher, a family farmer, and he works his tail off,” Blaser said. “He’s a big, strong kid. You can’t complain with those types of kid. He’s what every coach looks for.”

JUAN CERVANTES, JR., OL/LB The 5-10, 215-pound Cervantes moves up from the JV squad and will start both ways, at guard and at middle linebacker. He’ll pave the way for Melba’s option game with its zone-blocking scheme. And on defense, he’ll make all the calls and make sure everyone is lined up correctly. Plus, he can lay the wood. “He hits you with a ton of bricks when he’s coming downhill,” Blaser said. Friday, August 29, 2014

Today vs. Priest River Sept. 5 at Homedale Sept. 12 vs. Parma Sept. 19 Bye Sept. 26 vs. Melba* Oct. 3 at McCall-Donnelly* Oct. 10 vs. New Plymouth* Oct. 17 at Marsing* Oct. 24 vs. Cole Valley Christian* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 2A WIC game

TANNER DOTY, SR., FB/LB The first-team All-2A Western Idaho Conference running back returns for his senior year after nearly reaching 1,000 yards last season in Nampa Christian’s Wing-T attack. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound senior will also play strongside inside linebacker in the Trojans’ new 3-5-3 defense. “Some kids work hard, and some kids love to work hard,” Nampa Christian coach Bill Barr said. “He’s one of kids who loves to work hard.”

4:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Bill Barr, fifth season COACH RECORD: 21-19 LAST YEAR: 3-6, 2-3 2A WIC PLAYOFFS: Lost 38-18 to Grangeville in first round RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 8 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 8 LEAGUE: 2A WIC (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 4

Michael Lycklama/IPT

Nampa Christian returns its entire starting backfield from last season, including junior Conner Hensley.

Back-to-back losing seasons could pay off in ’14 By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

1 1981

Quarters Quarters Quarters

2009

2010

2011

Playoffs

2012

2013

Friday, August 29, 2014

Nampa Christian has gone young the past two years, partly out of necessity and partly because the younger players outshined their older counterparts. The youth movement resulted in backto-back losing seasons, but the Trojans’ are ready to reap the rewards in 2014. Nampa Christian returns eight starters on both sides of the ball at the start of fall camp, including a bevy of talent at the offensive skill positions. The Trojans’ entire backfield returns intact between fullback Tanner Doty — a first-team, all-conference selection — halfbacks Connor Hensley and Luke Brands and quarterback Steve Tiersma. “We’ve got a lot of depth at running back,” Nampa

Christian coach Bill Barr said. “Any one of them could be a 1,000-yard running back.” Tiersma comes back for his second full season leading the Trojans under center. Bill Barr He also started a playoff game against Grangeville, which has ended Nampa Christian’s season two years in a row, as a freshman in 2012. That experience allows him to focus less on the playbook and more on execution and the little things on the field, Barr said. “It’s the same offense. It’s the same schemes,” Barr said. “So the familiarity is there, the repetition. Every year, we’ve got to retrain a new generation. But Steve knows it all. He’s just working on his techniques.”

Barr knows the load of talent returning at the skill position has fans excited at Nampa Christian. But he cautions the offensive line remains unproven after senior Christian Curtiss (6-foot, 240 pounds) and senior Conner Shaul (6-0, 200). And he said deep runs in the playoffs rely on a dominant offensive line. The Trojans also return plenty of talent on defense. But Nampa Christian is shifting away from its 4-3 Cover 2 scheme to a 3-5-3 stack system this season, so those eight starters have plenty to learn. The change allows Nampa Christian to take advantage of its bevy of linebackers, put them in space and allow them to make plays. Hensley will lead the group as the middle linebacker, and Doty and Luke Brands also figure to make plenty of noise.

CONNOR HENSLEY, JR., RB/LB Hensley comes back at the right halfback position in Nampa Christian’s Wing-T and provides another physical back in the Trojans’ stable. He ran track last spring to help improve his breakaway speed. But the 6-foot, 200pound junior’s toughness between the tackles makes him stand out. “He’s really hard to bring down,” Barr said. He’ll also start at middle linebacker in Nampa’s 3-5-3 defense.

LUKE BRANDS, SR., RB/OLB/CB Another starting running back returning for the Trojans (left halfback), Brands adds to the Trojans’ arsenal of talented running backs. The 5-7, 175-pound senior adds a more explosive element to Nampa Christian’s offense with the ball in his hands. He also gives the Trojans versatility on defense as he’s able to play outside linebacker or corner.

CHRISTIAN CURTISS, SR., OL/DL The 6-foot, 240-pound senior starts on both sides of the ball. But the Trojans will rely on him most on the defensive side, where they want him to control two gaps as a nose guard in Nampa Christian’s new defense. “If we have a kid that can play that and not get blown off and defeat a double team, it’ll help us,” Barr said. “He’s the kid that can do that.”

CHASE BOWEN, SR., RB/ILB Bowen paved the way for the Pilgrims’ run game last season as the fullback. But he’ll switch to tailback, and New Plymouth plans on featuring the 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior. He showed soft hands last year, ranking second on the team with 33 catches. New Plymouth coach Dallan Rupp said he’ll see plenty of passes too. He’ll also start at inside linebacker, where he earned second-team all-conference honors last year with 72 tackles, 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Saturday at Ronan, Mont. (at U. of Montana) 2 p.m. Sept. 5 vs. Payette 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at Nyssa, Ore. 7 p.m. Sept. 19 Bye Sept. 26 vs. McCall-Donnelly* 7 p.m. Oct. 3 vs. Marsing* 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at Nampa Christian* 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at Cole Valley (at Meridian High)* 7 p.m. Oct. 24 vs. Melba* 7 p.m. Oct. 31 State playoffs TBD Nov. 7 State quarterfinals TBD Nov. 14 State semifinals TBD Nov. 21 State finals TBD * – 2A WIC game

COACH: Dallan Rupp, second year COACH RECORD: 4-5 LAST YEAR: 4-5, 3-2 2A WIC PLAYOFFS: Lost 42-28 to Orofino in first round RETURNING STARTERS (OFFENSE): 6 RETURNING STARTERS (DEFENSE): 7 LEAGUE: 2A WIC (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 4

Greg Kreller/IPT

New Plymouth quarterback Kyler Harris hauled in first-team, all-conference honors last season as a junior.

Pilgrims seeking seventh straight playoff berth By MICHAEL LYCKLAMA sports@idahopress.com

Semis

Quarters

Playoffs

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

New Plymouth enters its second year under head coach Dallan Rupp. And while the Pilgrims run a similar nohuddle spread offense to the one it ran under former coach Porter Lacey, Rupp said the coaching change brought a learning curve in terminology and blocking schemes. His second training camp has allowed the Pilgrims to focus less time in the classroom and more time on the field, something Rupp said he hopes results in a better performance on the field. “It’s been night and day from last year,” Rupp said. “Things are going a lot smoother at practice. The kids know what is going on.” New Plymouth is looking for its seventh straight playoff berth. But to find it, Rupp said

the Pilgrims need to accomplish two goals: Balance the offense and protect the ball. The passing attack accounted for twothirds of New Plymouth’s offense last year. Dallan Rupp Rupp wants to balance that percentage closer to 50-50 with his spread offense. “When other teams face us, I want them to say, ‘We’ve got to stop their run game and their pass game,’” Rupp said. “I want to run inside, run outside, pass short, pass long, do what all the spread offenses do these days — make the defense cover the entire field.” Senior running back Chase Bowen will provide the driving force of that balancing effort. He started at fullback last season. But Rupp called him

the fastest player on the team and looks forward to a season where he can feature the 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior. “When we get him in the backfield, we can pound the ball,” Rupp said. “He’s a kid who you might hit him two yards past the line of scrimmage, and he’ll get four.” The Pilgrims will still remain a deadly threat through the air with returning firstteam all-conference quarterback Kyler Harris, entering his third year as a full-time starter, and returning firstteam all-conference receiver Tyler Powell. “If you throw the ball up, he’s going to get it,” Rupp said of Powell. “He’s got great hands, great timing on his jumps. He gets a lot of touchdowns for a receiver because if you throw the ball up, he’ll come up with it.”

KYLER HARRIS, SR., QB/FS Harris enters his third full season as New Plymouth’s starting quarterback. He also started toward the end of his freshman year. He earned first-team all-conference honors last season after throwing for 1,785 yards and 17 touchdowns, and he led the team with 358 yards rushing. “His biggest attribute as a quarterback — and it works well in the run game and the pass game — is his vision,” Rupp said. “He can see the ball passing and see the ball rushing. It’s a big reason he was the leading rusher last year.” TYLER POWELL, SR., WR/OLB The 6-foot, 170-pound senior hauled in 54 catches for 784 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, all tops for the Pilgrims, to earn a spot on the all-conference first team. New Plymouth will line him up out wide and in the slot, trying to find soft spots in the defense he can exploit. He’ll also start at outside linebacker in the Pilgrims’ 3-5-3 defense, giving the team the flexibility to drop him back into a safety position, blitz him off the edge or have him cover receivers one on one. MARCUS DAVIS, SR., OL/DL Davis is the third Pilgrim to return with first-team all-conference honors to his name. The 5-11, 230-pound senior will man one offensive tackle position, and he’ll start at nose tackle on defense. Rupp said he owns all of the school’s weight-lifting records, including squat (440 pounds) and bench (305 pounds). “Marcus is incredibly strong,” Rupp said. “Nobody compares to him in the weight room. He doesn’t get pushed around.” Friday, August 29, 2014

Today at Carey Sept. 5 at Wilder Sept. 12 vs. Tri-Valley Sept. 26 at Rimrock* Oct. 3 at Greenleaf Friends* Oct. 10 vs. Horseshoe Bend* Oct. 17 vs. Cascade Oct. 24 vs. Idaho City* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 1A Division I District III game

Notus relies on youth

7 p.m. 4 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Young Pirates look to continue 7 p.m. on with playoff streak 7 p.m. 7 p.m. By JOHN WUSTROW 7 p.m.. jwustrow@idahopress.com TBD © 2014 Idaho Press-Tribune TBD When looking at the future of TBD his football team, Notus coach TBD Sam Crockett can’t help but to

COACH: Sam Crockett, second season at Notus COACH RECORD: 5-4 LAST YEAR: 5-4, 2-1 1A Division I District III PLAYOFFS: Lost to Raft River 46-0 in first round LEAGUE: 1A Division I District III (5 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 4

Sept. 5 at Tri-Valley Sept. 12 vs. Dietrich Sept. 26 at Horseshoe Bend Oct. 3 vs. Notus* Oct. 10 vs. Idaho City* Oct. 17 at Rimrock* Oct. 24 vs. Garden Valley* Oct. 31 State playoffs Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 1A Division I District III game

COACH: Paul Stephens, second season COACH RECORD: 0-6 LAST YEAR: 0-6, 0-3 1A Division I District III PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs LEAGUE: 1A Division I District III (5 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 4 26

Friday, August 29, 2014

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD

get excited. When looking the Pirates now, there may be a few more questions. But the coach still believes his team has the pieces it needs to be successful. Notus comes into the season with just seven upperclassmen on its roster, a product, Crockett said, of the junior and senior classes having a lack of males

in its numbers. The junior class, he said, has just five males. Four of them play for Crockett. “I think we’ll be very good in the Jaylan Hibbard future,” Crockett said. “But right now, we got to take young guys to compete. We’re tough, but right now we’re not physically mature.” Despite having a young team, the Pirates are looking to continue their current run, where they have made the state playoffs in four of the past five seasons. Notus went 5-4 last season before losing to Raft River 46-0 in the

first round of the 1A Division I state playoffs. “I think we can still compete real well,” Crockett said. “It’s just a matter of how big mistakes the young guys make.” To limit the mistakes, Crockett said he has changed his team’s style and stressed the basics of the game. “I think we just need to focus on fundamental football,” he said. “I cut the playbook in half and, right now, we’re focusing on tackling and good form.” One young player who Crockett said had impressed him so far was sophomore Isaiah Haskell, who is expected to play on both sides of the line.

Grizzlies looking for improvement New offensive coordinator brings new energy to Greenleaf By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

After an 0-6 season in his first year coaching at Greenleaf, Paul Stephens knew some changes needed to be made. A change that he made on his coaching staff is one that Stephens hopes will help reinvigorate the Grizzlies’ offense. Stephens brought on Mike Nunnelee, the former coach at Murtaugh, to take over offensive coordinator duties for a team that scored an average of 9.3 points per game last season. Already, the head coach said, he’s seen changes in the attitude of his team as it prepares to move

forward from last season. “He has really come on board,” Stephens said about Nunnelee, who he has known for a couple of Paul Stephens years. “I think he’s got the kids understanding what hard work is.” But turning the program around won’t be easy for Stephens, Nunnelee or any of the players on the Greenleaf roster. As of Aug. 22, the Grizzlies had just nine players on their roster, meaning all but one would have to be on the field at all times. Stephens said he hopes that number will go up once school starts. But despite the low numbers,

Stephens believes his team has the smarts to utilize what it has and be successful. And Nunnelee, he says, is helping the players translate those smarts into game situations. “We’ve always been blessed with very intelligent students,” Stephens said. “He’s getting them to think about situations and not just run a play that’s been called.” Defensively, Stephens expects his team to be more physical as well. The coach didn’t want to give away too much about his plan, but he said the Grizzlies will do a lot more blitzing than they did last year, running out of a three-man front.

JAYLAN HIBBARD, SR., QB Hibbard was supposed to start at quarterback for Notus last season, but a knee injury caused him to miss the first six games of the season. Coach Sam Crockett said in his first game back, he threw a few touchdown passes. Now, starting the season healthy, the coach is looking for more of the same from the senior. “Jaylan is a versatile quarterback,” Crockett said. “He does a lot of things well.”

TREY ZIMMERMAN, SR., WR/DL As one of the bigger bodies on the team, Crockett said Zimmerman will be an important part of the Pirates’ defensive line this season. He is one of four brothers on the team, joining younger brother Kobe, a junior receiver and linebacker, and freshmen Caleb and Michael, a backup quarterback and running back, respectively.

JAKOB BEHRENDS, SR., QB/LB Behrends played quarterback as a sophomore, but he moved to tailback last season to let Jake Sams take snaps under center. But with Sams graduated, Behrends goes back to quarterback and provides Greenleaf with a quarterback who can pass but also has the mobility that will allow him to run when the coaches ask him to. “We’re going to ask a lot from him,” Greenleaf coach Paul Stephens said. “I don’t want to give too much of our playbook away, but he can do both (run and pass).” ZEPHY STEPHENS, SR., WR/LB-DB The coach’s son joins Behrends as the only four-year player with the Grizzlies. Last year, he played defensive end, which is the position that the elder Stephens said he really wants to play. But with the needs of the team, Paul Stephens said his son is a better fit away from the line of scrimmage at outside linebacker or defensive back.

Sept. 5 Notus Sept. 12 at Jordan Valley (Ore.) Sept. 19 Salmon River* Sept. 26 at Cascade* Oct. 3 Tri-Valley* Oct. 10 at Rimrock Oct. 17 Council* Oct. 24 at Garden Valley* Nov. 7 State quarterfinals Nov. 14 State semifinals Nov. 21 State finals * – 1A Division II District III game

4 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 3:30 p.m. TBD TBD TBD

COACH: Kyle DalSoglio, sixth season COACH RECORD: 23-16 LAST YEAR: 4-4 , 2-4 1A Division II District III PLAYOFFS: Missed playoffs LEAGUE: 1A Division II District III (6 teams) LEAGUE PLAYOFF BERTHS: 2

Wilder brings experience Wildcats lose just two starters from last season’s squad By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

Wilder coach Kyle DalSoglio hopes experience pays off. His team certainly has a lot of it this year. Following a 4-4 season, the Wildcats return a majority of their team from last year, losing just three graduating seniors, two of whom were defensive starters. But all four of Wilder’s losses a season ago came against conference opponents. “We kind of feel like we didn’t finish the year strong last year,” said DalSoglio. “We

SCORE

lost a few games in the last minutes. We feel like there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be better this year than last year.” O f f e n s i v e l y, Kyle Wilder returns DalSoglio all of its starters from a team that scored 40.4 points per game a season ago, including a season-high 91 points in a win over Tri-Valley. “Running the ball out of our power set will be a huge strength for us,” the coach said. “But we’re also going to try to spread the ball and throw it.” Quarterback A.J. Castellanos starts for the fourth straight year, bringing in

BIG

roughly 3,600 career rushing yards, 2,500 passing yards and 80 total touchdowns Defensively, Wilder lost Isaac Lopez and Miguel Calderon to graduation from last year’s team but returns everyone else. The Wildcats ran a fourman front last season, but they will employ five linemen on the front with two flex linebackers who can also drop to the defensive backfield. “We kind of ran a version of it at Eastern Oregon,” DalSoglio said about the school he played college football. “It’s similar to an 11-man double flex, but modified. On paper and in practices so far, it seems to be good.”

A.J. CASTELLANOS, SR., QB/DB Castellanos is a four-year starter under center for the Wildcats and could become the first player under Kyle DalSoglio to play in college. The three-sport star is getting looks from Eastern Oregon, where the Wilder coach played college ball. “Teams are going to have to make a concentrated effort to stop him,” DalSoglio said. “It’s been where it’s just ‘run left, A.J., run right, A.J.’ Teams are going to try to stop him and that’s going to open up room from everyone.”

FERNANDO LEMUS, SR, LB Lemus enters his third season starting on defense for the Wildcats, and he begins his senior year down roughly 25 pounds lighter than he was a season ago. “He’s a little slimmer, a little faster, but we can count on him to make big plays,” DalSoglio said.

Everything you need for your electrical, plumbing, lighting or irrigation project Personalized customer service from helpful and friendly employees Product knowledge from a thoroughly trained staff Quality products at competitive pricing, every day

PAY & PACK

NAMPA: 824 Caldwell Boulevard • (208) 466-7807 BOISE: 5730 W Franklin Road • (208) 342-6576 TWIN FALLS: 130 Eastland Drive South • (208) 733-7304 Monday through Friday 8:00 to 7:00 • Saturday 8:00 to 5:30 • Sunday 9:00 to 4:30

Filename: 230 Publication: Football Preview - Idaho Press Run date: August 2014

Proudly Serving Idaho, Oregon & Washington Since 1954

GROVERELECTRIC.COM “How-To” Information Sheets Video Blog & more

1142784

Friday, August 29, 2014

1146418

Friday, August 29, 2014