Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Skyline
2. Blackfoot
3. Bonneville
4. Shelley
5. Hillcrest
Written by: Brandon Baney
The Hillcrest Knights underwent significant changes this offseason. Head coach Kevin Meyer, who led the Knights to the Class 4A state championship in 2018, took a coaching job in Colorado in order to be closer to family.
Enter new head coach Brennon Mossholder, who moves to Ammon after spending five years as the head coach at Yamhill-Carlton High in Oregon, just outside of Portland.
The head coach isn't the only change that Knights fans will notice this year. Under Kevin Meyer, Hillcrest became known for it's two-tight end, four-back triple option offense. You could count on one hand the number of pass attempts per game. With Mossholder taking over the Hillcrest program, expect that to change.
"We will have a more balanced offense than Hillcrest teams of the past," Mossholder said. "We will spread the ball around to multiple receivers while trying to lighten the defensive box for our running game. I think our strength is our depth of skill players."
Senior Bridger Prince is expected to lead the wide receiver corps, and senior running back Zach Greenig and junior tight end Braden Crystal will also be playmakers in Hillcrest's new-look offense. Senior center Ethan Smith will lead a fairly young offensive line.
On defense, "We have a lot of versatility and athleticism," Mossholder said. "We are looking to pressure the QB more than we have in the past."
Smith and Crystal will play on the defensive line, while Prince will lead the secondary from his safety position. Mossholder also noted that "Jaxon Holden and Morgan Christensen will hold down the middle."
Overall, this is a Hillcrest team that has a lot of unknowns right now, in both schemes and players. This could be a team that surprises an opponent or two this year.
"I think the kids are excited for a new offensive philosophy," Mossholder said. "We are also excited to see what a number of sophomores can contribute on Friday nights."