Photo By Wes Turner - #13 Chandler Jones
Written By: Sven Alskog
It was a gutsy effort by everyone involved in the Oakley football program to get the squad all the way to the state championship game last season.
The Hornets relied on seniors Austin Bedke, Travis Barnard, Jake Pulsipher and Tate Cranney in a big way to get to that big stage, coming up just short in a 42-40 loss to conference for Valley.
With each of those key contributors departing to graduation, impact returners Chandler Jones and Josh Nyman will see increased workloads both on the field and off.
Jones has gained valuable experience over the last few years at both the quarterback and wide receiver positions, with the ability to excel from the defensive backfield as well. Just like last year, he will enter 2019 as one of the premier players in the state for the 1AD1 classification.
Nyman provides a strong option in the run game and will also man the middle as a linebacker on the other side of the ball.
Brennan Jones is the new head coach for the Hornets, as he takes over after the successful four-year stint under Kade Craner.
"This team can be as good as any Oakley has had in the last 10 years. It's very deep and has lots of young talent," said Jones.
There are obviously multiple holes to fill with the important losses from the state runner-up team from last season, however there should be little doubt that the Hornets will once again be competitive and have a strong chance at making a trip to the state playoffs.
"We are seeking to install a new level of commitment to our core values - team over self.
The first opportunity to see the new faces in action will come on August 30 when Oakley heads north to Garden Valley to take on a tough squad out of the Long Pin Conference.