Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Pocatello
2. Preston
3. Century
Written by: Brandon Baney
As preparations for the 2021 football season unfold, a lot of fans are predicting a first-place finish from Pocatello in Class 4A’s South East Idaho Conference.
And that’s just the way Preston wants it. “I think we will surprise some people this year,” Preston head coach Eric Thorson said. “We bring back nearly our entire team.”
It’s true that offseason losses didn’t hit Preston as hard as Pocatello or Century, but the few players they did lose were impact playmakers like wide receiver Cole Harris and defensive lineman Tait Rawlings. So the question becomes: Who steps up to fill their shoes?
Offensively, senior quarterback Brecker Knapp returns for another year as a varsity starter, and he will be joined by returning senior Charles Iverson at running back. Among the wide receiving corps, senior Tyler Lindhardt and junior Emery Thorson are expected to take on larger roles. The offensive line will be bolstered by the return of All-Conference performer Rhett Larson.
“Experience and teamwork are our offensive strengths this season,” coach Thorson said. “With so many starters returning, we will rely on their strength and speed increases.
“The run game should see improvements,” he added. “Last year we relied heavily on the pass game. With bigger lineman and older running backs, we are looking to balance the attack.”
Several of the players that were mentioned as offensive playmakers will also bring those talents to the defensive side of the ball. “Tenacity is the foundation of our defense,” Thorson said. “With several linebackers comfortable in their assignments, we look to find strength in their attack.”
Iverson, Emery Thorson and senior Ashton Madsen headline the linebackers, while Larson and Corbin Winward will anchor the defensive line. The secondary is relatively untested.
Preston begins its season against Lakeland. The distance between those schools might be the largest in all of Class 4A, but the teams came up with a unique solution. They will meet in the middle and play the contest on August 20th at Montana Tech in Butte, Montana.
The Indians will also face 4A opponents Shelley, Bonneville and Blackfoot in the non-conference, as well as a trip to defending 3A state champion Sugar-Salem on October 1st. Preston’s whole season will boil down to its’ two conference games. They will host Century on October 8th before traveling to Holt Arena to face Pocatello in what could be the conference title game on October 15th.
Team camaraderie is our X-Factor,” coach Thorson said. “This team plays excited, and is familiar with playing with each other.”