Team Preview:
Written By: Sven Alskog

It almost seems like this year is a repeat of sorts for the Bishop Kelly football program. Talented senior athletes graduate and the team finds a way to keep carrying on the tradition.

In 22 years under long-time head coach Tim Brennan, the program has only had a losing record twice, coincidentally enough happening right at the beginning of his first stint in 1992 and the first year of the second stint in 2011. That has led to a 188-50 record over the years, making Brennan one of the winningest active coaches in Idaho high school football.

The process of annually replacing an immensely talented class of exiting seniors is done better by the Knights than just about any school in the state, with the team hoping to recreate that same success this year despite the loss of 13 First Team, Second Team or Honorable Mention All-Conference selections from last year.

Arguably the biggest challenge heading into the new year will be finding a new face to man the defensive backfield where Rex Irby had been a three-year starter and two time All-State selection.

Fellow First Team All-State choice from last season Logan Hibbs also graduated. Hibbs was a two-way athlete who handled returns and contributed on offense as well.

There are a lot of key losses to say the least for the Knights, however the front line of the defense should be strong for Bishop Kelly, with Jackson Lightner and Luke McLaughlin both returning for their senior seasons.

To man the back of the defense, expect Dan Marlow and Matt Heilman to be a couple of the guys that lead the way.

“[We run] a 44 front. We will run zone as a base but will bring pressure at all times,” said Brennan.

Offensively, senior back Thomas Rizzo will get plenty of touches as he attempts to fill the gaps of every down back Cameron Foley and speedster Khalil Forehand.

“We are physical and disciplined and we will have some depth. We will be run first with play action,” said Brennan.

One thing about this team is that the group seems to be a cohesive unit.

“Great team chemistry. The players care about each other,” added Brennan.

The offensive side of the ball will come down in large part to how an offensive line which lost three All-Conference selections fares.

Senior tackle Garrett Rehberg is ready to step up and anchor the line, with his 6-foot-6-inch frame making him an imposing presence up front.

Honorable Mention All-SIC quarterback Carter Wahl also graduated. Brady King is the lone quarterback returning off of the 2017 roster for Bishop Kelly, so the senior may be the guy to step in and take over the job. Brennan has also moved multiple players from other positions to the signal-caller role successfully in the past.

The road to state became a little more difficult in the 4A SIC this season with the additions of Columbia, Kuna and Nampa from 5A.

For the new look Knights, the first game of 2018 will come on the road taking on one of those former 5A schools, the Nampa Bulldogs.