Photo By Willy Harris - #18 Ky McClure
Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Bishop Kelly
2. Middleton
3. Emmett
4. Vallivue
5. Nampa
6. Columbia
7. Ridgevue
8. Caldwell
Written by: Adam Bridges
As it gets closer to the start of the 2021 football season, no team is more ready to dominate than the Middleton Vikings are. No season looks better than this upcoming one for Middleton as they try to lock down their first state championship.
The Vikings have the pieces to become a very dangerous team this year with their plethora of returning players. This list is highlighted by senior quarterback Ky McClure, senior wide receiver Tyler Medaris, senior linebacker Tanner Ford, junior offensive lineman Garrison Grimes, senior offensive and defensive lineman Isiah Pearson, junior offensive lineman Dallin Sager, junior offensive lineman and linebacker Will DeLeon, junior wide receiver and defensive back Tate Johansen, and junior defensive back Dekker Hagler.
The Vikings are also pleased to see some new players step up and try to play a role in the team's success this year. If players like sophomore running back and defensive lineman Patxi Franks and sophomore linebacker Cole Holman can continue to enhance their game, they may turn out to be important pieces for not only this season but upcoming seasons as well.
Despite having a ton of new and returning players this year, Middleton still lost crucial players from last year. These players include wide receiver Cash Cowdery and linebacker Jake Vickhammer.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Vikings plan to use a spread type of offense to try to get the ball to their playmakers in open space. Middleton has shown a ton of optimism in their play caller Ky McClure and the coaching staff believes that he can make big plays when needed and lead his team into a deep playoff run. This offense is also relying heavily on their experienced offensive line to perform well this season.
On the defensive side, Middleton hopes to use their speed and athleticism to their advantage. Their goal is to have their players fly all over the field and attack the ball nonstop. They are also hoping that their ballhawk mentality that they are trying to play with will cause more turnovers and give the offense more opportunities to shine.
The biggest edge that Middleton has over all the other teams in their conference is their experience and potential. Since most of their starters have been on the team last year and have already experienced the pressure of Friday night lights, the Vikings seem to already have an edge over their opponents. Their players are not only experienced but are also physically and athletically gifted which gives them the potential to become a daunting team this season.
“We have quite a few kids who are athletic and can make plays,” said head coach Bill Brock. “We also have a lot of players who can fly around and get to the football.”
If this team can stay healthy, this will be a very successful year for Middleton. They already have the size, athleticism, and the experience to be one of the top teams this year.