Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Bishop Kelly
2. Middleton
3. Emmett
4. Vallivue
5. Nampa
6. Columbia
7. Ridgevue
8. Caldwell
Written by: Adam Bridges
In every division, there is one team at their highest point and one team at their lowest. The biggest key for the team at their highest point is to maintain their level of success while the team at their lowest point needs to rewire things in order to fix their season in the upcoming year.
Last year, Caldwell High had struggled throughout the season and ended the year with a 0-7 record. They hope that they can make changes this year to prevent another winless season.
The Cougars have two returning key players returning this year: tight end/wide receiver Cameron Morales and running back Matthew Vialet. Caldwell coach Steve Fleshman hopes these players can step up into the leadership role this year and lead the team to success.
For the Cougars’ offense, their biggest strength lies in their offensive line. Their offensive line is big and athletic which gives them the potential to be a dominant run team this season. If their offensive lineman can step up and block for Vialet, this team will perform better than last season.
Last year, their offense was lacking in leadership and the ability to play consistently. If this offense has players step up and lead this offense, then they will be in better shape ahead of the start of the season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Caldwell needs to work on limiting the number of big plays they give their opponent. Nobody can win a game by giving the opposing offense constant big scoring plays on offense. This defense needs to limit these big plays and give their offense more opportunities by causing turnovers in order to be successful.
Caldwell will open their schedule with non-conference games against 3A runner-up Homedale and 5A Boise High. The Cougars will then jump into Southern Idaho Conference play, where hopefully they can turn a few heads.