Team Preview:
Written By: Sven Alskog

Just two seniors graduated from a youthful Rimrock roster of a year ago, leaving the Raiders with plenty coming back to make a run at even more improvement in year two under head coach Mark Martell.

As the team gets set to embark on the season, the goal is clear.

“Make the step from the league doormat to a contender by year end. Our players have worked hard in the weight room and in the offseason to reach our goal of making it into the state playoffs,” said Martell.

With players such as Ian Burbank, Timothy Jewett, Dalton Allison, Nick Lino and Todd Marvin who earned either All-Conference or Honorable Mention All-Conference selections a season ago all returning, the cupboard is as full as it has been in recent memory for Rimrock.

After implementing a new offense to start last season, the continuity should impact that side of the ball in a big way.

“Our players with a year under their belt will feel more comfortable with our single wing-t offense. We are returning seven of eight starters on offense too,” added Martell.

For a team that will be run-heavy, improving the passing game as an alternate threat is an important focus to keep the air attack a constant area of thought for the defense. The Raiders will be working on showing progression in down the field blocking from receivers and men out of the backfield as well.

On the other side of the ball Rimrock returns seven starters also. Those players will be running things out of a different alignment this year.

“We’ll be installing a new 3-4-1 defense that will help us better cover the pass and put in a run stop defense this season,” said Martell.

Pass coverage and open field tackling are areas of emphasis for the defense.

Burbank, Lino and Marvin are some of the key cogs defensively, with newcomers Asa Fredrick, Gus Black and Eric Flores all expected to see some time on the line in their first varsity seasons.

Within the 1A Western Idaho Conference this season will be a different look to the league slate of games. Each team will now play each other twice, meaning competition for the two playoff berths out of the WIC should be as intense as ever.

Rimrock gets its season started in week one at home against Glenns Ferry.