Photo By Patty Theurer - #40 Willie Shirts
Preseason Coaches' Poll
T-1. Homedale
T-1. Weiser
3. McCall-Donnelly
4. Fruitland
5. Payette
6. Parma
Written by: Keller Sherman
After two straight appearances in the state quarterfinals, 4th year coach Tom Harrison will look to take the next step and lead his team to their first state semifinals appearance since 2011. With multiple seniors returning including three all-state selections, this season could be a special one for the Wolverines.
The 2020 season provided the Wolverines with a 5-5 record and 3rd place finish in the Snake River Valley Conference, a step down from a 2019 record of 8-2 and a 2nd place finish in the SRV. In the 2020 state playoffs, Weiser crushed conference rival Fruitland 42-0 in the first round before falling to eventual 3A state champion Sugar-Salem 34-8.
When examining Weiser’s 5-5 record from 2020, a three-game losing streak stands out. Aside from a 42-14 loss at eventual 4A state runner-up Emmett, the Wolverines also dropped 28-27 and 18-15 decisions to Filer and Fruitland, respectivel,y through the course of that losing streak. They also took eventual 3A state runner-up Homedale down to the wire, but fell short in their upset bid 31-28 despite taking a 21-19 lead into the 4th quarter. Close games were also an issue for the Wolverines, going 0-3 in games decided by 7 points or less, something that they will need to improve on if they hope to make a run at their first state championship since 1987.
Weiser brings back seven notable seniors including three that received all-state honors and six that received all-conference honors. The departures of seven seniors that brought one all-state honor and seven all-conference honors may feel like a major blow, but coach Harrison feels confident in the chemistry and leadership of his team and feels that the chemistry of his team is the best he has seen in his 4 years with the Wolverines.
He also sees strengths on both sides of the ball, but feels that there is room for improvement in all areas of the team. He likes his offense’s ability to pass and run effectively while also being satisfied with running a multi-style offense. On defense, Harrison believes the team’s strengths lie in an odd/even alignment, a multi-defense focus, and a more overall familiarity. Staying healthy and avoiding injuries will also be a vital element to Weiser’s success this season.
A majority of Weiser’s players saw time on both sides of the ball and that resulted in four players receiving both offensive and defensive honors with three of those players returning. Quarterback Brett Spencer will have a lot of weapons to work with. The running back position is loaded with Jack Burke and Willie Shirts returning and sophomore Brock Spencer should see more playing time as well.
Weiser will also have plenty of strength up front with the return of offensive linemen Rylee Willet, Jesse Locket, Zander MacElroy, and Malachi Hooberry all of which will have a chance to make a big impact. Payton Albertson and Brayden Miller will be welcome additions to the wide receiver unit adding to an offense full of upperclassmen talent that brought home a combined eight offensive all-state and all-conference honors a year ago.
As for the defense, Weiser has plenty to work with and coach Harrison believes that his defense is really starting to find themselves. Last year, Weiser returns only three defensive players that earned All-State or All-Conference recognition. The defensive back position will be a strength for the Wolverines with Brock Spencer, Payton Albertson, and Braydon Miller assisting Brett Spencer and Jack Burke.
The defensive line could also turn out to be a strength of this team with seniors Willie Shirts, Jesse Locket, and Zander MacElroy back. The linebacker front should also be in good shape with the return of senior Rylee Willet and junior Mike Younberg.
The schedule for 2021 is both manageable and challenging. The Wolverines get a nice tune up game to get things figured out in their August 27th opener; a road trip to the Magic Valley to face Buhl. This game could sneak up on them however as they cannot be caught looking ahead to a big game the following week on September 3rd; a showdown with 4A state runner-up Emmett. Weiser will have the talent to make this game more competitive than it was last year, though, and will not walk away quietly.
After that, the non-conference slate continues as 2A Central Idaho League Grangeville comes to town on September 10th before the Wolverines cross the Snake River and head to Baker City on September 24th to take on the Baker Bulldogs in their first meeting since 2017 in which they dropped a 14-7 defensive battle.
Conference play will begin in full swing on the last Friday of September when Weiser hosts Fruitland. While Fruitland took an 18-15 decision in their regular season meeting, Weiser responded in the playoff rematch by beating Fruitland dominantly 42-0. Weiser then hits the road for three straight games at Payette, McCall-Donnelly, and Homedale. This three-game stretch could define Weiser’s season. Payette has the potential to be a tricky out as it is sandwiched right between a potentially big, emotional win over Fruitland and a trip to McCall-Donnelly, a team that coach Harrison believes could surprise some people this year.
October 15th is the date Weiser will have circled on their calendar in a game that could quite possibly decide who wins the Snake River Valley Conference title against Homedale. The Trojans have two players that coach Harrison believes could make a major impact at both the conference and state levels in Jaxon Dines and Hayden Kincheloe. They will close things out with their first home game in a month on October 22nd against Parma.
Weiser has everything it needs to get back to the state playoffs and could be a sneaky team that could make a deep run. Coach Harrison really likes what he is seeing and feels that great things are coming. Any team that plays Weiser had best be on their A game or they could be in for a rude awakening.