Team Preview:
Written By: Matt Harris

Sometimes, the only constant in high school sports is change.

After finishing one spot out of a playoff berth last season, losing several key players to graduation, and an offseason coaching change, Rockland will look to return to the postseason with a large senior class while leaning on new head coach Gerry Hunter.

Hunter, who was officially hired as head football coach in July according to Rockland School Board meeting notes, will look to lead the Bulldogs not only back into the playoffs but past the first round – something that their program has done only twice in the last decade.

Rockland loses the services longtime leader Spencer Permann, along with reigning conference defensive MVP Rodney Parish, Moose McClanahan, Kade Parish, and Cooper Bradshaw. But there are plenty of familiar faces ready and waiting to step into expanded roles.

Back in the fold this season on offense includes wide receivers Pratt Matthews, Kaden Woodworth, Jacob Hunter, Garrett Hendrickson, and Levi Farr. Sophomore Braden Permann will man the quarterback position this season and will be aided by running backs Zach Hunter, Zack Porath, and Owen McLean in the backfield. The offensive line will use the services of Landon Farr, Sammy Medinger, Colin Evans, Zane Porath, and Tucker Glenn.

Most of these players will play a big role on the defensive side of the ball as well, including Woodworth, McLean, Jacob Hunter, Permann, and Hendrickson in the secondary. Matthews along with Zach Hunter, Landon and Levi Farr, Zack Porath, and Glenn will anchor the linebacking corps. The line will feature Medinger, Evans, and Zane Porath.

The road to the playoffs in 2018 is slightly more difficult than it was last year. With Butte County moving back up to 1A Division-I, that leaves five teams left to fight for what amounts to be three berths to the play-in round of the state tournament. That is one less berth available compared to last season.

Rockland gets things kicked off Week 1 with a tough road game at Valley. They then return home for a contest against Richfield, who is playing an Independent schedule this season. A trip to Shoshone awaits the Bulldogs in Week 3. Shoshone is also playing an Independent schedule this season.

Horseshoe Bend then makes the long trip eastward to face the Bulldogs in Rockland on Sept. 14. Play in the Rocky Mountain Conference begins on Sept. 21 when Rockland travels to Mackay. Following a bye week, the Bulldogs will play in Fort Hall against Sho-Ban on Oct. 5. The regular season schedule then concludes with a home date against North Gem on Oct. 12 and a road contest at Clark-Watersprings on Oct. 19.