Photo By Mike Turner - #17 Quintez Evans
Preseason Coaches' Poll
Foothills Division
T-1. Meridian
T-1. Rocky Mountain
3. Eagle
4. Timberline
5. Skyview
6. Boise
River Division
1. Mountain View
2. Capital
3. Owyhee
T-4. Borah
T-4. Centennial
6. Kuna
Written by: Wayne Dzubak
2020 was an unusual year in Idaho high school football for many reasons including an 0-3 start by the Mountain View Mavericks.
Granted the schedule was stacked as Mountain View had to face Rocky Mountain to start the year, followed by Eagle and then a vastly improved Meridian program in week three. While no one, with a straight face anyway, could have predicted an 0-3 start for the Mavericks, it happened and provided long time head coach Judd Benedick a chance to produce one of his best coaching efforts ever.
Benedick, his coaching staff and players never panicked but instead put a six game winning streak together deep into the 5A state playoffs.
Rigby finally stopped the run in the 5A semifinals but not before Mountain View had achieved the 5A comeback of 2020.
Ironically, the Mavericks begin 2021 with Meridian on August 27th, Rocky Mountain the following week, and Eagle in week four, so once again there is no room for error in the Mavericks early season schedule. Also toss in the fact the Mavericks lost arguable their best player in team captain Gus Elwell to graduation.
But don’t feel too sorry for Mountain View! The Mavericks have three first team All-SIC players returning in linebacker Brayden Garrison, defensive back Aiden Whipple and offensive lineman Austin Schultsmeier. Coach Benedict will take that any day. When asked about an impact player for this year’s team, coach Benedick says, “Quarterback Dawson Wahl, keep an eye on him.”
Mountain View will be big and physical up front and that means the Mavericks will try and control time of possession with running back Quintez Evans while also having the potential to hit the big play at any time. Keep an eye on Mason Ashby at tight end, which is always a key position in that Mountain View offense.
When asked what he liked most about his 2021 squad Coach Benedick said “Key players have increased their roles and the chemistry has really developed as the players pour their heart and souls into everything they do. They are committed.”
Defensively the Mavericks have loads of talent. Linebackers Mason Chiles and Braydon Garrison will lead the charge while defensive backs Aiden Whipple and Ryan Elliott will bring the leather. The defensive line will be led by Tyler Halford and Jackson Beck. Coach Benedick will be looking for the defense to improve in two areas from last year, consistency and physicality.
Ultimately, according to Benedick, the formula for success is simple. He says, “We have to find a way to start fast against some really great opponents early in the year.”
Sound familiar?