Photo By Loren Orr - #1 Easton Cordero
Written by Dylan Carder, Sports Director KIFI/KIDK
Season openers are always exciting, but it's not every year you get to break in a brand new stadium. When the Madison Bobcats host Lake City on August 30, they will playing the first game in their new home just outside the high school. No longer will they have to travel to the other side of Rexburg to play football games.
The Bobcats have been to the state playoffs for five straight years. Last year they fell in the second round to eventual champs Rocky Mountain. Madison will be looking to properly break in their new stadium by getting a post season game played there.
For Madison to get to that point, they will rely on returning quarterback Easton Cordero. They have an up and coming running back Trevor Lucero they are also very excited about. Head Coach Mitch Buck says their offensive success will rely on them staying healthy and for them to support each other by making sure each individual player focuses on doing their job and performing their assignment with great effort on every play.
When it comes to the line, Madison has Dallin Gonzalez coming back to contribute both offensively and defensively. Carter Stanford is also a guy that Buck believes will rise up and be an impact player on the both sides of the line this season.
Coming back to help lead the linebacking unit is Brigham Carter. The success the defensive enjoys will rely on much of the same formula that Buck laid out for his offense. Making sure they keep themselves on the field and avoiding injury will be key. Buck is also looking for his guys to know what they are supposed to be doing and make sure they are there to take care of their own business.
Buck believes if that effort is there, they will be able to keep the game simple and play a good mental game. He says this years group also brings more physicality to the field. That will be needed with a tough league to deal with.
The last time Madison sat on top of the conference hill was 2012. It will be a challenge to do it again in 2019. Highland will be it's usual self and Rigby is loaded and ready to make a run. Thunder Ridge will be greatly improved from a year ago.
The good news for the Bobcats is that they will get to introduce the Rams to their new stadium this year. The Bobcats have traditionally played Highland much tougher at home. They do have to travel to Rigby this year for their annual rivalry game.
There is a big buzz in Rexburg about their new stadium. The Bobcats will look to give their fans a show worthy of such a beautiful stadium and make a 7th straight trip to the state playoffs.