Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Carey
2. Castleford
3. Dietrich
T-4. Camas County
T-4. Hansen
Written by: Will Hoenike
Can a team be a so-called “darkhorse” if everyone is paying attention to it?
The Castleford Wolves might be a case study.
Brian Lowry’s team went 6-3 last season and graduated just four seniors, so the bulk of the roster returns for the 2021 season, led by two-way All-Conference standout Eric Taylor at quarterback and linebacker. As a result, several coaches around the state are pointing at Castleford as a team that has a chance to punch through and be a real title contender this fall.
The Wolves play in the deep and tough Sawtooth Conference – the two teams that played for the 1A Division 2 state title last November, Dietrich and Carey, are both conference rivals – so nothing is assured. But Castleford also returns junior Gus Wiggins as a two-way All-Conference performer, along with senior RB/LB Dacian Nunes, senior OL/DL Evan Fontes, junior OL/DL Wiley Mayes, junior WR/DB Ethan Rowland, junior WR/DB Gabe Mahannah, and junior WR/DB Santi Alvarado.
Last fall, Castleford allowed just three opponents to score more than 20 points in a game. Those were the three games the Wolves lost and all three were also on the road: at Dietrich, at Oakley, and at Horseshoe Bend in the opening round of the 1A Division 2 state playoffs. The offense, led by Taylor, should be able to put up points. The swing factor, however, will likely be the team’s ability to limit the opposition, especially in the strong Sawtooth Conference. The pieces are in place to have a stout defense. If that happens, Castleford will be a tough team to beat in 2021.
The Wolves open with three games on their home field, hosting Challis, Watersprings, and Dietrich to start the campaign. A strong start – which is very possible – should remove any question whether (or not) Castleford can play football well into November during the 1A Division 2 state playoffs.