Team Preview:
Written By: Sven Alskog

New Plymouth pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the 2018 state football playoffs, upsetting what was an undefeated Aberdeen team 30-13 on the road to earn a trip to the state semifinals.

The calling card for that team was a dominant group of linemen on each side of the ball who allowed quarterback Austin Robinson and running back Teagan Gross to run all over teams offensively and suffocated the opposition on the other side of the ball.

While Robinson, Gross, 275-pound lineman Dylan Hendry and ball-hawking linebacker Dallin Beus have all graduated, the Pilgrims still have a really nice core to work with moving forward.

That group is led up front by Nick Woods and Luke Eames, with running back Seth Mowder prepared to see a heavy increase in his work load this season, something he should be more than prepared for after being a key part of the offense for the ‘Grims the last couple of years.

Junior quarterback Kobe Roberts will be handed the keys to the offensive ignition this season. He will lead New Plymouth forward with the power running attack out of the shotgun which has brought a lot of success for the team the past few years.

Fifth year head coach Dallan Rupp wants to see more balance to the offense this season. In order for that to happen, Roberts and some fresh faces in the receiving core will be of premier importance.

“[We are excited] to build on last year’s run to the state semifinals. Kobe Roberts, Seth Mowder, Coby Williams and a solid group of receivers will take their shots behind a physical offensive line. Ryan Nelson, Luke Eames and Nick Woods will lead the defense,” said Rupp.

Just like on offense, the physicality and size should be the strength of the defensive unit.

“[We are] big, strong and physical up front, making it difficult to run up the middle,” added Rupp.

He did specify a couple of areas he wants to see improvement in this season though.

“To develop better situational awareness and come to together as a team so that we understand the job that we have within the defensive scheme and develop a trust in our teammates that they will do their jobs.”

Just like last year, most anybody can knock off anybody else on a given week in the 2A Western Idaho conference, so New Plymouth should be right back in the thick of things with a strong run game and quality players spearheading the lines.

If Roberts can add to the passing threat, along with incoming receivers Derek Hampton and Tony Ray, the Pilgrims will be a dangerous team again come late October and early November.