Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Grangeville
2. St. Maries
3. Orofino
Written by: Brandon Baney
The Grangeville Bulldogs, like many teams, felt the impact of COVID-19 a year ago.
Their season debut was delayed by a week. The Bulldogs kicked off their season on September 4th against the Post Falls JV and picked up a 49-6 win.
Then, after a week off, Grangeville returned to action against McCall-Donnelly and were shut out 30-0. They rebounded with a 52-20 triumph over Kellogg the next week.
Then, with a 2-1 record, Grangeville's season was halted after a COVID-19 outbreak within their team. Two more long, agonizing weeks passed before the Bulldogs took the field against conference foe Orofino.
That sparked a furious three-week sprint to the end of the regular season. Grangeville lost to Melba, but won the two games that counted against Orofino and St. Maries to claim the Central Idaho Conference title.
Because they played such an even schedule, though, the Bulldogs were seeded eighth in the Class 2A postseason, and had to face eventual state champ West Side in their playoff opener. The Bulldogs fought hard but eventually fell 28-7.
A lot of talented players return for Grangeville in 2021. Senior running back and linebacker Caleb Frei was named the CIL's Defensive MVP as well as the league's overall Player of the Year.
He'll be joined by several returning All-CIL players, including: offensive and defensive linemen Quincy Daniels and Issac Dewey, and wide receivers and defensive backs Miles Lefebvre and Nelson Bruzas.
Overall, the CIL is Grangeville's to lose in 2021. The Bulldogs are hoping a full season of games will lead to a more favorable position in the Class 2A bracket. The Bulldogs appear ready to make a deep run in the postseason, provided everyone stays healthy throughout the season.