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Pocatello High School
School Info
Conference: 4A District 5-6 Conference
Classification: 4A
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Head Coach: Dave Spillett
Years as Head Coach: 3rd Season
Record Last Year: 3-5
State Titles: Five total - 1989, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2006
Assistant Coaches:
Joe Green
Jeff Davenport
Griffin McNabb
Robert Blevin
Willie Walker
Nathan Stradinger
Kolton Schultz
Justin Va’ena
Returning Players:
OL Nathan Millward
OL Wyett Olsen
OL Bailey Brewster
RB Trevor Sudweeks
WR/RB Braxton Staples
WR Brock Snow
LB Talon Haskett
FS Tyler Peck
DL Bryden Neibaur
Returning Players with Honors:
Braxton Staples – All-Area/All-Conference
Bryden Neibaur – All-Area
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Incoming impact players:
Tyler Peck, FS, senior
Talon Haskett, LB, senior
Trevor Sudweeks, RB, senior
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Team Preview:
Written by: Matt Harris
The Pocatello Indians are ‘All In’.
After missing the playoffs in their first two seasons under head coach Dave Spillett, the Indians are ready to take the next step back to the state tournament – a place they haven’t been since 2011. As Spillett points out, it’s has to be a complete team effort.
“We know it will take a complete buy-in with every aspect to be the type of student athlete our program wants to produce,” said Spillett. “We want to win on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. That’s important to us.”
Spillett noted that his team has put in the work in the offseason to make a noticeable difference heading into 2017.
“I’m excited to turn these kids loose on Friday nights,” he said. “They have put so much time and effort into the offseason program. The attitude of the team has been great and we’ve had some kids really increase in strength and speed. We are very confident in what we’re trying to do and the kids are playing extremely fast.”
Fast is the name of the game for Pocatello. Spillett’s fast-paced spread offense can really put a lot of pressure on opposing defenses when it’s clicking.
“Our fast tempo really gives us an advantage along with our returning playmakers and offensive linemen,” he said. “We do need to be more efficient and take care of the ball when we have it though.”
Back in the fold this year are several players hoping to break out and lead Pocatello back to the postseason. Senior running back Trevor Sudweeks will help anchor the backfield along with Braxton Staples, who will also see time at wide receiver. Brock Snow will also play a major role at wideout. Up front, the protection on the line will be led by the trio of Nathan Millward, Wyett Olsen, and Bailey Brewster.
Spillett said that Sudweeks’ preparation will pay dividends for him on the field in 2017.
“Trevor has had a great summer and looks ready to have a breakout year,” he said.
Defensively, the Indians hope to be able to get creative on that side of the ball thanks to the number of returning players at linebacker and in the secondary. Senior Tyler Peck will lead the defensive backs from his free safety position, with senior Talon Haskett anchoring the second wave of defense at linebacker. Bryden Neibaur will be looked upon to lead the defensive line.
Spillett said that his defense has grown quite a lot during the offseason.
“Our toughness as a unit has improved dramatically just over the summer,” he said, adding that his team needs to stay healthy to be able to achieve their goals this season.
The first chance for Pocatello to see their improvement in action will be on Aug. 24 at Holt Arena. They have the privilege of hosting the very first high school football game of the 2017 season when they take on Wood River. The game will be video streamed live on IdahoSports.com.
Following the opener, the Indians will hit the road for two consecutive weeks when they play at Twin Falls on Sept. 1 and at Box Elder High School in Utah on Sept. 8. The crew then returns back to the comfy confines of Holt Arena for five straight games inside the dome, beginning on Sept. 15 when they host Idaho Falls in their first conference contest.
The annual ‘Black-n’-Blue Bowl’ then takes center stage on Sept. 22 when the Indians play their longtime rivals, the Highland Rams, in a non-conference game. Pocatello then hosts Preston on Sept. 29, followed by home dates with Century on Oct. 5 and defending 4A champion Skyline on Oct. 13. The team completes the regular season on the road at Blackfoot on Oct. 20.
While all games are important to Pocatello, Spillett said that one game stands out to him.
“Our town loves the Poky/Highland game, so I’m sure the fans will be excited about that one,” he said.
Is this the year Pocatello puts it together over the course of the regular season and qualifies for the state playoffs? If they can play consistently and escape injuries, don’t be surprised to see the Indians end the tournament drought.
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