Written by: Brandon Baney
Nobody said Grangeville took the easy path in 2022. The Bulldogs played a rigorous schedule that featured non-conference games against Class 3A powers Weiser and Bonners Ferry, as well as Cole Valley Christian and New Plymouth. The Chargers made the 2A playoffs, while New Plymouth just missed out.
And yet, despite the non-con struggles (Grangeville was just 1-3 heading into Central Idaho League play), the Bulldogs had their destinies in front of them with two games to play. Alas, back-to-back losses to St. Maries and Kellogg sent those squads to the postseason, while the 3-5 Bulldogs were on the outside looking in.
In the offseason, Grangeville said goodbye to their most impactful offensive player (leading rusher Colyn Goeckner) and their most impactful defensive player (leading tackler Trid Charlie).
However, the future is bright.
Senior Cody Klement is back to quarterback the offense, and he’ll lean on talented receivers like Ray Holes and Tayden Wassmuth. And while the Bulldogs’ backfield has a lot of talented candidates to replace Goeckner at running back(Karl Spencer, Cooper Poxleitner and others), whoever wins the job will run behind a strong offensive line.
Talum Brown, Aaron Forsmann, Beau Bruzas, Troy Benefield and Deven Morgan all saw valuable time last year on the offensive line. All of them also contribute to the defensive line, with the exception of Benefield, who plays linebacker. Additionally, Carter Mundt is a terror on the D-Line.
Benefield is joined by Spencer and Wassmuth at linebacker, while Holes, Klement and David Goicoa will lead the secondary. Also, Jaden Lagretta returns at defensive back after earning All-Conference honors a year ago.
Coaches in the CIL were split when polled in the preseason. An equal number cast first-place votes for Grangeville and St. Maries. Grangeville plays the Lumberjacks on October 6th before the regular season finale with Kellogg on October 13th. Chances are, Grangeville will once again hold their fate in their own hands.