Written by: Keller Sherman
Last October, Vallivue faced Minico on the road in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year. However, unlike 2021 when the Falcons shocked the Spartans, there would be no upset in 2022, as Minico got their revenge 20-14 in overtime fashion.
Layne Coffin then retired after 17 years with Vallivue and now Brynie Robinson takes over head coaching duties. The Falcons are trying to find their place in the 4A Southern Idaho Conference in 2023. Will they be among Bishop Kelly, Skyview, and Emmett contending for a conference title? Or will they struggle in a transition year for the program and finish in the lower half of the conference with Columbia and Ridgevue?
Vallivue lost a handful of its all conference talent from last season. Conference player of the year and first team all state running back Tyson Fox headlines the group of players who have departed. The Falcons make up for this by returning two all-state players in first team offensive lineman Bryen Bosworth and second team defensive back Austin Benlap.
At the conference level, Vallivue returns first team offensive lineman Jordan Conlon and second team tight end Noah Clark. Bosworth and Benlap, both all state selections, also saw their names etched on the first team all conference list. Ryker Oswald and Raul Ramirez are seen by Robinson as incoming impact players. Both will play wide receiver and defensive back. Additional notable returning players include quarterback Issac Moore, Stihl Meyers, Jaden Gomez, and Troy Longoria. With these pieces, Vallivue has a great opportunity to challenge for a 4A SIC title.
Robinson will change up the scheme on both sides of the ball. He believes in the importance of his team learning his schemes in order for the team to have success. He also hopes to create a family like culture of better men, better husbands, and better fathers. As is the case with many teams, staying healthy is a x factor to Vallivue’s success in 2023.
The season opens up with a road trip to Twin Falls for the second leg of a home and home that started last season. The Bruins defeated the Falcons 32-41 in last year’s season opener and Vallivue will look to return the favor as it heads to the Magic Valley.
Another game against a Great Basin Conference foe follows when the Falcons face star wide receiver Gatlin Bair and Burley. The Bobcats took a 50-62 decision in Burley last season, but the return game will not take place at Vallivue. Rather, the two teams will square off at Albertsons Stadium in Boise as part of the Battle of Boise that features two additional games that night on the famed blue turf.
Conference play then kicks off in full swing as the Falcons travel to Skyview to take on the Hawks. The Falcons won a 64-42 shootout against the Hawks last season and this is a game they will need to win on the road to be in contention for a conference title. After a home game against Columbia, Vallivue is on the road for another crucial conference battle against Bishop Kelly.
Following the game against Bishop Kelly, Vallivue will face its two main rivals hosting Ridgevue then traveling to Caldwell before returning home to face Emmett. The last two games against the Huskies have been decided by a combined 2 points. In 2021, Vallivue spoiled Emmett’s chance at a perfect regular season in conference with an 8-7 shocker. In 2022, Emmett would get its revenge in a 21-20 thriller. Another exciting game should be in store as the Falcons welcome the Huskies to their home field for the first time since 2020.