High School Football, August 2022 by Lewiston Tribune

YOUNG GUNS

KENDRICK’S

Kendrick players returning from last year’s Idaho Class 1A Division II championship team, back from left, are: Hunter Taylor, Jack Silﬂow, Ty Koepp, Dallas Morgan and Jagger Hewett. Kneeling is Wyatt Fitzmorris.

2022 FOOTBALL A special publication of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News

One other thing you might have noticed (and if you haven’t, that’s OK as well): We’re going to be changing the way we bring the game story to you. Most of you already have been to the game at that point, and you already know what happened. What we will attempt to do is give you more of what it means to each respective team moving forward. Bottom line, what you see is a culmination of months of all of our hard work. I couldn’t be more proud. We hope you, the subscriber, are as well. It is vital and important that we give not just these high school football players, but all high school athletes, the spotlight many of them so richly deserve. On behalf of all of us here at the Tribune and Daily News, we say good luck to all the athletes that will take the fields and courts this season. Walden may be reached at (208) 848-2258, dwalden@lmtribune.com, or on Twitter at @waldo9939. ever fertilize it, or

But that isn’t the only thing that’s returning. We’ll preview each team, also with the added bonus of five things to know about each school. Whether that’s about a particular player of interest, a position group, a fun fact or something more behind-thescenes, this guide will be, we hope, the ultimate high school football fan’s insider to the start of the season, which begins today in Idaho and next Friday in Washington. With that, they’ll also be some changes and additions to our menu of high school sports this season. With the return of former part-timer Trevan Pixley (who recently was announced as the beat writer for all of University of Idaho athletics), we’ve decided to bring back our weekly podcast, the Lewiston Tribune Sports Podcast (hopefully, we’ll come up with some catchy name in the future). The podcast goes in-depth in all things area sports. We try to have a little fun and inform at the same time. Something new we’re going to be rolling out, beginning early Saturday, is we’ll have a videocast recapping all of Friday’s action. The hope, eventually, is we can bring on coaches and possibly have highlights of the game. What you will get is 10 to 15 minutes of our insight and analysis from all things high school football the night it happens. That should be up within an hour or two after we’ve finished the print product for the night.

We’re back, and we’re better than

COMMENTARY Donn Walden If you can feed it, farm it, fence it,

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 20222 Lewiston........................................................Page 3 Moscow 7 Clarkston.............................................................. 11 Pullman 15 Grangeville...........................................................17 Oroﬁno 19 Clearwater Valley 21 Genesee ...............................................................23 Cover story 24-25 LapwaiKamiah.................................................................2729Logos....................................................................31Potlatch33Prairie..................................................................35Troy36Deary37Kendrick..............................................................38LewisCounty40Timberline............................................................41SalmonRiver42Asotin..................................................................43Colfax44 Garﬁeld-Palouse ................................................. 46 Pomeroy 47 Cover photo: August Frank/Tribune Design: Donn Walden Contributors: Stephan Wiebe, Cody Wendt, Randy Isbelle, Trevan Pixley, Teren Kowatsch. Photographers: Frank, Austin Johnson, Zach Wilkinson. > On social media Be sure to vote in our weekly polls by following us on Twitter @LewTrib_Sports. Also, follow all of our writers and photographers on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, pick up the Tribune and Daily News on Saturdays for all of the stories and recaps. Table of contents Last year, we tried a trial run of running all of the high school football previews in one nice, tidy special section that we hoped would be a keepsake for players, patedtheseconditcidedthatamountusattest,mywellourschoolsgrandparents,parents,andallofsubscribers.Itworkedso(alsoasbosswouldbroughtinadecentofcash)wede-tobringbackforayear.Sohereitis,highlyantici-highschool football preview. It’s a simple concept really: preview each team in one place, giving you, the consumer, a one-stop shop for all things related to the sport. This year we’ve increased the page count (thank you advertisers!) and we even added one football team (thanks to some super sleuthing on my part, we just found out Sunday that Garfield-Palouse is returning to the field this season).

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Pancheri White> See LEWISTON, Page 4

SCHEDULE

By TREVAN PIXLEY SPORTS STAFF

Bengals have to replace studs, still confident

Austin Johnson/Tribune

Aug. 26 — Layton (Utah)*, 1 p.m. Sept. 2 — Capital, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — at Clarkston, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — at Pendleton (Ore.), 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — Sandpoint, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — at Moscow, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — at Post Falls, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — Lake City, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — Coeur d’Alene, 7 p.m. * — Rumble in Rexburg

A pair of Lewiston players hit the blocking sled during an Aug. 18 practice at Church Field.

Lewiston to continue pounding the ball down the opposition’s throat

The identity of the Lew iston High School football team was centered around quarterback Jace McK archer and running back Cruz Hepburn in 2021. The duo that led the Bengals to an 8-3 record and a state tournament bid no longer will be wearing purple and gold, as McK archer will be playing college hoops at Eastern Oregon University and Hepburn will be playing baseball at Lewis-Clark State College.

3PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Hepburn had more than 1,500 all-purpose yards last year and was an every-down type

Despite losing two vital pieces to an explosive back field, coach Matt Pancheri still wants to establish a heavy running game. “We are going to run the ball and we’re going to try to be the most physical football team on the field,” Pancheri said. “I think we look really solid up front as well. We have three start ers coming back on the offensive line that I think are really good players.”

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The Bengals will be without its every-downback Cruz Hepburn thanks to graduation. Ethan Shaw and Jackson Lathen will be battling to take over Hepburn’s reps this year. Lewiston also will have a new starting quarterback. Class 5A Inland Empire League player of the year Jace McKarcher graduated in 2021. Drew Hottinger and Chris Ricard will battle for McKarcher’s spot. The Bengals will be getting after the quarterback this year. Pancheri said his front seven is the “deepest it’s ever been.” Lewiston also is led by interior pass rusher Robert Storm, who was a standout on the wrestling mat in the winter. Lewiston will return all of its outside weapons from a year ago, including tight end James White, and receivers Jared Jelinek and Brayden Rice.

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5 things to know

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LEWISTON >Continued

PAGE

4 PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 of running back. However, when Hepburn would leave the field, Ethan Shaw would take over in the backfield. Austin Johnson/Tribune Lewiston players try to stay hydrated during an Aug. 18 practice at Church Field in Lewiston.

> See

The experience on the outside will speed up the development for whoever ends up taking the snaps for the Bengals. from 3 LEWISTON,

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 5 > Lewiston COACH — Matt Pancheri, sixth year LAST YEAR’S RECORD 7-3 overall, 2-1 in Class 5A Inland Empire League RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — James White, TE; Graden Mader, C; Brenden Thill, RT; Logan Snarr, RG; Jared Jelinek, WR; Austin Lawrence, WR; Brayden Rice, WR; Ethan Shaw, RB; Jackson Lathen, RB; Robert Storm, NT; Benicio Avila, DT; Nate Renzelman, DE; Briggs Duman, DE; Elliott Taylor, LB; Kaden Daniels, LB; Chris Ricard, DE; Asa McClure, LB; Colby Weeks, LB; Tyler Granlund, LB; Kasen Kinzer, LB. Lewiston offensive line coach ChurchanwithgoesDougherty,Emmettcenter,throughaplaythelineduringAug.18practiceatField. Austin Johnson/Tribune www.lewistonortho.com OWNED BY THE PHYSICIANS OF LEWISTON ORTHOPEDICS AND VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER Helping Athletes Get Back in the Game As the region’s most preferred orthopedic practice,* our doctors specialize in providing exceptional head-to-toe care for both athletes and fans, including concussion care. To schedule an appointment, please call (208) 743-3523. Lewiston 320 Warner Drive Lewiston, ID 83501 Moscow 1174 Alturas, Suite 3 Moscow, ID 83843 *Independent Market Research

The senior had more than 400 rushing yards in 2021 and will have an opportunity to be the bellcow for the Bengals in 2022.

LEWISTON COACH MATT Ricard

PANCHERI

LEWISTON from PAGE 4 “(Drew Hottinger and Chris Ricard) were the two best quarterbacks at Vandal camp. They were locked into the competition. No matter what happens, we’ll have a position for both of them on the ﬁeld. I’m super conﬁdent in the two of them.”

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The defense is “as deep” as they’ve been, according to Pancheri. “We have a number of kids that we can put on the field,” Pancheri said.

6 PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

“I feel really comfortable with (Ethan) getting carries this year,” Pancheri said. “He is big, strong, and really athletic. He’s not as shifty as Cruz; he’s more of a thumper.”

McKarcher scored 30 touchdowns for Lewiston last season and was the Class 5A Inland Empire League player of the year. The players competing to fill his shoes are Drew Hottinger and Chris Ricard.

“We’ve had some years playing about 15 kids, with some of them going both ways. This year, we’ll have an opportunity to have 22 kids playing one way.” One of those players is defensive tackle Robert Storm, a three-year starter on the line. “He’s worked so hard in the weight room,” Pancheri said. “I think his confidence is really high right now.”

>Continued

Pixley may be reached at tpixley@lmtribune. com, (208) 848-2290 or on Twitter @TreebTalks.

The two have stood out in the offseason, and do different things well, according to Pancheri. “They were the two best quarterbacks at Vandal camp,” Pancheri said. “They were locked into the competition. No matter what happens, we’ll have a position for both of them on the field. I’m super confident in the two of them.”

“I couldn’t be more pleased,” Bafus said of his new team. “Being a first-year coach, it’s taken me a little bit to know the kids, but I feel like I really know them now.” Bafus and his coaching staff are shaking up the

SCHEDULE

Zach Wilkinson/Daily News Moscow’s Jericho Pike, left, goes against Aiden Manderville during a recent practice at Moscow Middle School.

Bafus

Moscow COACH — Rob Bafus, first year LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 3-5, 0-2 in Class 4A Inland Empire League RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Logan Tate, sr., WR/LB; Max Leisinger, sr., OL/DL; Cody Wilson, jr., WR/DB; Toby Frei, jr., WR/DB; Eby Qualls, jr., RB/LB; Dominique Hutton, jr., OL/DL; Joey Williams, jr., OL/DL; Wyatt Hartig, soph., OL/DL.

> See MOSCOW, Page 8

New coach, new look for Bears Bafus is new boss of Moscow team that is hungry for postseason

Aug. 26 — Kellogg, 7 p.m. Sept. 2 — at Clarkston, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — at Pullman, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — at Timberlake, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — Lake City, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — Lewiston, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — Lakeland, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — at Sandpoint, 7 p.m.

For the first time in more than a decade, Moscow will have a new coach on the sideline when it hosts Kellogg today to start the 2022 season. Rob Bafus, who took the reins from the retired Phil Helbling, brings champi onship experience from the Idaho Class 1A level, where he won a state cham pionship with Troy in 2010 and turned the Trojans into perennial playoff contenders during his time there from 2009-16. Troy also finished as runner-up in 2013.

7PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

By STEPHAN WIEBE SPORTS STAFF

8 PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 Bears’ offensive system with the introduction of the I-formation and putting the quarterback under center — a style he learned as a high school player at Pullman from legendary Greyhounds coach Ray Hobbs. Moscow mostly ran the spread under Helbling. The Bears also will have new players at several key positions: junior Dylan Taylor at quarterback, junior Eby Qualls at running back and senior Logan Tate MOSCOW >Continued from PAGE 7 Zach Wilkinson/Daily News Moscow’s Conner Isakson is tackled by Tim Say, left, and Carter Busch during a recent practice at Moscow Middle School. SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATBEARS!SEASON 1220 S. Mountain View Rd., MoScow, id | (208) 882-5678 Find uS on Facebook! HaVe an aweSoMebeaRS!SeaSon Wishing all area High School Football teams a season.great HOME LOANS | PERSONAL LOANS | BUSINESS LOANS | CREDIT CARDS LATAHCU.COOP Moscow|Kendrick|Plummer|Potlatch GO BEARS!

Frei Zach Wilkinson/Daily News

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“Toby and Cody are hybrids — they can play anywhere,” Bafus said. “They’d probably go jump in on offensive line and defensive line if we asked them.”

Moscow’s defense is coached by former University of Idaho defensive back Dorian Clark (2014-18) and they “love to fly around and hit and play fast,” Bafus said. “A lot of enthusiasm and energy.”

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“I’m really excited with the way they’ve grasped the install. Now, let’s take it and move forward and fine tune it and get comfortable with it,” Bafus said. Tate and fellow receiver Toby Frei also are listed at linebacker and defensive back, respectively, but don’t be surprised if you see the speedy duo line up all around the field. Frei could spend time at running back and the two could end up anywhere on the defense.

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 The reigning IEL newcomer of the year Wyatt Hartig is back, and the ceiling is high for the Moscow sophomore offensive/defensive lineman. Bafus said hybrid players Logan Tate (WR/LB) and Toby Frei (WR/RB/ DB) probably could play anywhere on the ﬁeld. Look for them to line up in multiple positions on both sides of the ball. New quarterback Dylan Taylor is green at the varsity level but he’s impressed in practice. The junior is Moscow’s third starting quarterback in three years. The Bears must replace their quarterback and top skill position players from last year in quarterback Leon Hutton, running back Isaiah Murphy and receiver Cody Isakson. Moscow’s new starters must learn quickly, but they’re eager to get started.

Moscow’s Butch Kiblen catches the ball during a recent practice at Moscow Middle School. White Moscow ID

 New coach Rob Bafus brings state championship experience from his years at Class 1A Troy. How will that success translate to Moscow and the Class 4A level?

Wiebe may be contacted at (208) 848-2260, swiebe@lmtribune.com or on Twitter @StephanSports.

5 things to know

Avenue,

as the No. 1 option at receiver. New coach, new offense and new key players — it really is a newlook Moscow team this season.

Another leader among the “big uglies” — a group that could be a strength of the young team — is senior Max Leisinger. “Really excited about our big guys up front,” Bafus said. “There’s too many to name.”

Speaking of the line, the Bears also return the Class 4A Inland Empire League newcomer of the year there in sophomore Wyatt Hartig.

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915

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 9

10 PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 Reactiv Training Center | 2009 S. Main St., Moscow, ID Moscow Mtn. Sports & Physical Therapy | 904 E. White Ave. Moscow, ID 208-618-8430 Go BEARS COME CHECK US OUT! New, state of the art sport performance center brought to you by Moscow Mountain Sport & Physical Therapy. • Sport Performance • Personal Training • Physical Therapy Helping area athletes get better, faster and stronger! Have a Great Season, Moscow Bears!

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS —

Clarkston players work through agility drills during an Aug. 17 practice.

Clarkston COACH — Brycen Bye, ninth year LAST SEASON’S RECORD — 4-5 overall, 4-2 Class 2A Greater Spokane League

Landon Taylor, sr., WR/DB; Hayden Line, soph., QB/DB; Christian Howell, sr., WR/DB; Dustin Beck, sr., WR/DB; Braeden McCabe, sr., WR/DB; Jaden Robertson, jr., TE/ DE; Nate Somers, jr., WR/DB; Bodee Thivierge, jr., WR/DB; Ean Ulrich, sr., WR/DB; Carter Steinwand, jr., QB; Ian Nieves, sr., WR/DB; JJ DiSarno, jr., RB/LB; Ikaika Millan, sr., RB/LB; Josh Hoffman, soph., TE/LB; Killian Snyder, jr., OL/DL Preston Port, jr., OL/DL; Trace Green, jr., OL/DL; Jeff Olerich, sr., OL/DL; Braden Jared, sr., OL/DL; Carson Ash, sr., OL/DL; Ian Moore, jr., OL/DL; Ronin Lysne, jr., OL/DL. Steinwand

Clarkston returns most of team that finished second in GSL

Bantams on the cusp of possible title run

By CODY WENDT SPORTS STAFF Clarkston coach Brycen Bye felt his team was “right on the cusp” of top-tier success last season as the Bantams placed second in the Class 2A Greater Spokane League, dropping a 30-27 heartbreaker to Shadle Park in a game that could have won them a share of the title. “We return a lot of guys from that same team, so I think just mov ing forward, we know where we were and we know where we need to be to get to that spot,” Bye said. Returners for the Bantams include the likes of Landon Tay lor (first-team All-GSL receiver and defensive back), Jeff Olerich (first-team all-league offensive and defensive lineman), Carter Steinwand (second-team All-GSL quarterback) and Ikaika Millan

Sept. 2 — Moscow, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — Lewiston, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — at East Valley, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — West Valley, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — North Central, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — Rogers, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — at Pullman, 7 p.m. Oct. 22 — at Shadle Park, 1 p.m. Oct. 28 — at Grandview, 7 p.m.

Austin Johnson/Tribune

11PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

> See CLARKSTON, Page 13

SCHEDULE

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“On the whole, the GSL is going to be much improved from last year. We had a lot of young teams, including our own. There’s a number of teams I think are going to compete for the top spot. Shadle Park has won it the last two years, West Valley’s always tough, I think Pullman’s going to have a good squad, but I think we’ll be in the mix.”

The Bantams follow that with a border battle against Lewiston a week later, then face East Valley in a Sept. 16 road game to start what Bye anticipates will be a highly competitive league season. “On the whole, the GSL is going to be much improved from last year,” he said. “We had a lot of young teams, including our own. There’s a number of teams I think are going to compete for the top spot. Shadle Park has won it the last two years, West Valley’s always tough, I think Pullman’s going to have a good squad, but I think we’ll be in the mix. I think we’ll be right there with all those guys.”

“When you return first-team all-league guys, that’s a big deal for your squad,” Bye said, noting Steinwand was a sophomore when he led the league in passing yards in 2021, and “usually, sophomore-to-junior year is big growth.”

> 5 things to know 

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CLARKSTON >Continued from PAGE 11

After an interruption in 2020 amid coronavirus restrictions, Clarkston resumed an old tradition last year by facing Moscow in its opening game of the season. In that encounter, the Bears turned the tables on the Bantams, who had defeated them every year from 2014-19. Can Clarkston make a positive start to this season by reasserting its old dominance in the rivalry? Most of Clarkston’s defeats last year came by margins of one touchdown or less. With 22 returning lettermen, the Bantams now are a signiﬁcantly more experienced group; will this pay dividends in tight game situations?

Clarkston opens its season with a traditional nonleague area rivalry game against Moscow at home at 7 p.m. Sept. 2. “Moscow’s been a good squad the last couple years,” Bye said. “They got us last year, so we’re looking forward to that one.”

Regardless of the outcome, Bye thinks his team will play this season in the right spirit.

CLARKSTON COACH BRYCEN BYE

A practice.anballcatchesstonClark-playeraduringAug.17

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“They love playing football and they love to celebrate each other’s success,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who’s scoring touchdowns; it doesn’t matter who’s making catches; our team really buys into the idea that they celebrate for each other, and they’re all good friends outside the team, so that’s just a big piece of who we are for this season.”

13PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 (running back and linebacker).

Wendt may be contacted at (208) 8482268, or cwendt@lmtribune.com.

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Quarterback Carter Steinwand led the Class 2A Greater Spokane League in passing yards as a sophomore and received first-team all-league recognition. Will he make the major sophomore-to-junior jump that coach Brycen Bye hopes for, and in so doing help take the Bantams to the next level? Shadle Park has reigned supreme the past two years in the league, but Clarkston came close to pulling an upset and tying the Highlanders for first place in a 30-27 defeat late last season. Can the Bantams find the winning touch on Oct. 22 as they once again take on the Highlanders at the end of the regular season? Clarkston’s large senior class includes players who were active as freshmen in 2019 when the Bantams last won the league title and went to the state playoffs. Can they bookend their careers by repeating that feat?

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202214 Clarkston players work through agility cow.2theBantams17duringdrillsanAug.practice.TheopenseasonSept.againstMosAustin Johnson/Tribune & PROUD TO SUPPORT LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

> See PULLMAN, Page 16

15PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Greyhounds playing the numbers game

David Cofer thinks a lot of being successful in high school football comes down to a num bers game. A game he thinks the Pullman Greyhounds are on the correct side of. When the pandemic forced the state of Washington to play football into spring 2021, the Greyhounds had just 46 players. Last season, the numbers increased to 59. At the start of practice this season, player participation soared to 78. Cofer gave credit to his as sistants that work in the high school for “roaming around the

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Tanner Barbour, sr., WR/DB; Caleb Northcroft, jr., QB/DB; Brady Coulter, soph., RB/LB; Terran Page, jr., RB/LB; Champ Powaukee, jr., WR; Marco Aguirre, sr., DB; Joe Kraft, sr., LB; Aydin Peltier, jr., DB; Henry Preece, sr., FB; Dylan Couch, sr., LB; Max McCloy, sr., LB; Austin Hunt, jr., DT; Cotton Sears, sr., OL/DT; Holden Chandler, sr., OL/DL; Jake LeBeau, jr., DL; Colin Dreewes, sr., OL/DL; Reece Pettitt, jr., OL/DL.Cofer

Sept. 2 — Lakeside, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — Moscow, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — at North Central, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — at Rogers, 4 p.m. Oct. 7 — Shadle Park, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — Clarkston, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — East Valley, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 — at West Valley, 7 p.m. Zach Wilkinson/Daily News

Pullman hopes rise in player participation will turn into wins

SCHEDULE

Pullman’s Terran Page tackles a bag during Monday’s football practice.

By RANDY ISBELLE SPORTS STAFF

Pullman COACH — David Cofer, sixth season LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 4-6 overall, 3-3 in Class 2A Greater Spokane League

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Isbelle can be reached at sports@ lmtribune.com, (208) 848-2268 or on Twitter @RandyIsbelle. to know

halls” and recruiting players from other sports, and even some that were not involved in athletics at all.

Junior Caleb Northcroft and newcomer Gavin Brown will compete for the starting quarterback job. Cofer said the insurance of having two capable guys under center will be nice as the season goes along.

Pullman struggled early, losing its first four games by a combined 116 points. The Greyhounds turned it around in the back half of the year and finished 4-2, winning all four games at home. This year, Pullman opens the season with two nonleague home games against Lakeside and rival Moscow. A year ago, the Bears rolled the Greyhounds 47-7. Greater Spokane League play fills out the rest of Pullman’s schedule as it will take on the same six league opponents as last season. Including Moscow, seven of the eight opponents this season are rematches from 2021.

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Receivers Tanner Barbour and Champ Powaukee, along with running back Terran Page, are capable of scoring every time they touch the ball. They will look to stretch opposing defenses thin. Cotton Sears returns after missing last season with an injury. Sears started every game his sophomore year at offensive tackle. Brady Coulter leads a solid 10th grade class with a ton of varsity experience last season. Pullman is switching to an odd man front on defense to look for more speed. First-team All-Greater Spokane League player Max McCloy will lead a strong linebacker unit.

“It’s great when you have a lot of sophomores (because) they are so new so they are moldable,” he said. “They can learn lots of different positions.” The key position to focus on is quarterback as junior Caleb Northcroft will battle with Gavin Brown for that starting job. “(They have the) same skill set,” Cofer said. “We will tailor our offense around what they bring to the table.” In front of whichever quarterback gets the role, senior Cotton Sears returns to the offensive line after missing his entire junior year with an injury. “He has done a lot in the offseason getting ready,” Cofer said. “(He’s) a big presence up front, (and) he is really hungry.”

Last season



“The thing I like about our league, especially this year, is how good it is top to bottom,” Cofer said. “It’s an interesting year because we don’t have the extra hoops to jump through.”

The Greyhounds have a large group of sophomores who have varsity experience, and it is their versatility Cofer is most excited about.

Pullman quarterback Caleb Northcroft throws a pass to a receiver during practice.Monday’s ZachDailyWilkinson/News

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202216 PULLMAN >Continued from PAGE 15 > 5 things

> See GRANGEVILLE, Page 18

Grangeville made it to the Class 2A state postseason on the backs of its offensive line and run game. However, the Bulldogs will have a completely revamped offensive line and backfield in an attempt to return to the postseason this year. “We only have 13 kids on the varsity team,” Grangeville High School football coach Jeff Adams said. “We’re going to be young up front but we have some high hopes for our sophomore class.”

Aug. 26 — at Cole Valley, 6 p.m. Sept. 2 — Bonners Ferry, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — Weiser, 6 p.m. Sept. 16 — New Plymouth, 6 p.m. Sept. 23 — Priest River, 6 p.m. Sept. 30 — at Orofino, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — St. Maries, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — at Kellogg, 7 p.m. August Frank/Tribune Grangeville players move off the line at the snap of a ball during an Aug. 16 practice.

Bulldogs young, but hungry for postseason return

By TREVAN PIXLEY SPORTS STAFF

Colyn Goeckner will be the man getting carries for the Bulldogs. He only weighs around 195 pounds but is a true downhill runner. “He’s a north and south run ner who gets behind his pads,”

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS Cody Klement, Joey Williams, Clay Weckman, Anjel Kent, Trid Charlie, Ray Holes, Jaden Lagretta, Sam Lindsley, Colyn Goeckner. Goeckner

17PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Grangeville hits reset button, but the goals remain the same

SCHEDULE

One sophomore Adams has high hopes for is offen sive lineman Talum Brown. “He’s young but he’s going to be really good,” Adams said. “He’s extremely intelligent and calm. He’s a smart kid with a strong base and will be a great leader in the trenches.”

> Grangeville COACH — Jeff Adams, sixth season LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 3-6 overall, 2-0 Central Idaho League

The Bulldogs also will be look ing for a new quarterback. As of now, it’s a two-man race be tween sophomore Cody Klement and junior David Goicoa. The two gunslingers had a chance to show their stuff at the University of Idaho’s football camp during the summer, with both of them performing well. “They’re both baseball players who share the same demeanor,” Adams said. “That’s what we need, more leaders. They’re both very calm with ice water in their veins. They’re young, but have the right mindset.” Klement is more of a dual-threat with running ability, whereas Goicoa is more comfortable in the pocket.

Last year, the Bulldogs managed to get to the Class 2A state tournament with a 3-6 record. But the Central Idaho League added two more teams in Priest River and Kellogg, so making it more difficult to earn a spot at the tournament.

SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATBULLDOGS!SEASON

n Adams noted the Bulldogs will “return to the basics” offensively. He wants to give his guys the best opportunity to play physically and play fast.

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202218 > 5

Adams said. “He’s good at break ing tackles and getting free.”

n Currently, the quarterback position will be a battle between Cody Klement and junior David Goicoa. Adams said the decision will be made by the first game.

n The Bulldogs had a top-tier offensive line last season. However, all five of its starters graduated. This year, it’ll be a completely new group up front.

“(Cody) has a bit more arm strength,” Adams said. “(David) is just so young right now, and his hands are still kind of small. We’re still trying to get a proper look at him. Cody has the better hands, but we’ll see what the season brings. Nothing is for sure just yet.”

PAGE

While Grangeville has to revamp its offense, its defense — led by outside line backer Anjel Kent — mostly has remained intact.

>Continued

GRANGEVILLE from 17 August Frank/Tribune Grangeville practices handing the ball off at an Aug. 16 practice.

The youth of the Bulldogs won’t be a problem on the defensive side of the ball, according to Adams. Grangeville will be led by outside linebacker and team captain Anjel Kent. “We’re going to be good pretty much everywhere on defense,” Ad ams said. “(Anjel) Kent is going to an chor the defense. I really think every position on defense has speed and our junior varsity coaches did a great job preparing them for the next level.” Pixley may be reached at tpixley@lmtribune. com, (208) 848-2290 or on Twitter @TreebTalks. things to know

By CODY WENDT SPORTS STAFF

Orofino’s Evan Simpson makes a tackle during an Aug. 17 practice. Maetche Orofino COACH — Jake Maetche, first year LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 1-5 over all, 0-2 2A Central Idaho League Aiden Olive, soph., QB/WR/DE; Evan Simpson, soph., OL/DL; Alex Powers, jr., WR/LB; Cory Godwin, sr., RB/SS; Luke McAdow, sr., OL/DL; John Dafoe, sr., OL/DL.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS —

After a string of losing seasons for Orofino football, first-year coach Jake Maetche hopes to lead the program in a new direction. Maetche has experience in the region as an assistant and junior high coach, and worked with some of the boys on the Maniacs’ current roster be fore they got to high school. “When (four-year coach Garrett Bretz) left, we need ed somebody to do it,” he said. “It kind of seemed like kids maybe weren’t going to come out. I thought maybe I could get kids out, so here I am.” The Maniacs’ first game under Maetche will come at home at 7 p.m. today in their season debut against the Marsing Huskies. Marsing is a nonleague foe against which Orofino recorded its lone victory last year, pre vailing 31-0 on Sept. 24 — but the Huskies now are coached by former NFL star and Marsing alum Shea McClellin, which could

Aug. 26 — Marsing, 7 p.m. Sept. 10 — at Melba, 1 p.m. Sept. 23 — Kellogg, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — Grangeville, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — at Priest River, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — at St. Maries, 7 p.m. Frank/Tribune

New coach hopeful of turning things around for Orofino

> See OROFINO, Page 20

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 SCHEDULE

Overhaul has Maniacs in bit of rebuild mode

August

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202220 spell new life for their own program. Aside from the Marsing game, last season was not a pretty picture for the Maniacs, who lost by more than 20 points in every other outing and were routed 41-12 and 28-7 by Class 2A Central Idaho League foes Gran geville and St. Maries, respectively.

Wendt may be contacted at (208) 8482268, or cwendt@lmtribune.com.

PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL

what

Drew Hanna and Aiden Olive helped the Maniacs win the Central Idaho League title in baseball in the spring. Working together again, along with Cory Godwin, can they bring the winning formula to another sport?

GREATMANIACS!SEASON

DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE

>Continued

…We have a kid, Tucker Malloy, who was second place in the 100 meters at the state track meet last year. I’ve got another kid, Seger Pettengill, who’s really fast and hasn’t played in a few years.” Orofino has a turnout of 28 this year, with returners Drew Han na and Aiden Olive — a pair of multisport standouts who also are stalwarts on the baseball team — set to alternate in the starting quarterback position. The Maniacs are scheduled to play four total nonleague games during the next month before they host Gran geville on Sept. 30. Orofino has not won a league game since defeating St. Maries 32-26 on Oct. 19, 2018.

OROFINO from PAGE 19 August Frank/Tribune Orofino’s Edward Harrison tackles Alex Powers during an Aug. 17 practice.

5 things to know

Jake Maetche is trying to turn around what has been a losing program as he takes on his first head coaching job. Will his outlook and approach to the job prove to be what the Maniacs need?

n Orofino track standouts like Seger Pettengill and Tucker Malloy are also coming out for football this year. Could the additional injection of speed give the Maniacs’ offense a winning boost?

n As some upperclassmen turn out for the first time since junior high, how much of the skill built back then have they retained?

SAM 101, WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going love happens next! A

’ HAVE

“I would say that compared to last year, we’ve got a lot more speed this year,” Maetche said. “We’ve got some kids that have come back out that haven’t played in a while.

n Can Orofino break its near-four-year winless drought in the league this season?

“I think we’re just really focused on getting kids out and just working hard,” Maetche said. “We’ve been conditioning a lot, and the kids really buy into that. They’ve really worked hard with their conditioning, and just trying to make it fun and dynamic and do a lot of different things.”

LETTERWINNERS

> Clearwater Valley COACH — Allen Hutchens, third season LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 3-6, 3-4 in Whitepine League Division I

“The Whitepine League top to bottom is very competitive in all sports,” Clearwater Valley coach Allen Hutchens said.

Aug. 27 — vs. Glenns Ferry, 1 p.m.* Sept. 2 — Logos, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — at Notus, 5 p.m. Sept. 16 — Lapwai, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — at Kamiah, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — Genesee, 7 p.m. Oct. 6 — at Potlatch, 5 p.m. Oct. 14 — Prairie, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — at Troy, 7 p.m. * — 8-Man Classic in Middleton August Frank/Tribune

QB/LB;

21PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Clearwater Valley quarterback Anthony Fabbi gets past a Timberline player during a jamboree in Kooskia on Aug. 19. Myers

RETURNING — Austin Curtis, sr., OL; Anthony Fabbi, sr., Isaac Goodwin, sr., OL/DL; Anthony Carter, sr., DL/RB; Keegan Robeson, sr., RB/DB; Bass Myers, jr., LB/TE/RB; David Davis, jr., OL; Jake Fabbi, soph., LB; Tiago Pickering, soph., RB/WR/DB; Carson Schilling, soph., DB/ Leighton Davis, soph., OL/DL; Estuardo Puderbaugh, soph.,

SCHEDULE

WR;

Despite a disappointing loss to Lapwai in the first round of the Idaho Class 1A Division I play offs, Clearwater Valley is confi dent heading into this season in a competitive Whitepine League. The Rams of Kooskia finished 3-6 overall, 3-4 in the league, good enough for fifth place. The bright side? Two of those three wins were of the convincing fashion.

By TEREN KOWATSCH SPORTS STAFF

Clearwater Valley hopes to soar to upper tier of WPL DI standings

OL/DL> See CV, Page 22

Rams to lean on returners to succeed

>Continued from PAGE 21

PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATRAMS!SEASON

CV August Frank/Tribune

5 things to know

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202222

Clearwater Valley’s Tiago Pickering outruns the Timberline defense during a jamboree in Kooskia on Aug. 19. 101,

Bass Myers is a versatile player who will see plenty of time all around the field. He’ll play at linebacker, tight end and running back.

“You seriously have four or five teams who have a shot (at winning the league),” Hutchens said. “At the end of the day, there’s Prairie, and we keep saying that until some one proves otherwise, they’re the favorite. Saying it is one thing, but you have to go out there and do it.”

will be without Dylan Pickering, who had 909 yards rushing and 12 total touchdowns on 7.3 yards per carry. Pickering’s spot will be filled with a combination of seniors An thony Carter and Keegan Robeson, junior Bass Myers and Pickering’s younger brother and sophomore, Tiago. All are two-way starters, and Tiago Pickering pulls triple duty as a returner for the Rams. Despite the many returners, Clearwater Valley still has to contend with the Prairie Pirates, who have gone a combined 15-2 in the past two seasons and made it to the quarterfinal round of the 2021 postseason, and the Lapwai Wildcats, who advanced to the semifinal round of the playoffs.

n Anthony Fabbi is entering his third year as starting quarterback and also is a starting linebacker.

n Senior guard Isaac Goodwin is coming off a shoulder injury.

Kowatsch can be reached at tkowatsch@lmtribune.com, (208) 8482268 or on Twitter @tkseahawk13.

The aforementioned running game

The wins came against Logos of Moscow, Troy and Kamiah. An advantage the Rams have coming into this season is several letterwinners and longtime starters are returning. Senior quarterback/ linebacker Anthony Fabbi is back for his senior season after throw ing for 13 touchdowns, rushing for three touchdowns, having a receiving touchdown and throw ing only four interceptions. “Fabbi throws the ball well, but he’s also an athlete back there,” Hutchens said. “He’s another weapon for us behind center. “We got speed on the outside with our (receivers) and all that, and we can line up and run the ball too. Hope fully that translates to (success).”

n Austin Curtis is in his third season as the starting center.

n Anthony Carter will see time at defensive end as well as running back as one of several players trying to replace the production of the graduated Dylan Pickering.

SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE

By STEPHAN WIEBE SPORTS STAFF

Genesee COACH — Justin Podrabsky, second year LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 7-3 overall, 5-2 in Whitepine League Division I RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Angus Jordan, sr., QB/DB; Wyatt Jordan, sr., RB/LB; Nolan Bartosz, sr., WR/DB; Grant Wolf, sr., OL/LB; Sam Stewart, jr., OL/DL; Kole Scharnhorst, jr., OL/DL; Vince Crowley, soph., WR/LB.

Just two years after going 1-8, the Genesee football team broke through to the Idaho Class 1A state tournament last season. While the Bulldogs (7-3) didn’t make it past the first round, it’s an encouraging sign for a team hoping to continue its rise. “I feel really good about the guys we have,” second-year coach Jus tin Podrabsky said. “Our numbers are a little down, but I think overall, just from top to bottom, we’re a little

Bulldogs hope to continue climb in the standings

Genesee broke through to make postseason, now wants more

SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — at Timberline, 7 p.m. Sept. 2 — Potlatch, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — at Troy, 7 p.m. Sept. 15 — Kendrick, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — Prairie, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — at CV, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — Logos, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — Kamiah, 7 p.m. Oct. 22 — at Lapwai, 1 p.m. Zach Wilkinson/Daily News

23PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Genesee’s Sam Stewart tackles Nolan Bartosz during a recent practice.

Podrabsky > See GENESEE, Page 26

Kendrick returns almost all of its title team. Now, the players are hungry for more

Junior quarterback Ty Koepp has started for the Tigers since the first snap of his freshman year. Senior Jagger Hewett is one of the best two-way players in the state and is the favorite target of Koepp. There’s also Jack Silflow and Dallas Morgan on the offensive and defensive lines, there’s Wyatt Fitzmorris and Sawyer Hewett in the offensive backfield and more than a dozen other Tigers who know what it feels like to lift a championship trophy. Most of them last year were underclassmen.

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202224

jungleownTigersthe

“I don’t like using the word ‘carry over’ because it’s a clean slate,” 10th-year coach Zane Hobart said. “It doesn’t matter what we did last year, it doesn’t matter that we’re older. “It’s a whole new year, so we told the guys that we don’t want to put any pressure on ourselves or pressure on our athletes.” At this point, the players know what they need to do. They’re used to it.

By STEPHAN WIEBE SPORTS STAFF Wander into a Kendrick football practice, nestled in the woods of north central Idaho, and you’re not likely to hear any talk of last year’s heroic run to the Idaho Class 1A Division II state championship. The Tigers return all but one player from their banner-hoisting bunch and more than likely are sure-fire favorites to win it all again this year. But that’s not how Kendrick wants to see itself. They’d rather stick to calmly throwing their long balls and quick routes at their field along the Potlatch River and preparing for their Week 1 opponent, Notus.

Those Kendrick young guns dispatched Carey 30-24 to claim the state championship, avenging a loss to the Panthers in the semifinal round the previous year. Koepp accounted for all four touchdowns in the win, passing for two and rushing for another pair. The Tigers finished with a 9-2 record and a 9-0 mark against teams in their own classification.

But Kendrick’s rise to the top of small-school football was several years in the making. It was about five years ago when the Kendrick high and junior high coaching staffs took a step back and decided “Hey, we’ve got to teach these (junior high) guys exactly what we’re teaching the high school kids,” Hobart said. The two teams already were running somewhat of the

“We started a lot of sophomores (and) a lot of those guys started both ways,” Hobart said. “We started a freshman running back in the state title game.”

TOP: Kendrick players sprint across the ﬁeld during warm ups before practice in a photo taken at a slow shutter speed Aug. 12. FAR LEFT: Kendrick’s Ty Koepp, left, kisses the Idaho Class 1A Divison II state championship trophy after defeating Carey at the Kibbie Dome on Nov. 20, 2021.

Kendrick players practice drills during an Aug. 12 practice.

25PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

LEFT: Kendrick’s bench celebrates their victory against Carey in the Idaho Class 1A Divison II state championship game.

KENDRICK COACH ZANE HOBART

Photos by August Frank and Zach Wilkinson/ Tribune and Daily News same offense, but they doubled down on it when the school’s current upperclassmen were seventh- and eighth-graders.

“We’re not teaching them the basics anymore,” Hobart said. “They come in with great experience after two years of junior high football. It’s helped immensely.”

Kendrick coach Zane Hobart, bottom right, watches his players work on tackling and running techniques during an Aug. 12 practice.

Kendrick hopes its recent success will inspire the next generation of Tigers too.

The switch has resulted in players grasping the system quickly and being more game-ready by the time their time in varsity rolls around.

August Frank/Tribune

“I don’t like using the word ‘carry over’ because it’s a clean slate. It doesn’t matter what we did last year, it doesn’t matter that we’re older. It’s a whole new year, so we told the guys that we don’t want to put any pressure on ourselves or pressure on our athletes.”

Wiebe may be contacted at (208) 848-2260, swiebe@ lmtribune.com or on Twitter @StephanSports.

“I remember before kickoff at the state title game, looking over at the kids in the stands and a couple of the kids are fifthand sixth-graders that hang around practice,” Hobart recalled, “and I said, ‘In a few years, you’ll be out here doing this.’

August Frank/Tribune

The offensive style mixes deep passes with quick throws and utilizes speedy running backs to keep defenses on their toes. The Tigers spread the ball around more than many of the state’s power-rushing teams.

Hobart recalled a moment he shared with some young fans before the state championship game.

“The look on their faces was like ‘Holy cow.’ So the program, it’s headed in a good direction for sure.”

over

On the offensive line, Genesee is led by Sam Stewart and Grant Wolf. Wolf also plays middle linebacker and will “run the show” on defense. “Defensively, I think we’re going to have some good speed, so I look for us to fly around,” Podrabsky said. “We’re not the biggest guys size-wise, but we’ll make up for that with our effort and our flying around to the ball.”

One of those players will be Nolan Bartosz, who racked up 400 yards receiving and “five or six” touchdowns last year despite Wareham being the No. 1 target.

Receiver/defensive back Nolan Bartosz got stronger as the season progressed.



Wiebe may be contacted at (208) 848-2260, swiebe@lmtribune.com or on Twitter @StephanSports.

“It’s huge not only because we get some good kids to come over here, some quality kids, but it’s really out of necessity,” Podrabsky said. “It’s like a couple miles apart, so these kids know each other. We’ve played them in baseball as well, so there’s a little bit of rivalry in that.”

Genesee owes much of its recent success to its coop with Colton, its neighbor across the state border. This year’s team features nine players from Genesee and seven from Colton as the co-op enters its third year. Joining forces keeps players from the two schools on the field.

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202226 deeper in just overall talent of kids.”

Podrabsky said the Bulldogs will look to have a more balanced attack this season and work to get multiple players involved in the passing game.



There’s no more superstar receiver Cy Wareham, who was known for making big plays on a weekly basis. Wareham isn’t an easy player to replace, but Podrabsky hopes the Bulldogs will make up for his loss with more balance on offense.

GENESEE >Continued from PAGE 23 Bartosz Wolf Reisenauer Zach Wilkinson/Daily News Genesee’s Matt Reisenauer catches

Genesee must replace do-it-all receiver Cy Wareham and stud running back Jack Johnson, but it brings back a collection of battle-tested players.



He’s emerged as a leader for the Bulldogs this year.

Running back Wyatt Jordan completes the Jordan Bros. duo and is hoping for a big season after being limited by injuries in 2021.

5 things to know

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Quarterback Angus Jordan has torched Whitepine League defenses for the past two seasons, and he’ll be looking to go out on a high note.

Senior twin brothers Angus and Wyatt Jordan return for the third consecutive season and “bring the energy” for the team. Angus Jordan is a familiar face at quarterback and Wyatt Jordan will handle running back duties. “They’re the guys that keep it light, but then again they know when it’s time to get down to business,” Podrabsky said. “...Obviously, they’re good athletes and they’re good football players, so that kind of elevates their teammates around them to want to be more accountable and to step up their play as well.”

As is often the case with small-school teams, depth could be a concern for the Bulldogs. Even with the Colton co-op, numbers are down from last year. The team will hope to stay healthy in order to make a push for a second consecutive state playoff berth. a pass Memphis

August Frank/Tribune

Kamiah looks to get back to its old self after sub-par year

Kamiah COACH — Nels Kludt, seventh year LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 2-5 overall and in Whitepine League Division I

27PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Kamiah makes its sea son debut at 7 p.m. today against Whitepine League Division I foe Lapwai. The

A string of winning sea sons for the Kamiah Kubs was rudely interrupted a year ago as they suffered four consecutive defeats to finish 2021 with a 2-5 record. “We played and were in every game for at least a half or three quarters, but we couldn’t finish,” coach Nels Kludt said of the losing streak, noting that shortages of experience and toughness along with injury problems in the team’s leadership played roles. “... This group, they’re hungry to make amends for last year. They want to get back where we were a couple years ago. With a lot of seniors and juniors playing this year, we feel good about the kids we have back and how hard they’re working. Their goals and mindsets coming into the season are very strong.”

Aug. 26 — at Lapwai, 7 p.m. Sept. 2 — Raft River, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — Logos, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — Council, 6 p.m. Sept. 23 — Clearwater Valley, 7 p.m. Sept. 29 — at Prairie, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — Troy, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — at Genesee, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — Potlatch, 7 p.m.

SCHEDULE

Hungry Kubs seeks to make amends

KEY RETURNERS — Colton Sams, sr., LB/RB; Brady Cox, sr., TE/DB; Everett Skinner, sr., OL/DL; William Millage, sr., TE/DE; Kyler Usher, sr., RB/DB; Wyatt Wanaka, sr., OL/DL; Porter Whipple, jr., OL/ DL; Conner Weddle, jr., RB/LB; David Kludt, soph., QB/DB.

By CODY WENDT SPORTS STAFF

Several Kamiah players try to stop each other from reaching a tackle bag during a drill at an Aug. 18 practice.

> See KAMIAH, Page 28

David Kludt

Kubs make their home debut a week later in a nonleague game against 2021 Idaho Class 1A state runner-up Raft River of Malta.

n Boasting a half-dozen seniors among their returning lettermen, will the Kubs now field enough experience and toughness to outlast other teams in the situa tions where they were outlasted last year?

KAMIAH >Continued from PAGE 27 Cox

5 things to know

“We feel good about where we’re going,” Nels Kludt said. “Our first two weeks of practice have been very good; we feel solid about the attitude and leadership we devel oped the last two weeks. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but we feel like if we can come out strong against Lapwai and just build off that, that can develop our season for us.”

n Kamiah immediately will face another major test in visiting Raft River, which reached the state final last year. Will the Kubs sink or swim, and could the tough start to their schedule pay dividends later in the season?

Kamiah had been accustomed to winning seasons the past several years before suffering a run of defeats to close out last season. Will the Kubs regain their old winning routine or find themselves stuck in a new normal on the wrong side of the score column?

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202228

“We’ve been pretty even in my time as head coach,” Kludt said of his team’s rivalry with Lapwai. “We’ve both had some pretty good teams, but they got us good at the start of the season last year.

Kamiah’s “most decorated” returner, in Kludt’s words, is Brady Cox, a receiver and de fensive back who is a former 110-meter hurdles state track champion and has garnered allleague recognition in football the past two years. All-league lineman Porter Whipple and sophomore quarterback David Kludt also will be among the key leaders.

n Lapwai dominated Kamiah 60-28 when the teams met last year, but the Wildcats have graduated standouts such as quarterback Titus Yearout. Can the Kubs regain a foothold in the rivalry as they face Lapwai to kick things off?

“As far as the Whitepine League goes, there’s some teams that have fared well the last couple years. I don’t know if it’s anybody’s league, but I think it’s got a chance to be more balanced, especially with some of the graduations that they’ve had last year at both Prairie and Lapwai.”

n With the team’s starting quarterback injured, David Kludt stepped up into the role several times last year as a freshman. Will the experience he built then bear fruit this season as he takes on the position full time? Sams August Frank/Tribune Players from Kamiah run a drill where an individual tries to touch a bag as three others attempt to stop him during an Aug. 18 practice.

SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATKUBS!SEASON

Wendt may be contacted at (208) 8482268, or cwendt@lmtribune.com.

By TREVAN PIXLEY SPORTS STAFF Lapwai finished last year 8-3 overall, 6-1 in the Whitepine League Division I. The Wildcats’ lone loss of the regular season came in early October to eventual league champion Prairie 58-26. However, Lapwai would go on to avenge its loss to the Pirates during the quarterfinal round of the Class 1A Division state tournament, winning 68-36. But the Wildcats lost 19 play ers, including all-everything two-sport star Titus Yearout, who was the team’s quarterback. Yearout’s spot under center this year will be filled by junior Terrell Ellenwood-Jones. “He’s starting to take the steps to fit in as the starting quarterback,” Lapwai coach

> See LAPWAI, Page 30

Yearout

Aug. 26 — vs Kamiah, 7 p.m. Sept. 2 — at Timberline, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — at CV, 7 p.m. Sept. 22 — Logos, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — at Troy, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — Prairie, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — Potlatch, 7 p.m. Oct. 22 — Genesee, 1 p.m. August Frank/Tribune Lapwai players raise their fists in the air at the end of an Aug. 12 practice.

LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 8-3 overall, 6-1 Whitepine League Division I RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Promise Shawl, sr., OL/DL; Ahlius Yearout, jr., WR/DB; Dillion White, jr., RB/DB; Jashaun Sherman, sr., OL/DL; Jalisco Miles, sr., WR/DB.

Wildcats hopeful of reload, not for rebuild

> Lapwai COACH — Josh Leighton, fifth season

SCHEDULE

29PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Lapwai wants to reestablish championship culture of 1980s

Pixley may be reached at tpixley@lmtribune. com, (208) 848-2290 or on Twitter @TreebTalks.

Josh Leighton said. “He’s a basket ball player who is quick and super athletic. He’ll be able to use his speed to get on the edge and make a play.” Not only did the Wildcats lose a bulk of their players, two more key play ers transferred out. Mason Brown and Sage Lone Bear will be playing 11-man football at Clark ston this season. Lone Bear was the Wildcats best defen sive player from a year ago, and Brown was responsible for more than 1,600 receiving yards. “With all the graduates movement,andwe will have to work hard,” Leighton said. “We’ve established our team as a successful program and mak ing the playoffs has always been our goal. We’re trying to get a state championship. The last time we won a state title was back in the 1980s. We’re trying to get our foot ball program back to that level.”

“He’s a true north and south runner,” Leighton said. “He’s su per gritty and will give you that 2- or 3-yard run when you need it. He’s a super tough kid.”

n Lapwai will have 23 players on the roster. Not many of those have varsity experience with Leighton, noting that most of them didn’t get a lot of playing time unless the score was out of reach.

Despite the departures,

LAPWAI >Continued from PAGE 29 Shawl EllenwoodJones

5 things to know

The Wildcats open up the season against Williamson’s former team, the Kubs, at 7 p.m. today at home. “There is going to be a lot of jitters on Friday,” Leighton said. “We need to get going fast and be able to eliminate as many pregame worries as possible once we hit the field.”

Although one Yearout is gone, one still remains. Junior Ahlius Yearout will be one of the outside targets for Ellenwood-Jones.

AugustTribuneFrank/ LAPWAI WILDCATS M-Y Sweetwater Appaloosas Jon & Rosa Yearout SWA Sweetwater Athletics McFarlandJoyce HometownProudofour LAPWAI Football Volleyball Cheerleading SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATWILDCATS!SEASON

the Wildcats got a transfer in Herschel Williamson, who transferred from Kamiah and is expected to make an instant impact in the backfield.

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202230

Star quarterback Titus Yearout graduated, and taking his spot will be junior Terrell Ellenwood-Jones. Ellenwood-Jones is a basketball player with sneaky athleticism who has the potential to make plays outside the pocket.

n Even with a new quarterback, the offensive game plan hasn’t changed much, if at all. Leighton is expecting Ellenwood-Jones will try and make more plays with his legs.

n The Wildcats will be young this year, losing 19 players to graduation. Luckily, the Whitepine League Division I as a whole is in a stage of limbo. Powerhouse Prairie as well as Troy have new coaches, and Genesee is low in numbers, according to Leighton.

tice.Aug.duringballhandswood-JonesTerrellquarterbackLapwaiEllentheoffan12prac

Logos of Moscow quarterback Jack Driskill runs with the ball during a recent practice.

Aug. 27 — vs. Council*, 2 p.m. Sept. 2 — at CV, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — Kamiah, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — at Clark Fork, 7 p.m. Sept. 22 — at Lapwai, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — Potlatch, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — at Genesee, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — Troy, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — at Prairie, 7 p.m. * — at Grangeville

By TREVAN PIXLEY SPORTS STAFF

It’s not every day a football team in Class 1A Division I has more than 30 kids on their sideline. Howev er, second-year program Logos of Moscow will have that luxury. “There aren’t a lot of teams that can practice against a full defense in the eight man ranks,” Knights coach Nick Holloway said. “We’re able to do that and it’s nice to have that many guys come out and play with intensity.”

SCHEDULE

The Knights will have around 38 players on their roster. However, they will only have one senior. “We lost 10 seniors from last year,” Holloway said. “This year is going to be a youth movement and I hope they will develop quickly.” Logos’ lone senior will be cen ter Josh Grauke, who missed all of last year with an injury. “He’ll be a team captain and has a lot of respect from the rest of the team,” Holloway said. “He had to

Holloway > Logos COACH — Nick Holloway, second year LAST YEAR’S RECORD 3-6 overall, 1-6 Class 1A DI Whitepine League. RETURNING LETTERWINNER — Jack Driskill, jr., QB.>

31PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Zach Wilkinson/Daily News

See LOGOS, Page 32

Logos increases numbers, hopes to raise some eyebrows

Knights look for more improvement in Year 2

n Coach Nick Holloway said to “expect the unexpected” in 2022. With one year under their belt, he is aiming to spice up the offense.

Joining Driskill in the backfield will be a tandem of running backs, as Ben Carlson and Johnathan Morrill will be getting the bulk of the carries. Those two play untradition al sports in the state of Idaho, as Carlson is a hockey play er and Morrill plays rugby. “Both of those sports ... really helps the game of football,” Holloway said. “You can see the impact those sports have in their running style.” In their inaugural season, Lo gos finished 3-6 overall. For a first-year team, most would say Logos exceeded expec tations. Holloway and the Knights intend to do that in Year 2. “I think we have solid over all team speed,” Holloway said. “Our offense should be more wide open this year. We’re not going to be as vanilla as last year.”

Quarterback Jack Driskill is the lone returner for Logos. He’s already progressed as a pocket passer. However, during the offseason he’s put in the work to develop speed and ability to make plays outside the pocket.

n The Knights will only have one senior in its lineup, tcenter Josh Grauke. Grauke missed all of last season because of an injury.

5 things to know

Logos opens the season at 2 p.m. Saturday against Council at Grangeville High School. Pixley may be reached at tpixley@lmtribune. com, (208) 848-2290 or on Twitter @TreebTalks.

Zach Wilkinson/Daily News Logos of Moscow players swarm to the ball during a defensive drill at a recent practice.

Grauke will have the respon sibility of protecting junior quarterback Jack Driskill. Driskill showed promise under cen ter in 2021, displaying advanced ball placement and arm strength. During the offseason, he’s worked on his abil ity to make plays outside the pocket. “Last year, he really wanted to push the ball downfield,” Hollo way said. “This year, he’s learn ing to not force stuff and how to make plays with his legs.”

n With 38 players on the roster, Logos no doubt will be one of the deepest teams in Class 1A Division I. Holloway noted the linebacker position will be the deepest spot for the Knights.

n Logos will have a pair of runners whose backgrounds fit their running style. Ben Carlson and Johnathan Morrill will share carries. They have experience with hockey and rugby, which is evident through their running style.

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LOGOS >Continued from PAGE 31

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202232 really work his way back after his injury and he managed to do so.”

“The kids last year did get some playing time,” coach Ryan Ball said. “The younger kids who are stepping in this year did have some games where we allowed them to get some playing time. So I think we’re a step ahead because of that.”

Potlatch’s Wyatt Johnson rushes the ball during a football practice at Potlatch High School. Ball Potlatch COACH — Ryan Ball, season

33PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Potlatch is coming into the season after making the quar terfinal round of the Idaho Class 1A Division I state playoffs a year ago, but they’ll have to do it without most of the starters from last year’s playoff team.

Sept. 2 — at Genesee, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — at Prairie, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — Deary, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — Troy, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — at Logos, 7 p.m. Oct. 6 — Clearwater Valley, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — Lapwai, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — at Kamiah, 7 p.m.

The experience of the un derclassmen should help the team. Potlatch is returning only five letterwinners, four seniors and one junior. The letterwinners play posi tions of critical importance, with

SCHEDULE

By TEREN KOWATSCH SPORTS STAFF

The Loggers are replacing five starters on the offensive side of the ball and four on the defense.

Loggers look to underclassmen to lead way

Zach Wilkinson/Daily News

Potlatch hoping to reap benefits of young players’ experience

fifth

LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 6-4, 4-3 in Whitepine League Division I RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Logan Amos, sr., OL/DL; Wyatt Johnson, sr., RB/DB; Avery Palmer, sr., RB/LB; Sam Barnes, sr., TE/DE; Jack Clark, jr., QB/DB> See POTLATCH, Page 34



all-state offensive lineman Logan Amos returning and state track competitor Wyatt Johnson bringing his speed to the running back position after playing tight end last season.



PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202234

POTLATCH >Continued from PAGE 33

aleft,JacobPotlatch’sKeck,linesupagainstLo-ganAmosinone-on-onedrillduringarecentpractice.

Wilkinson/ZachTribune SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATLOGGERS!SEASON We are LOGGER PRIDE! Best of luck this season. (208) 875-0616 | 150 6th St, Potlatch, ID 83855 GO LOGGERS! HOME LOANS | PERSONAL LOANS | BUSINESS LOANS | CREDIT CARDS LATAHCU.COOP Moscow|Kendrick|Plummer|Potlatch Shawn Lynas HVAC/R Teach 1058 Boller Rd. Potlatch, ID (208) email:596-7757uhrinc@hotmail.com ID Contractor #010880 WA contractor # UNLIMHR896PK GO LOGGERS

5 things to know  Returning senior Logan Amos is a ﬁrst team all-state offensive lineman. Senior running back Wyatt Johnson is transitioning from tight end to running back and bringing speed, having placed in the top 3 in the 100and 200-meter dashes at the state track meet. The team will be replacing ﬁve starters on the offense and four starters on the defense. Jack Clark is the youngest returning letterwinner on the Loggers, returning for his junior season at the quarterback position. Potlatch opens the season against Genesee today and Prairie in Week 2, teams that gave the Loggers two of their three league losses last season.

The Loggers are not the only team in the Whitepine League facing significant turnaround — the Prairie Pirates will have a new head coach in T.T. Cain, and the Lapwai Wildcats have seen the departure of three-star defensive tackle Sage Lone Bear to Clarkston. Ball thinks his team has as good a chance as any to win the league.

“You never really know,” Ball said. “I would say we’re working our way to getting in the top half (of the league), this year. The players we have coming back compared (to) the other teams that have what they have returning, it might take a little bit of work for us to get in the playoffs again. But as far as the league goes; it takes one or two games of playing well and I think the league is going to be competitive top to bottom.”



RECORD —

> Prairie COACH —

Cain said the team doesn’t have as much varsity experience as in the past, which could prove challenging against other league rivals who are re turning a lot of experienced players. Cain mentioned Clearwa ter Valley and Lapwai as teams that might provide a challenge for the Pirates this season. “For me, and for us, it doesn’t matter who it is,” Cain said. “It’s one game at a time. We prepare for that, then we move forward. So, for me, it doesn’t really mat ter who we’re playing. It’s just how we prepare and get ready.”

The Pirates haven’t lost more than one game in a season since 2018.

The team returns upperclassmen at quarterback, running back and offensive line. Who will replace starting quarterback Lane Schumacher and all-state running back Brody Hasselstrom? August Frank/Tribune

First year coach T.T. Cain inherits the mantle after longtime coach Ryan Hasselstrom retired. Prairie has won the Whitepine League four consecutive years.

SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATPIRATES!SEASON

The dawn of a new era for the Pirates

By TEREN KOWATSCH SPORTS STAFF

Kowatsch can be reached at tkowatsch@lmtribune.com, (208) 8482268 or on Twitter @tkseahawk13.

Cain said retaining other assis tants and the overall aura of the program keeps the bar high for a school that has won a combined 47 games and two state champi onships the past five seasons. Prairie also will have to replace Hasselstrom’s son, Whitepine League Division I player of the year and all-state running back Brody Hasselstrom, as well as starting quarterback Lane Schumacher. Between Brody Hasselstrom and Schumacher, the Pirates have to replace 2,746 total yards of offense and 45 touchdowns. The starter at quarterback will either be senior Colton McElroy or sophomore Eli Hinds, and the running game will see senior Tren ton Lorentz and sophomore Jake Quintal get the bulk of the carries. “Coming into this year, it’s going to be a little bit different,” Cain said. “We have a smaller group of kids and we lost, obvi ously, key players from last year. A lot of the players we’re going to rely on are underclassmen to come in and step up to try and replace those skill positions.”

Aug. 27 — vs. Oakley*, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 2 — Troy, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — Potlatch, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 — Timberline, 6 p.m. Sept. 23 — at Genesee, 7 p.m. Sept. 29 — Kamiah, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — at Lapwai, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — at CV, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — Logos, 7 p.m. * — 8-Man Classic in Middleton T.T. first season LAST YEAR’S 8-1, 7-0 to know

in Whitepine League Division I RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Shane Hanson, sr., OL/DL; Trenton Lorentz, sr., RB/DB; Colton McElroy, sr., QB/DB; Noah Behler, jr., OL/LB; Eli Hinds, soph., QB/DB; Jake Quintal, soph., RB/LB; Carter Shears, soph., OL/DL. > 5 things

Cain,

A Prairie player hits a tackling bag during an Aug. 16 practice in Cottonwood.

35PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

This year is shaping up to be a year of change for Prairie of Cot tonwood. Out is former coach Ryan Hasselstrom, who retired in the spring after spending 16 years leading the Pirates and more than two decades in the program in total. In is new leader T.T. Cain, who was an assistant on the staff. Cain previously was coach at Challis, and knows taking over for one of the most legendary lead ers in the area is a tall task. “Coming in and replacing coach Hasselstrom in (the) program is kind of like replacing tall timber,” Cain said. “A difficult thing to do.”

SCHEDULE

New coach, less experience, sameexpectationsbuttheforPrairie

SCHEDULE

Troy COACH — Shawn Buchanan, first year LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 1-7 overall, 0-7 in Whitepine League Division I LETTERWINNERS — Makhi Durrett, soph., TE/DL; Joseph Bendel, jr., RB/LB; Chandler Blazzard, sr., QB/LB; Levi McCully, sr., WR/DB; Dylan Abbott, jr., OL/DL; Eli Stoner, jr., QB/DL; Kaiden Strunk, sr., RB/DB; Rider Patrick, sr., RB/DB.

With the departure of three-year coach Bobby Wilson and installation of former western-Washingtonian Shawn Buchanan, the Trojans will be playing under a new coaching style and outlook. Will this help or hinder them?

Troy has had a back-and-forth series against neighboring rival Deary. Will the towns continue to alternate season-opening victories, or can Troy assert its dominance?

Trojans hope new blood means new beginnings

RETURNING

Troy is looking to get a fresh start this season

Buchanan

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202236

Troy heads straight into the deep end of the Whitepine League Division I field when it faces Prairie on Sept. 2. Will the young Trojan team be ready for the challenge?

5 things to know

By CODY WENDT SPORTS STAFF

The Trojans’ last Whitepine League Division I win came nearly two years ago in a 52-44 overtime game against Potlatch on Sept. 4, 2020. Can they break their conference drought?

Zach Wilkinson/Daily News Troy’s Chandler Blazzard throws the ball during a recent practice.

Bu chanan has assistant coaching experience from his days in west ern Washington, and has some familiarity with the Trojans from watching his son, Landon, play for them before gradu ating in the spring. “The team lost eight seniors last year, so it’s a pretty young squad,” Shawn Buchanan said. “A few returners. I’ve got four seniors that are all returners, I’ve got four juniors or so, I think five soph omores that are all coming back.” With his debut season not-yetbegun, Buchanan still is getting a feel for the 20-player turnout he has to work with. It has been immedi ately apparent to him that senior quarterback Chandler Blazzard, a member of a distinguished sporting family in Troy and a second-team All-Whitepine League linebacker last season, stands out as a lead er among the team’s returners. “He’s really stood up and put his foot out there,” Buchanan said of Blazzard. “He’s helped a lot.” Troy opens its schedule with a nonconference game at Deary in a clash of neighboring towns at 7 p.m. today. This will be the third season in a row the Trojans and Mustangs have faced off to start their schedules, with Deary win ning 74-28 in 2020 before Troy turned the tables for its first and only win of last season, 36-18. Troy opens its league run against defending champion Prai rie a week later at Cottonwood. “This is my first year, so it’s going to be a bit tricky, every body getting used to the way of doing it and all that good stuff,” he said. “... I don’t know a whole lot about the teams around here, except for Prairie; Prairie’s pret ty darned good. There are some tough teams in our league.”

Aug. 26 — at Deary, 7 p.m. Sept. 2 — at Prairie, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — Genesee, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — at Potlatch, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — Lapwai, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — at Kamiah, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — at Logos, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — Clearwater Valley, 7 p.m.

The Trojans lost a large senior class last year, and now have a smaller one in its place. How well will the new class shoulder the burden of leadership?

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After finishing 2021 on a sev en-game losing streak, the Troy Trojans are looking for a fresh start. Newly installed head coach Shawn Buchanan — who moved to Troy from Port Angeles, Wash., a little more than two years ago — is hoping to provide the needed spark for the program.

Wendt may be contacted at (208) 8482268, or cwendt@lmtribune.com.

Mustangs hope experience will carry them to greater heights

Aug. 26 — Troy, 7 p.m. Sept. 2 — Kootenai, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — at Potlatch, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — at Timberline, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — Lewis County, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — Kendrick, 7 p.m.

Kalab Rickerd, last year’s quarterback, will play more at receiver to attempt to get him in space.

Deary is young but has many players with varsity experience.

n Dale Fletcher, Blaine Clark, TJ Beyer and Dawson Bovard will rotate at running back to keep guys fresh late in the game.

The Mustangs are trying to avoid back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 2012.

The Mustangs are up to 20 players this season after only graduating three. Much of the group is back, and with a few new faces sprinkled in, Olson will be able to mix and match players in different positions. Kalab Rickerd was the start ing quarterback, and much of the offense ran through him. It allowed opposing defenses to zone in on containing Rickerd. This season, the plan is to have the senior play at receiver posi tion. The hope is it will allow Rick erd more room to operate, divert the attention away from the line and allow the running game to have more holes to run through. Sophomore Wyatt Vincent will take over at quarterback, and he will have a lot of talent behind him to hand it off to. Four players are possible options at running back, but Olson said juniors Blaine Clark and Tucker Ashmead will be the lead guys. “We have a lot of skill po sition guys who can make some plays,” Olson said. For any small school, injuries always are a concern. With Deary, those worries are amplified up front. Olson thinks his first unit lines will be competitive, but there is a lack of depth. The trenches were a point of concern last season, and the blocking was not up to the level Olson wanted it to be. “We struggled to finish blocks last year, so that is a huge point of emphasis this year,” Olson said. Olson wants to see more consis tency from his team, and less of the all or nothing he saw last year. “We either had a negative play or a touchdown (last year),” Olson said.

Zach Wilkinson/Daily News

Deary thinks veteran group can improve on 2021 results

Deary’s Dale Fletcher takes a handoff during a recent practice.

After a rocky 2021 season, coach Tim Olson is hoping for a bounce back year for the Deary Mustangs. Deary struggled to a 1-6 record, losing all Whitepine League Division II games a year ago. Olson thinks the experience his team gained will elevate them to a stronger season. “A lot of players were playing in their first varsity games last year,” Olson said. “The experi ence factor will be a huge help.”

RETURNING

—

Sophomore Wyatt Vincent will step into the starting quarterback role.

SCHEDULE

Deary COACH — Tim Olson, second season LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 1-6 overall, 0-3 in Whitepine League Division II LETTERWINNERS Kalab Rickerd, sr., TE/DB; Elvis Rickert, sr., TE/ DE; Dale Fletcher, sr., RB/LB; Blaine Clark, jr., RB/LB; Tucker Ashmead, jr., TE/DB; Dawson Bovard, soph., FB/LB; TJ Beyer, soph., RB/DB.

SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATMUSTANGS!SEASON White Pine Foods Weekly Sales Fresh Produce • Quality Meats Liquor Store 402 2nd Ave • Deary, ID • 208.877.1310 Monday-Saturday 8am-7pm • Sunday 8am-6pm Pre-order from our Deli: Pizzas • Chicken • Ribs • Salads Sandwiches • Party Trays Supporting Our Local Communities Go Mustangs!

By RANDY ISBELLE SPORTS STAFF

37PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

5 things to know

Experienced Kendrick is a force on the ﬁeld

KENDRICK COACH ZANE HOBART

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202238

By STEPHAN WIEBE SPORTS STAFF

Everyone should fear the Tigers

> 5



 Points come in bunches when the Tigers hit the ﬁeld. Kendrick scored more than 40 points nine times last season, reached at least 70 points three times and surpassed 80 points once.

A Kendrick player looks to make a one-handed catch during an Aug. 12 practice.

“(Ty Koepp is) coming into his third year, he started since he was a freshman. Anytime you do that, I think the beginning of your season starts stronger. ... We’re able to hit the ground running with him holding the reins of the offense, which is nice.”

Aug. 27 — vs. Notus*, 10 a.m. Sept. 2 — vs. Oakley, 5 p.m. Sept. 9 — vs. Wilbur-Creston, 7 p.m. Sept. 15 — at Genesee, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — at Lewis County, 6 p.m. Oct. 7 — Timberline, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — at Deary, 7 p.m. * — 8-Man Classic in Middleton things to know

The annual Kendrick-Deary game draws some of the biggest crowds, but the Tigers have held the edge in the rivalry in recent years. Kendrick dominated the game 70-0 a year ago. But that’s not to say the Mustangs haven’t had their years too — Deary owned the rivalry game in Hobart’s early years. “There’s something different about that week than any other week,” Hobart said. “It’s kind of a buzz around town with the towns so close together.”



SCHEDULE

Quarterback Ty Koepp isn’t just catching the eye of the locals, he’s getting statewide recognition. IdahoSports. comnamed the junior one of the 10 best quarterbacks in the state in any classiﬁcation. Opponents will have two Hewetts to worry about. Tight end Jagger Hewett — another IdahoSports.comhonoree — and running back Sawyer Hewett are speedsters defenses will need to keep track of.

 Kendrick gets a rematch against Class 1A Division I Oakley in Week 2 after the Hornets crushed the Tigers 52-0 last season. The team points to its recovery from that game as a deﬁning mark in their eventual run to a state title.

Hewett, a senior, was honored as one of the state’s top 10 defensive backs after corralling seven interceptions a year ago and being a menace all around the field. The speedy Hewett also plays tight end on offense and was the recipient of Koepp’s two passing touchdowns in the title game. “He had a tremendous season last year for us on both sides of the ball,” Hobart said.

> Kendrick COACH — Zane Hobart, 10th season LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 9-2 overall, 3-0 Whitepine League Division II RETURNING LETTERWINNERS —

Jagger Hewett, sr., TE/DB; Jack Silﬂow, sr., OL/DL; Tommy Stamper, sr., OL/DL; Triston Jones, sr., OL/DL; Wyatt Fitzmorris, jr., RB/LB; Ty Koepp, jr., QB/LB; Lane Clemenhagen, jr., RB/LB; Hunter Taylor, jr., TE/DB; Dallas Morgan, jr., OL/DL; Mason Kimberling, jr., TE/LB; Sawyer Hewett, so., RB/DB.

August Frank/Tribune

Koepp, a junior, was named one of the 10 best quarterbacks in the state by Idahosports.com after compiling 2,379 total yards and scoring 46 total touchdowns in 2021. He’s the only player in the classification on the list of mostly Class 5A players. Koepp produced all four touchdowns in Kendrick’s 30-24 state championship win against Carey, with two passing scores and two more on the ground. “He’s coming into his third year, he started since he was a freshman. Anytime you do that, I think the beginning of your season starts stronger,” Kendrick coach Zane Hobart said. “... We’re able to hit the ground running with him holding the reins of the offense, which is nice.”



Kendrick might play in the smallest football classification in Idaho, but the defending Class 1A Division II state champs are no small potatoes. The Tigers bring back all but one player from last year’s championship team — a dangerous reality for anyone looking to stop them. Quarterback Ty Koepp and wideout/defensive back Jagger Hewett return as the heart of the team, and the duo isn’t flying under the radar.

The Tigers aren’t the biggest team at the skill positions, but they make up for it with a couple of big leaders on the offensive and defensive lines. Junior Dallas Morgan stands at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds and is a wrecking ball on the defensive line. At 6-2, 276, senior Jack Silflow is another lockdown lineman who’s tough to Wyattteam’supThey’llhandle.openholesforthefullback,Fitzmorris, and tailback, Sawyer Hewett. The experienced bunch will start its season with a series of games set to test the Tigers early. Kendrick opens the season with a pair of Class 1A Division I teams in Notus and Oakley. The Hornets are back-to-back champs and trounced Kendrick 52-0 a year ago. Then, the Tigers face Wilbur-Creston-Keller in Week 3, a Class 1B team from Washington that is no stranger to the playoffs.

“We try to do that on purpose to schedule as difficult as we could to prepare ourselves for a run at the postseason,” Hobart said. “No easy games right off the bat, we’re getting right after it.”

39PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Wiebe may be contacted at (208) 848-2260, swiebe@lmtribune.com or on Twitter @StephanSports. 215srccfreeclinic.org10thStreetPO

BOX 6 Lewiston Idaho 83501 208.743.5899 Thank you for helping us serve those in need ï Medical ï Dental ï Behavioral Health Free Healthcare for the underserved Jagger Hewett SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATTIGERS!SEASON HOME LOANS | PERSONAL LOANS | BUSINESS LOANS | CREDIT CARDS LATAHCU.COOP Moscow|Kendrick|Plummer|Potlatch GO TIGERS! 328 Warner Drive, Suite 8 and 3506 12th Street Lewiston, www.sportptclinic.comID Kyle Knigge, DPT Kasey Wolf, PTA, FMS, APP in Ortho Kayleigh Moyle, PTA Stephanie Thorne, PTA Kelly Steiger, PT, OCS, SCS, CSCS, CIDN, FMS Michael Ward, PT, OCS Nathan Martin, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT Roni Hewett, DPT, OCS We are the only Board Certified Clinic in Orthopedics and Sport Physical Therapy in the LC Valley. We can restore your function and independence for optimal quality of life.

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SCHEDULE

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Along with Hambly, the Ea gles have seniors in running back Wyatt Webb, tight end TJ Fetters and lineman Jasper McCorkle. Junior Gage Crow earned first team all-league at running back last year. Crow rushed for more than 700 yards in the fullback position in 2021. Junior Noah Watson hopes to fill the hole Ryen Zen ner left after graduating. Moddrell thinks behind the ath leticism of Hambly and the solid talent in the skill positions that Lewis County will be fundamental ly sound enough to compete with the best teams in the league.

“Nothing too incredibly fancy, just fundamentally sound technique and proper angles,” Moddrell said.

> Lewis County COACH — Monty Moddrell, seventh season

Aug. 26 — at Salmon River, 6 p.m. Sept. 2 — Tri-Valley, 5 p.m. Sept. 9 — Council, 5 p.m. Sept. 16 — at Meadows Valley, 3 Sept.p.m.23 — Kendrick, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — at Deary, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — Lakeside, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — Timberline, 7 p.m.

n Lewis County has a strong junior/ senior class at the skill positions, so expect plenty of shootouts.

By RANDY ISBELLE SPORTS STAFF Kendrick might be the focus in the Class 1A Division II Whitepine League after its state championship run last season, but Lewis County has the firepower to worry any opponent. Reigning league player of the year Ty Hambly leads a senior-lad en offense that scored more than 50 points three times last season.

> 5 things to know

n Whitepine League player of the year Ty Hambly returns for his senior season. n Nic Kirkland returns to the offensive and defensive lines after missing his sophomore season because of shoulder surgery.

Teams shouldn’t sleep on Lewis County

n Sophomore Owen Tiegs is playing his first year of organized football, but Moddrell thinks he will come right in and compete for a role in the defensive backfield.

The key game will be against the defending state champions when the Eagles host Kendrick on Sept. 23. Lewis County will look to avenge a tough 82-12 loss last season. The Eagles end the season hosting Timberline in a rematch of one of the more entertaining games from last season. The two teams combined for 144 points, but Lewis County fell 78-66. The Eagles already are earning some respect, as they received a single vote in the state media preseason poll. “It is cool to get recognized for sure,” Moddrell said. “We have a long way to go and last year was a rough road with all of the injuries.”

n The roster continues to increase, and Moddrell was excited to have a full scout team this season.

“Hambly is a stud muffin, he is our guy,” Eagles coach Monty Moddrell said. “(We’re) excited (for) his senior year. Three other seniors with him have really become our core.”

The Eagles will have between 20 to 25 players when the season starts at 6 p.m. today at Salmon River. Moddrell said the number of players in the co-op between Nez perce and Highland had risen enough that he had to hire another assistant to keep an eye on practice. He said it was a good problem to have. The key focus for the Eagles will be up front. Moddrell called McCorkle his coach on the field and signal-call er along the line as he will be the starting center for a third season. Junior Nic Kirkland returns after missing all of last season after shoulder surgery from an injury he suffered playing baseball.

Isbelle can be reached at sports@ lmtribune.com, (208) 848-2268 or on Twitter @RandyIsbelle.

LAST YEAR’S RECORD 3-5 overall, 1-2 in Whitepine League

Eagles return loads of firepower, could be contenders

Division II RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Ty Hambly, sr., QB/LB; Wyatt Webb, sr., RB/ LB; TJ Fetters, sr., OL/TE/DL; Jasper McCorkle, sr., OL/DL; Gage Crow, jr., RB/LB; Noah Watson, jr., WR/DB. A practice.attacklesCountyLewisplayeratireanAug.17 AugustTribuneFrank/ Go Eagles! 208-937-9909 Go Eagles! SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATEAGLES!SEASON

jr., OL/DL. > 5

By RANDY ISBELLE SPORTS STAFF

SCHEDULE

August Frank/Tribune

Christopherson said junior de fensive end Gavin Christopher son had a growth spurt and now stands 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds. Having that much leadership will be key for a Spartan team that is young at receiver position. During the Aug. 19 jamboree at Clear water Valley, Tim berline started two freshmen at the spot. With the lack of ex perience at receiver, the Spartans will focus on more of an option offense, trying to take advantage of the speed in the backfield. The schoolsagainstjamboreethreelargerhelpedprove Timberline will not back down from any oppo nent and not get down mentally. “Boys continue to work hard and stay in the right mindset,” Pat Chris topherson said. “They have a great attitude and (give a) fantastic effort.”

Four-year letterwinner Parker Brown once again will be the starting quarterback. Logan Hunter and Gavin Christopherson were busy in the weight room in the offseason and will be strong on the defensive line. Running back Rylan West was a state qualifier in track in the spring. The Spartans scored a combined 160 points in back-to-back games in 2021, and the core of the offense returns. Timberline has a young receiver core, starting two freshmen.

in results > Timberline

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Spartans bulk up, giving team reason to think now is the time

A strong offseason has coach Pat Christopherson excited about Timberline’s up coming season.

Aug. 26 — Genesee, 7 p.m. Sept. 2 — Lapwai, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — at Salmon River, 6 p.m. Sept. 16 — Garden Valley, 7 Sept.p.m. 23 — Deary, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — at Kendrick, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — at Lewis County, 7 p.m.

Timberline’s speed also could play pivotal role COACH — Pat Christopherson, fifth season LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 3-4 overall, 2-1 in Whitepine League II Brown, Logan Hunter, DL; Rylan West, RB/LB; Gavin DE; Lane Downing, Darrin Bonner, FB/DB; Tyson Stewart, things to know

41PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Christopherson SAM DIAL E 101, PULLMAN 334-DIAL Youre going to love what happens next!

Timberline receiver Caleb Marshall looks to make a one-handed catch at an Aug. 17 practice.

JEWELERS 255

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Parker

MAIN SUITE

“Probably had the best weight room attendance in the summer,” Chris topherson finishedPierce/WeippeTimberlinesaid.ofwitha3-4 record a year ago, go ing 2-1 in Whitepine League Division II play behind state champion Kendrick. The team will rely on four captains to improve in 2022. Senior Parker Brown is a four-year letterwinner and once again will be the Christophersonquarterback.calledBrowntheleaderoftheteam,andthe Spartans will rely on him heavily.

Logan Hunter, a senior duringtheincrediblesondefense.stronglineman,defensivewillbeupfrontonChristophersaidhemadegainsinweightroomtheoffseason.Juniorrunning back/linebacker Rylan West is speedy for his 220-pound frame. West was a state qualifier on the 400 and 800 relay that qualified for the Class 1A state meet in the spring.

Timberline will have to keep that mindset as it hosts back-to-back Class 1A Division I teams to start the sea son. The Spartans will face Genesee and Lapwai in the first two weeks. A fun match-up to look out for is the regular-season finale when the Spartans play at Lewis County on Oct. 21, which is a rematch from last year’s 144-point game that Timber line came out with a 78-66 victory. Isbelle can be reached at sports@ lmtribune.com, (208) 848-2268 or on Twitter @RandyIsbelle.

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jr., OL/LB;

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West Hunter Brown

’ HAVE A GREATSPARTANS!SEASON

WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425)

While the num bers are low, Salm on River only lost one senior from the 2021 season. With only two freshmen, the Savages have a lot of Four-yearexperience.player Tyrus Swift will be the anchor. Swift will play at halfback and line backer this season. Junior Gabe Za vala will take over quarterback duties behind an offensive line led by sopho more Devon Herzig. “(In the) Long Pin (Conference) there is not really a clear favorite,” Medley said. “I really think over the course of the season, where we finish is on the work we put in.”

n Tyrus Swift will be a big factor on both sides of the ball.

n Small numbers have created a lack of depth. n The Savages graduated one senior, so there is a lot of experience on the team.

By RANDY ISBELLE SPORTS STAFF

SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATSAVAGES!SEASON

Savages will be walking on thin ice all season

Salmon River COACH — Ty Medley, fourth season

The Salmon River Savages will be walking a tightrope all season long. Fourth-year coach Ty Medley only has nine players of the 14 boys total in the school, on his roster. It turns injury concerns from a depth issue to an eligibility one. Salmon River does not have a game this weekend, then will play the next eight weeks. With no off weeks, endurance will be tested. “It is more import ant than ever to keep these guys in shape,” Medley said. “(This season) is a lot to ask, but it is nothing new for Riggins.”

LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 2-6, overall, 1-4 in Long Pin Conference

Oct. 7 — Council, 6 p.m. Oct. 14 — Meadows Valley, 6 p.m. Oct. 21 — at Garden Valley, 6 p.m. > 5 things to know

It is work Medley and his team are going to have to come at in a strate gic way, and hope for some luck. “We have to be smart enough to stay healthy, no dumb mistakes,” Medley said. “Lots on the players.” Isbelle can be reached at sports@ lmtribune.com, (208) 848-2268 or on Twitter @RandyIsbelle.

August Frank/Tribune Salmon River players spring off the line at each other during an Aug. 17 practice.

Herzig Ceglia-Klaudt

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Tyrus Swift, sr., RB/LB; Mortaki Ceglia-Klaudt, sr., OL/DL; Cordell Bovey, jr., WR/LB; Gabe Zavala, jr., QB/LB; Devon Herzig, soph., OL/DL.

Swift Zavala Medley

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Aug. 26 — Lewis County, 6 p.m. Sept. 2 — Cascade, 6 p.m. Sept. 9 — Timberline, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — at Notus, 6 p.m. Sept. 23 — at Tri-Valley, 6 p.m. Sept.30—atHorseshoeBend,6p.m.

Salmon River has 9 players, so injury concerns are at forefront

Depth already caused issues, as the Savages had to cancel a preseason appear ance Aug. 19 in a jamboree at Clear water Valley. The Savages only had six eligible players with enough prac tices in by the time the glorified scrim mage took place. Medley said even having a season was in question. Now that Salmon River will play, he and his players are focused on not only compet ing but winning. “We can com pete with anyone,” Medley said. “Just can we compete with anyone in the fourth quarter.”

n Devon Herzig will anchor the offensive and defensive lines. n Salmon River will attempt to spread out defenses and make them defend the entire field.

SCHEDULE

Reu-

By TEREN KOWATSCH SPORTS STAFF

The Panthers are returning 11 letterwinners, which typically would be an advantage for most teams. But the players haven’t really experienced a full season despite being multiyear starters, mainly thanks to pandemic-related issues. Even if a full game count was under the players’ belts, the rest of the league is bringing back a good portion of veterans as well.

looks to replace 2-year starting QB Panthers might

Panthers sophomore offensive lineman AJ Olerich was named the MVP for his position group at the University of Idaho football camp earlier this summer, and is joining an offensive line that has three other returners. Behind the offensive line is an experienced backfield, with two returning letterwinners at running back and one at fullback. The run-game experience should help the team as it navigates the departure of two-year starting quarterback Preston Overberg. “Anytime you bring back the offensive lineman that we do is a huge strength for us,” Holman said. “We lean on those guys.” But the offense will be different than in the past The basics will be the same, but a little bit different,” Holman said. “Our quarterback is going to be new. Whoever’s the quarterback for us, it’s going to be a very inexperienced position for us, for sure.

“My primary concern is how tough our league will be,” Asotin coach Jim Holman said. “Most of the teams are senior-loaded and return a ton of experience.” But most aren’t returning a football camp MVP on their roster.

43PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 SCHEDULE

Lines should be a strength as Asotin look to ground, pound the ball Jim Holman, ninth year LAST YEAR’S 2-7 2B Wood, Olsen, Kauhi, Clegg, sr., Berzett, sr., WR/DB/P; ben Eggleston, jr., TE/DE;

RECORD —

OL/LB; Isaiah

Gavin Ells, jr., WR/DB; Justin Boyea, jr., OL/DL; Cameron Clovis, jr., RB/LB/K; AJ Olerich, soph., OL/ DL; Peter Eggleston, soph., RB/LB > 5 things to know  Overall player participation is up.  Experienced offensive line.  Sophomore offensive lineman AJ Olerich was named offensive line MVP at the University of Idaho football camp.  Much of the senior class will be three-year starters.  Kicking and special teams should be a strength. Wood August Frank/Tribune Asotin works on ball carrying and defensive drills during a practice Saturday. SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATPANTHERS!SEASON PIONEER INSURANCE AGENCY Wes Vaughn-Asotin Home • Business • Auto • Farm CALL US TODAY! 509-243-4242•Fax 509-243-4243 116 2nd • P.O. Box 267 | Asotin, WA 99402 GO PANTHERS!ASOTIN HAVE A SEASON!GREAT

overall and Class

Holman said the team will rely on the running game and play-action to help alleviate the pressure on the whoever the quarterback will be. The defense also should be a strength, with returning letterwinners on all three levels of the defense.

sr., WR/DB; Will

“I feel more confident (on the defense) in terms of experience,” Holman said. “Defensively, we returned nine guys that started or played a bunch.”

Asotin is returning many players from a year ago, but still looks at steep competition in the Washington Class 2B Bi-County League. The team’s strength in numbers should provide a significant advantage against many of the other teams in the league, with the Panthers having 30 players on this year’s team.

Kowatsch can be reached at tkowatsch@lmtribune.com, (208) 8482268 or on Twitter @tkseahawk13.

Bi-County League RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Gavin

Probably our least experienced position, which isn’t always ideal.”

> Asotin COACH —

sr., FB/LB; Deven

sr., OL/DL; Kamea

Sept. 2 — at Liberty, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — Davenport, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — at Northwest Chr., 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — at Chewelah, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — Reardan, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — at Colfax, 7 p.m. Oct. 29 — Lind-Ritzville/Sprague, 1 p.m.

n Might there be a strong rapport between Gilchrist and quarterback Seth Lustig, who played together earlier this year on the fourth-place state run in Washington Class 2B basketball?

Colfax’s Mason Gilchrist stiff arms a defender while carrying the ball during a recent practice. Morgan Lustig

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202244

“The strength of our team this year will be the big boys up front,” Morgan said. After their opener, the Bulldogs remain on the road for two more games before hosting Reardan on Sept. 23. After a 4-4 league season last year, Morgan hopes to see his team step up to the next level.

n With a deep roster of experienced linemen, might Colfax be able to physically outlast other small schools on the ground?

The Colfax roster is headlined by multisport athletes in running back Mason Gilchrist and quarter back Seth Lustig, both of whom also have been standouts for a success ful boys basketball program.

The team’s game schedule does not open with any soft touch either; Colfax faces defending Class 2B Bi-County League bestedvilleLind-Ritzville/SpraguechampionatRitz-onSept.2.TheBulldogstheBroncostwicein2019, when the rivals last met — but the LRS program has improved considerably since then.

Bulldogs hope to harvest their talent this season

“Very talented, throws the ball really well, natural lead er,” Morgan said of Lustig. “Seth runs the offense as well as any other quarterback I’ve had.” The team also boasts seven line men among its returning lettermen.

5 things to know

“This group is a joy so far to coach,” he said. “We may not be the most talented on the field, but we’re going to play hard. Our kids are going to give it everything they’ve got, and I think we’re going to sur prise a couple people during the season with the way we’re playing.”

Colfax renews an old rivalry with Lind-Ritzville/Sprague to start the season, with the teams meeting for the first time in three years. The Bulldogs were suc cessful against the Broncos in the past, but can they continue their head-to-head dominance now that LRS is the defending league champion?

“It’s a daunting opening for us for sure,” Morgan said. “They’ve got a lot of talent, they’re very skilled. They have a new coach, so we don’t know how that’s go ing to change them, but we’ve always been very successful against LRS and we’re just going to have to see if we can match up with their talent, their speed.”

By CODY WENDT SPORTS STAFF Harvest season has arrived on the Palouse, and many of the young men on the Colfax foot ball roster already spend much of their day hard at work in the fields, but veteran coach Mike Morgan has not gone easy on his Bulldogs as they gear up to start the season.

“Our schedule, it’s tough on the boys,” Morgan said of the routinesummertwo-a-daypracticetheteamwas maintaining. “We’ve talked about getting comfortable inwetgrassuncomfortable.beingTheiscoldandwhenwegetupthemorning,and it’s hot when we get there in the evenings. They’ve showed up every single day with a great attitude. They’re ready to work.”

Wendt may be contacted at (208) 8482268, or cwendt@lmtribune.com.

Four-year starter and two-year all-league honoree running back Mason Gilchrist also was a starter for the Bulldogs’ state fourth-place basketball team and had the top batting average on their state semifinal baseball team. Can he bring the magic to a third consecutive sport?

> Colfax COACH

Colfax looking to take another step forward in league play SCHEDULE

Zach Wilkinson/Daily News

Sept. 2 — at LRS, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — at Chewelah, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — at Liberty, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — Reardan, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — at Lakeside, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — Chelan, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — at Davenport, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — Asotin, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 — Northwest Chr., 7 p.m. — Mike Morgan, 25th year LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 5-4 overall, 4-4 Bi-County League RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Mason Gilchrist, sr., RB/LB; Seth Lustig, jr., QB/DB; JD Peterson, sr., WR/DB; Drew VanTine, sr., OL/DL; Canyon Pierce, sr., OL/DL; Jude Hahn, sr., OL/DL; JP Wigen, sr., TE/DL; Zach Cooper, soph., RB/DB; Shawn Bober, sr., OL/DL; Brice Hammer, jr., OL/DL; Carrick McWhirter, sr., OL/DL; Colton Kneale, jr., WR/DB; Cody Inderrieden, jr., WR/DB; Tanner Senter, RB/LB, Charlie Henning, soph., OL/DL.

The Bulldogs are replacing five starters, with coach Mike Morgan saying he “re ally like(s) what we’ve seen” from fresh additions to the team. Will the newcomers gel with the experienced leadership?

45PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATBULLDOGS!SEASON GO BULLDOGS! Good luck, COLFAX Bulldogs! Sales: Dan Helbling 509-336-1346 Nic Mayer�� 509-385-3895 Tyler Eistad 509-956-3120 Rena Olsen 509-956-3110 See our inventory online at www.jtii.com 425 Hwy. 26, Colfax 509-397-4371 | 1-800-831-0896 304 N 9th Ave., Walla Walla 509-525-6620 | 1-800-525-6620 TWO AREA LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: COME TO JONES TRUCK & IMPLEMENT FOR ALL OF YOUR NEW AND USED TRACTOR & OTHER AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT NEEDS! GO BULLDOGS! JONES TRUCK & IMPLEMENT Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you find the equipment & parts that are right for your needs. Come see us today! Jones Truck & Implement is the area’s authorized Case IH, GVM Sprayers and Mahindra dealership. Wishing All Area Schools A Safe, Fun, And Successful Season. Follow it with us, in print, online, and mobile The Lewiston Tribune Online

SCHEDULE

Sophomore Bryce Pfaff, who also has been a standout for Viking bas ketball, will be starting quarterback. “He’s still growing,” Par rish said of Pfaff. “Left-hand ed, can throw pretty well. We’re kind of excited about him.”

With a roster composed of more than half freshmen and featuring no seniors, the Vikings are the youngest team around. Will they do the necessary growing up in time to compete on the field this season?

Coach Garrett Parrish had lost touch with area football in the years since Gar-Pal ceased fielding a team. How well will the current field align with what he remembers?

Other early prospects include Caleb Kelnhofer at running back and Lane Collier, a “quick, shifty kid with really good hands.” After that, Parrish said it still is largely “up in the air” who will play what position and what the leadership will look like in this emerging program. “First and foremost, I’m excited to have football back,” he said. “I know the community is; a lot of people are asking about it. The kids are excited to play. We’ve kind of missed that in the fall the last few years — it defi nitely takes away from the excite ment on Friday nights at school. “This year’s going to be a tough road. We’re super-young, but our kids have had great attitudes so far. … We’re focused on us and trying to get us ready, because we literally started from ground zero this year.” Wendt may be contacted at (208) 8482268, or cwendt@lmtribune.com.

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202246

Sept. 2 — at St. John-Endicott, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — at Tekoa-Rosalia, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — Touchet, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 — St. John-Endicott, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — at Liberty Chr., 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — Sunnyside Christian, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — at Pomeroy, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 — DeSales, 7 p.m. Nov. 5 — at Yakima Tribal, 1 p.m.

Will the community excitement about having a football team again after a threeyear hiatus provide a dose of added energy and motivation for the Vikings?

n While none of them have competed in high school, the core group on the roster played together at the middle school level. Will the team dynamic and rapport they established there carry over?

n Regardless of their results this season, might this large young group be laying the foundation for a successful Gar-Pal resurgence within the next few years? August Frank/Tribune Garfield-Palouse quarterback Bryce Pfaff throws a pass during a practice Monday in Palouse.

SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATVIKINGS!SEASON

COACH — Garrett Parrish, second year LAST YEAR’S RECORD — Did not play RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — None. > 5 things to know

Vikings back on the field for first time in 4 years

Garfield-Palouse

toresurrectsGarfield-Palouseprogram,setsailagain

By CODY WENDT SPORTS STAFF Garrett Parrish had just overseen a 9-2 season in his new job coaching at Garfield-Palouse in 2018 when the Vikings went over a cliff. Having graduated a large se nior class, Gar-Pal failed to field a team in 2019, or either of the next two seasons. A small number of Gar-Pal students co-oped with Pullman at first, but by last year, even that Viking presence on the Greyhound roster was gone. Now, in a late surprise, the school announced the revival of its pro gram this season, with the first game in almost four years set for 7 p.m. Sept. 2 against St. John Endi cott/LaCrosse in St. John, Wash. “Honestly, our incoming freshman class kind of are the ones responsible for getting it back,” Parrish said of the football program’s resurgence. “I think we have nine or 10 in the fresh man class that are playing; it’s a pret ty big group for an eight-man team.” To call this a young team is an understatement. There are no play ers who have ever played a snap of competitive high school football. However, many of the freshmen and sophomores who make up the bulk of the team did play together in middle school, providing some underpin ning and rapport to work with.

Pomeroy plays by its own rules — and wins August Frank/Tribune

> Pomeroy COACH — Kyle Kimble, seventh year LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 10-1, 7-0 in Southeast 1B League RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Sidney Bales, sr., RB/DB; Trevin Kimble, sr., QB/LB; Oliver Severs, jr., TE/DE; Trace Roberts, jr., OL/DE. Trevin Kimble SAM DIAL JEWELERS 255 E MAIN SUITE 101, PULLMAN (509) 334-DIAL WWW.SAMDIALJEWELERS.COM(3425) Youre going to love what happens next!’ HAVE A GREATPIRATES!SEASON

Offensive linemen/defensive ends Trace Roberts and Oli ver Severs “are going to be real tough to stop for any offensive lineman,” Kyle Kimble said. “They’ve both got tremendous ath letic ability, tremendous speed,” the coach added. “They’ll be able to bring down any quarterback in our league.”

Pomeroy’s Peyton Cannon tries to make his way through the defense during Monday’s practice.

Pomeroy’s new quarterback likely will be Trevin Kimble, the coach’s son who last sea son spent time at tight end. But the team’s biggest strength comes in the trench es — particularly on defense.

By STEPHAN WIEBE SPORTS STAFF

It’s easy to see why.

Pirates are unique and it’s working for them

There aren’t many football teams still running a single-wing style of offense — a lopsided formation that dates back more than 100 years. At Pomeroy, it’s all they do. From third-grade youth ball all the way to the high school team, Pomeroy players are running the understandKimbletoseasonallranLastsingle-wing.season,theythesingle-wingthewaytoa10-1andatriptheWashingtonClass1Bstatequarterfinalround.“Ourkidsbelieveinoursystem,”PomeroycoachKylesaid.“Theythat we’re a little contrarian and we don’t do what people do on Saturdays and Sundays, but they also understand that’s the reason we have success.”

> 5 things to know

Pomeroy opens on the road at Waterville, a playoff team a year ago, on Sept. 2. Then, the Pirates travel to DeSales, which Kyle Kimble said is as good as anyone in their district. “Our first two games are go ing to tell us what type of team we are,” Kyle Kimble said. Wiebe may be contacted at (208) 848-2260, swiebe@lmtribune.com or on Twitter @StephanSports.

New quarterback Trevin Kimble knows the offense as well as anybody and is set to take over under center.

The Pirates reeled off 10 con secutive wins until Naselle halted their historic season in the state playoffs. That ended a phenome nal run that produced arguably the best year in Pomeroy history. In their stretch of wins, the Pirates beat every team by at least 32 points. They surpassed 70 points five times and even reached the cen tury mark in a 104-12 win against Touchet. Their prolific scoring came despite having a running clock in the second half in every game. Pomeroy must replace work horse quarterback Trent Gwinn — the team’s all-time leading scorer “by miles.” But the Pi rates aren’t looking backward. “That’s what I appreciate about this group is they’re grinders,” Kimble said. “They’re kids that understand the suffering that must happen in order to be successful. A lot of times on Fridays, that’s when they’ll be the most sore; I didn’t hear a single kid complain about being sore (last week).”

The Pirates will learn quickly how they stack up compared to last year.

n Watch out for the defensive ends. Oliver Severs and Trace Roberts are as good as they come and are ready to wreak havoc in backfields. “Defensive end is the hardest position to play in high school football and I certainly believe we’ve got the best two in the league in Trace and Oli,” coach Kyle Kimble said.

47PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 SCHEDULE

Sept. 2 — at Waterville, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 — at DeSales, 7 p.m. Sept. 15 — at Entiat, 6 p.m. Sept. 23 — Yakama Tribal, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 — Touchet, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 — Tekoa-Rosalia, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 — Garfield-Palouse, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 — at Liberty Christian, 7 p.m. Oct. 28 — at Sunnyside Chr., 7 p.m. Nov. 4 — St. John-Endicott, 7 p.m.

Former quarterback Trent Gwinn was one of the most dynamic rushing players in the state last season. Replacing his production will be key to Pomeroy’s success.

Running back Sidney Bales is the fastest kid in the school and could be set for a breakout year. As prolific as Pomeroy’s offense is, don’t sleep on the defense. The Pirates held four teams scoreless last season and four more to 12 or fewer points.

PREP FOOTBALL 2022 / FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 202248

High School Football, August 2022

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