Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Firth
2. North Fremont
3. West Jefferson
4. Ririe
5. Salmon
Written by: Brandon Baney
After a 5-4 record and a playoff appearance in 2019, the Salmon Savages took a step back last season and finished 1-6. After a 36-7 win over Montana's Anaconda Copperheads in the season opener, Salmon went 0-6 the rest of the way, and only averaged 9 points per game in those losses.
Salmon has hit the reset button in 2021, as former assistant coach Kenny Martens takes over as the new head man. He'll have a new quarterback to work with in senior Colter Bennett.
The playmakers around Bennett will give him lots of support. Tight end Tyler Fitte, wide receiver Mason Semmler and running back Dakota James are all seniors and returning starters. Senior Tyler Martens will anchor the offensive line.
Defensively, Martens will play defensive line, James will be at linebacker and Semmler will lead the secondary.
Salmon will travel to Anaconda, Montana for their season opener on August 27th. That will be followed by 3A opponents South Fremont and Teton. Then the Savages dive into district play, with home games against Ririe and Firth and road trips to North Fremont and West Jefferson.
The potential is there for Salmon to surprise a team or two this year. One thing is for certain: it will be fun to chart the Savages' progress throughout 2021.