Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Minico
2. Twin Falls
3. Jerome
4. Mountain Home
5. Burley
6. Canyon Ridge
7. Wood River
Written by: Brandon Baney
Mountain Home entered the 2020 season with loads of potential and promise. A number of early season injuries quickly derailed any chance Mountain Home had of contending in the Great Basin 7 conference, and the team limped to a 3-6 overall record.
Mountain Home said goodbye to starting quarterback Jaden Abrego and starting running back Kohl Proffit, but Mountain Home has a great foundation to build around in senior Gunnar Clark, one of the best two-way linemen in the entire state. Senior tight end Justin Swenson brings good size and athleticism to the Tigers offense as well.
With so many other positions up for grabs offensively, sixth year head coach Jim Clark has completely retooled the playbook. "Our strengths on offense are our knowledge, and the fact that we have interchangeable athletes," Clark said. "We are running a secret A-Wing concept that Idaho hasn't seen in awhile."
Junior Gus Winnings will pilot this new offense, and will rely on junior running back Noah Slover and senior wide receiver Zavion Parker. If the offensive line can show improvement, and Mountain Home can have sustained drives, their offense might be tough to defend.
Defensively, Clark anticipates a strong front seven, led by Clark at nose tackle, Swenson at defensive end and Taylor Pierson at linebacker. Parker will anchor a secondary that Clark hopes, "can generate better pass coverage and more takeaways."
Overall, there is an excitement buzzing around Mountain Home. "The team is very coachable and the new offense is catching on quickly," Clark said. If that new offense can come together, and Mountain Home can avoid the injury bug, the Tigers could find themselves in prime position for a playoff bid in 2021.