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The Genesee Bulldogs will reach across the Idaho-Washington border in 2020, giving athletes from Colton, Washington, a chance to hit the gridiron.
Genesee and Colton High Schools agreed to combine their football programs this season, with the Bulldogs taking the reins as the host school for practices and home games.
“When we heard that Colton was at risk of not having a team, we felt that it would be beneficial for their kids and our kids to co-op, have a good season and get a chance to play some football they otherwise might not have had,” said first-year Genesee Head Football Coach Alex Schnebly.
Schnebly, who replaced retired Head Coach Tim Sperber this offseason, said neither Colton nor Genesee saw a satisfying amount of players turnout for 2020. But the Wildcats, with just a handful of athletes ready to play, were in serious danger of losing their season.
According to MaxPreps, Colton finished 2019 with just 13 players on its roster. After graduating two seniors, the numbers just didn’t add up, said Schnebly. When the school year concluded, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association and the Idaho High School Activities Association voted to approve the co-op.
With Genesee essentially absorbing Colton and playing an all-Idaho schedule, the new-look Bulldogs will still have a shot at the postseason.
Schenbly will retain Colton Assistant Coach Matt Jutila, who will serve as defensive coordinator. On the field, Schnebly said junior center Jaxon Moehrle and sophomore quarterback Angus Jordan have made an immediate impact on the team.
“The addition of those kids has really lit a spark in just myself and the kids from Genesee. They’re a great group of athletes,” he said. “I can’t be unhappy having kids like that, and that applies to every kid on the team thus far.”
Colton finished 2019 4-6. Genesee, meanwhile, dropped its last six games, faltering to a 1-8 record on the year in the 1ADI Whitepine League. Schnebly said he hopes the added vigor of this year’s co-op will right the ship.
“I’m just excited for everyone to have a chance to play football,” he said. “When your school is at risk of not being able to play football, I know if I was a kid in that position, it would be fairly devastating.”
Genesee opens the season Aug. 28 against Timberline-Weippe. Stay tuned to IdahoSports.com for a complete season preview of the Genesee Bulldogs later this summer.
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