Photo By Steve Conner - #10 Ryan Schuler
Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Bishop Kelly
2. Middleton
3. Emmett
4. Vallivue
5. Nampa
6. Columbia
7. Ridgevue
8. Caldwell
Written by: Adam Bridges
Once a football team makes it to the playoffs, they have raised the bar for their team expectations. These teams need to make the playoffs again if they want their season to be considered a success. One of the teams trying to meet their expectations from last year are the Nampa Bulldogs.
After going 6-3 and losing in the quarterfinals to Skyline last year, the Bulldogs plan to come back better than ever to make a deeper run at the state title. Nampa’s last state title came all the way back in 1984, and they plan to end their state title drought this upcoming season.
From last year to this year, the Bulldogs lost some key players. Their losses mainly came from the offensive side of the ball as they lost quarterback Issak Plew, and his top two receivers, Jacob Butler and Colton Seable. Despite losing these key offensive players, the Bulldogs hope their returning players plus some newcomers can step up and fill these team voids.
As for the players returning this year, Nampa has 3 players that stand out the most. These players are senior running back Ryan Shuler, junior running back Daniel Carrillo, and senior offensive and defensive tackle Alex Daniluc.
On top of these returning players, Nampa also has 2 new players that are showing great promise and can lead this team to success this year. These players are junior quarterback and defensive end Payton Gunter and junior running back and wide receiver Dante Avijan.
The Bulldogs offense looks healthier and stronger than their previous years. Their running back position is full of depth and is highlighted by returning 1st team All-Conference running back Ryan Schuler. With a healthy Schuler and a rising star running back in Daniel Carrillo, Nampa might have one of the most explosive backfields in the state.
The only concern for their offense this year is their lack of experience on the offensive line. Since Nampa lost 3 key lineman this past year, their current young linemen must step up and perform if they want any success on offense this year.
For Nampa’s defense, there are a ton of new faces hitting the field this year. Their most experienced position is at linebacker as they have 3 returning players in junior Ethan Kincheloe, senior Joe Anguiano, and senior Cody Rowley.
Unlike their linebacker position, both their defensive back and defensive lineman groups will be less experienced and will be filled with newer faces. Regardless of how young this defense is, if they can get stops when needed, prevent teams from scoring in the red zone, and force turnovers, then this defense will be good enough to help propel this team into a deep playoff run.
The team’s success this year mainly lies in the hands of their offense. If their offense can succeed, then the team will succeed.
“Our X-Factor is developing team chemistry with our QB’s and skill players as well as O-line development,” said Head Coach Dan Holtry.
At the end of the day, this team looks very dangerous and has a legitimate shot at winning it all this year. Watch out for the Nampa Bulldogs as this season progresses.