Photo By Clayton Bunt - #7 Chase Hunter
Written by Brandon Hill
Varsity competition was not kind to Timberline in 2019, with one of the Spartans’ two wins coming against a Prairie JV squad.
Timberline fell to the bottom of the 1ADII Whitepine League, marking yet another year without significant wins in conference competition.
But third-year head coach Patrick Christopherson said he’s seeing nothing but bright prospects out of his 2020 squad.
"All of our conference games will be exciting. This is the year,” Christopherson said. “This for sure is the best team Timberline has had in awhile.”
Timberline’s offense received a boost of power this summer after Micha Nelson returned to the team after missing last season. Chase Hunter also returns at quarterback. Christopherson said Hunter will have three deadly wideouts in Rylan Larson, Devon Wentland and Parker Brown.
Timberline’s head coach also said freshman running back and linebacker Rylan West has shown impressive skills, earning him a likely starting spot in the varsity lineup.
“His explosive speed and knowledge of the game will help us tremendously,” Christopherson said.
On defense, Christopherson said his secondary has been the point of emphasis over the summer, while his defensive line has put in the long weight room hours, getting bigger and stronger ahead of 2020’s kickoff.
Lineman Jaron Christopherson, according to his head coach, will serve as the front line’s leader in the huddle, hoping to wreak havoc in opposing backfields and wrack up sacks this season.
The Spartans kick off against Genesee Aug. 28. Check back with IdahoSports.com for updated Timberline scores and schedules throughout the season.