Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. South Fremont
2. Sugar-Salem
3. Teton
Written by: Marlowe Hereford
Teton enters a new era this fall under first year head coach Jeff Wilkes, who takes the reins from Brody Birch.
Wilkes is no stranger to Teton, having spent six years with the program as an assistant coach and two years as defensive coordinator.
He will direct a team that went 5-3 but missed the 3A playoffs last season. Arguably one of the most competitive conferences in Idaho, the Mountain Rivers Conference got identical 1-1 conference records from all three teams last season and had to use a Kansas City playoff to determine whose seasons would continue. Teton was the odd team out.
Stakes will remain high in the conference again this fall as Sugar-Salem is defending 3A state champion and South Fremont is coming off its first ever state semifinals appearance.
The Timberwolves also enter a new era without the services of linebacker/tight end Luke Thompson and running back/defensive back Hyrum Heuseveldt (now an assistant coach). Among those returning to play another year in the maroon and orange will be quarterback/running back/linebacker Jarom Heuseveldt, running back Hunter Johnson, quarterback/safety Braxton Hess and center/defensive end Reese Clayton.
Introducing a new system--and getting the players to buy into it--will be the X factor for 2021, Wilkes said.
"(I'm) excited about being able to rebrand our program and get a fresh start," he said.
While it is a new era for Teton, the offense will be familiar. Wilkes said the Timberwolves will continue to implement a modified wing T. He also noted that improving pass protection will be a big goal for this season.
Defensively, players such as Clayton, JD Hill and Denver Arnold will be relied upon to continue Teton's 5-3 alignment from last season.
"We will be looking to create turnovers and not give up big plays," Wilkes said.
He added that the Timberwolves will need to tackle better in open space and 'rally to the football.'
Another tightly contested season in the Mountain Rivers Conference appears to be in store, and Wilkes said he believes South Fremont will surprise people.
"(They have) a high powered offense with a great quarterback," Wilkes said.