Photo By Wes Turner - #2 Joseph Bertao
Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Kimberly
2. Gooding
3. Buhl
4. Filer
Written by: Brandon Baney
You don’t have to look too hard to see that the Filer Wildcats football program has potential. A 4-5 record a year ago was highlighted by a thrilling 28-27 win over Weiser, a Class 3A playoff team a year ago. The problem at Filer is that potential only takes you so far in the top-heavy Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference. With perennial powers like Kimberly and Gooding always lurking, Filer needs the perfect marriage of potential and actual playmaking to break through.
Filer is now on its’ third head coach in four years, as first-year coach Justin Brandsma takes over for Tyrone Hess, who left the Wildcats to take the defensive coordinator position at Jerome. Brandsma is a Wendell graduate, and played college football at Idaho State University, and understands how a winning football team is built.
“We are looking to improve in every aspect of the game,” Brandsma said. “This was a strength for last year's team and we will continue to improve this year.”
Offensively, Brandsma is planning on an overhaul. “We plan to be way more balanced than in years prior,” said Brandsma. That starts with senior wide receiver Joseph Bertao leading the passing attack and offsetting the rushing of senior running back Jonah DeLeon.
Defensively, Filer has an excellent leader in senior middle linebacker Chris Coach. “Our core defensive players are both fast and strong,” Brandsma said. “We will focus on catering to our strengths to best set up our team for success on the defensive side of the ball.”
Overall, Filer fans have plenty to be excited about in 2021. Brandsma thinks that 4-5 mark a year ago is the tip of the iceberg. “Our kids were able to taste success last season. They now understand what it feels like to win,” Brandsma said. “I am excited to see my players realize just how talented they are and to have that confidence translate to how they play.”