Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Horseshoe Bend
2. Council
3. Garden Valley
4. Tri-Valley
5. Salmon River

Written by: Brandon Baney

The Council Lumberjacks went 3-4 during the regular season in 2020. Despite the sub-.500 mark, Council finished in third place in the Long Pin Conference and qualified for the 1A D2 postseason. But the Lumberjacks ran into a buzzsaw named North Gem, and were shut out in the opening round 55-0.

Despite that first round exit, Long Pin coaches are bullish on Council's chances in 2021. The Lumberjacks were picked to finish second in the preseason coaches' poll, ahead of defending league champ Garden Valley.

Council's fortunes will ultimately be determined by how it performs against Horseshoe Bend and Garden Valley. Before they get there, though, they will take on Notus, Lewis County and Timberline (Weippe) in the non-conference portion of their schedule.

The most difficult task will begin on October 8th, when the Lumberjacks travel to Garden Valley. If they can get past the Wolverines, then their trip to Horseshoe Bend on October 22nd could decide the league title.

Either way, Council is counting on making a return trip to the postseason in 2021. Except this time, they plan to stay at the party a little longer.