Team Preview:
Written by: Sven Alskog
After arguably the best season in school history, the Wood River Wolverines will have to find a way to replace a senior class that redirected the fortunes of the entire football program.
Some standout names including Travis Swanson, Jubal Toothman and Cade Schott have all exited, meaning plenty of opportunities will exist for new incoming talent and the upperclassmen that do return to try to keep things afloat.
It will be a tough task to stay towards the top of the conference coming off the 8-2 mark last season, with teams like Minico, Canyon Ridge and Jerome all looking to show improvement this year, a new head coach at Burley and an always tough Twin Falls team.
Wood River does not return a ton from last season, meaning it could be a challenging year.
In the Shrine game alone, highlighting quality talent from around district four, the Wolverines had eight senior representatives off the 2016 team, displaying just how positive of a direction now ninth year head man Kevin Stilling has this program headed in.
Stilling spoke to the Times-News in Twin Falls about the run last season and the outlook on the new campaign.
"Last year was a lot of fun. It’s probably one of the best football teams that’s ever come through here. To win the first-ever district championship in school history was really special. I’ve had some time to relish it, but that isn’t gonna help us this year.”
As a side note, IdahoSports.com will be partnering with the Times-News and magicvalley.com on coverage of high school sports throughout the 2017 season, including Magic Valley Game Night, featuring some of the top games in district four on a weekly basis.
Wood River begins its 2017 football season on August 24 inside Holt Arena against Pocatello.
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