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Fruitland High School
School Info
Conference: 3A Snake River Valley Conference
Classification: 3A
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Head Coach: Ryan Tracy
Years as Head Coach: 5th Season
Previous Experience: 12 Years as Assistant at Fruitland
Record Last Year: 10-2, State Champion
State Titles: 1993, 2006, 2010, 2016
Assistant Coaches:
Larry Ziegler
Russ Wright
Matt Pierson
Noe Herrea
Andrew Thomas
Mike Fitch
Kelby Bowden
Returning Players:
Jonathon Fagen, LB/OL/RB
Alex Osborn, OL/DL
Alex Pena, OL/DL
Returning Players with Honors:
Jonathon Fagen, All-State Guard
Alex Osborn, All-State OL
Key Players lost from last year:
Tyler Eiguren, TE/DL
Casey Rodriguez, DB
Jeremy Black, OL/DL
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Photo By: Steve Conner - #50 Jonathon Fagen
Incoming impact players:
Noah Hattrup, RB/DB
Jon Ingram, OL/DL
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Team Preview:
Written by: Sven Alskog
Fruitland is no stranger to success on the gridiron, but behind a great group of senior leaders last season the Grizzlies were finally able to bring home the first state title for the school since 2010. The program had made four title games during that span, finishing runner-up each time.
You could say the victory taste was a whole lot sweeter.
While plenty of talent departs from that special team of a year ago, Fruitland has enough in place to challenge again this season.
“Our junior class had a great impact on our run last year to a state title,” said Head Coach Ryan Tracy. “We are excited to see how they respond to being leaders of our team this year.”
Behind the wing-t offense, expect to see a heavy dose of the run this season from the Grizzlies.
Backfield newcomer Noah Hattrup should make a big impact this season behind an offensive line featuring All-State guard Jonathon Fagen, fellow All-State lineman Alex Osborn and Alex Pena.
It’s the passing side of things where Tracy hopes to see some in grounds from the guys up front.
“We hope to improve on pass protection.”
Defensively it is a strong looking linebacker and defensive line core that likes to play physical.
Jon Ingram will make an impact on the defensive line alongside Osborn and Pena. Fagen will see time at linebacker also. The Grizzlies hope to improve their pass defense.
To get back to the success from a year ago a lot of work will be required to be put in.
“For us it is making sacrifices. Will guys be willing to do what is best for the team or are they going to be individuals? If we buy into a team concept, the sky is the limit for this team,” said Tracy.
An exciting schedule is on the docket yet again for Fruitland, as Tracy looks to test his group in the non-conference before jumping into SRV action.
“I feel Gooding is a fantastic football team and could be the team to beat this year in 3A. Gooding is a tough place to play and it will give us a great test to see where we sit with a top team in the state.”
Other big battles include Wood River and Middleton at home and a road contest at Ontario (OR).
In conference, Homedale is circled as always on the calendar.
“We have lost to Homedale at home the last two times playing them at our place,” said Tracy. “They are one of the top teams in the conference. Homedale is a must-win game for us, if we want to win the conference.”
The Grizzlies get 2017 started on August 25 at home against the 4A Middleton Vikings.
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