Written by: Will Hoenike
It was an odd ending to the 2022 for the Murtaugh Red Devils of the 1A Division 1 Snake River Conference.
The team wrapped up the regular season with an impressive road win over conference foe Lighthouse Christian. Then, the following week, the same two teams played in the opening round of the classification’s state playoffs, this time in Murtaugh.
The result? Lighthouse Christian knocked the Red Devils out of the playoffs, 34-26.
Head coach Todd Jensen and his staff will go back to the drawing board this season to see if they can advance deeper into the postseason in 2023. One thing that would be a big help would be a return to health of Junior Benites. As a sophomore, Benites authored big game after big game, rushing for over 200 yards against both Hansen and Glenns Ferry. But an injury ended his season early in 2022. A return to the field this fall by Benites would be a big boost for Murtaugh.
Another key returnee is senior lineman Oscar Aburto. He was a first team All-Conference defensive lineman last season and a second team All-Conference offensive lineman. The strong, versatile Aburto will be a focal point of what Murtaugh does on offense and defense this season.
After opening on the road at Challis, Murtaugh returns home on September 1 to host the annual Wagon Wheel game against rival Hansen. And to close the regular season? It’s Lighthouse Christian. Again. Wouldn’t it be something if playoff positioning was on the line and a rematch was a potential outcome? Again?
Just sayin’.