Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Pocatello
2. Preston
3. Century
Written by: Brandon Baney
On the surface, the Pocatello football team had an outstanding campaign a year ago, finishing 7-3 and qualifying for the Class 4A playoffs for the second consecutive year. Pocatello fans couldn’t help but feel a little disheartened, though, as a promising 7-1 start translated into a 28-14 loss to crosstown rival Century in the regular season finale and a 35-0 shutout loss against Bishop Kelly in a first round playoff game.
That disappointing finish has fueled Pocatello throughout the offseason. “I love the attitude that this team is taking into the season,” head coach Dave Spillett said. “It’s been a very successful summer for us and we’re looking forward to this season. Our seniors have done a great job of leading on and off the field.”
Several members of this senior class was forced into the lineup as sophomores and took their lumps early. But all of that on-the-job training has led to a seasoned group of veterans, and perhaps the most explosive offense Pocatello High has seen in some time.
“We will have a balanced attack offensively with a plethora of weapons and speed,” Spillett said. After sharing time in the backfield as a freshman last year, sophomore Ryken Echohawk will be the featured back in Pocatello’s spread offense. Senior Zach Park started every game at quarterback last season, but will move back to his natural position of wide receiver in 2021. He’ll headline a receiving group that also includes seniors Matt Christensen and Kade Jensen and juniors Krue Hales and Chance Crittenden.
Senior Ryan Payne played running back and tight end a year ago, and will take over the reins of the offense at quarterback this year. “He’s had a fantastic summer in his new role,” Spillett said. The starting quarterback isn’t the only new wrinkle at Pocatello this year. Their longtime “Indians” nickname was discarded and this year, the Pocatello Thunder will make their official debut.
Defensively, Pocatello is looking for a fast start in 2021. “We have athletic defensive ends with arguably the best middle linebacker in the state in Hunter Killian,” Spillett said. “And we have some very athletic guys roaming the secondary. However, we’ll need to do a better job of getting off the field on 3rd down and limiting big plays.”
Because Pocatello plays in a three-team conference, filling out the schedule can be a challenge. The Thunder will open their season against Ogden High from Utah at the Rocky Mountain Rumble. They will also host Jackson Hole, Wyoming and play 5A rival Highland inside Holt Arena. The rest of their conference games are on the road, against Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, Burley and Shelley. However, Pocatello will finish the season with back-to-back home games inside Holt Arena against conference foes Preston and Century.
This is the most excited the Pocatello fan base has been in some time, and this year’s seniors may just deliver on those expectations.