Written by: Keller Sherman
The Homedale Trojans have been one of the best 3A teams in the state since 2018, but have yet to get over the hump and win a state title in that stretch; something that hasn’t been done since 1997. After three straight years of facing Eastern Idaho powerhouse Sugar-Salem in the state championship game, the fourth straight playoff meeting between the two took place in the semifinals on Homedale’s home field last fall. Unfortunately, even the home field advantage was not enough for the Trojans as they dropped to 0-4 against Sugar-Salem in that stretch and lost at home for the first time since 2016. The schedule in 2022 does no favors for Matt Holtry and company, but as his teams have done so well in recent years, they are more than ready to step up to the challenge.
The seniors on the team will be a critical element to the team’s success in 2022. Mason Strong, Jaxon Dines, D’Orr Packer, Omar Rios, Trenton Fisher, Rylan Binford, and Chase Cooper all return after bringing home All-Conference honors in 2021. Additionally, two of those players were named to All-State teams with Mason Strong being a 1st team selection for the second straight year and D’Orr Packer being named to the 2nd team.
Three additional Trojans received all state honors in 2021, but they departed via graduation and will be deeply missed by the team. Hayden Kincheloe, the 3A Player of the Year in 2020 and a first team selection in 2021 highlights this group while Willie White and Willy Haun also brought home honors at the state level in 2021.
Several incoming players will also help the Trojans reload in multiple areas. Jeffery Layne, Oklin Carson, Dillon Fine, Brodie White, Luke Henry, Brock Walker, and Caden Layne should all come in right away and contend for starting jobs or serve as key backups should the team get hit with injuries.
Homedale will continue its focus on the passing game in 2022. The return of two 3rd year starters in quarterback Jaxon Dines and wide receiver Mason Strong will be a major boon to the passing attack. In addition, Sigmund Goode, Rylan Binford, Danny Lomelei, and Elijah Renteria will give Strong plenty of players to throw to at the wide receiver position. Oklin Carson and Chase Cooper will play tight end and running back Trenton Fisher should continue to give the Trojans’ run game strength.
The offensive line for Homedale will also be experienced as it returns three starters from last year’s team and even the two first-time starters this year saw varsity playing time as well. “Omar Rios (senior), Brodie White (junior), and Emario Cuellar (junior) all return to the offensive line and will lead the way for our front five,” Holtry said.
The defense will also return the bulk of its production with eight returning starters. A strong defensive line will feature Omar Rios, Brodie White, Emario Cuellar, and Chase Cooper. Holtry also expects a strong linebacker unit as Trenton Fisher, D’Orr Packer, and Rylan Binford return, while Brock Walker is expected to step up and be a critical piece for the group.
The defensive backfield also expects to be another strong unit in a defense that should be among the best in the state. “The defensive backfield returns the likes of Mason Strong, Luke Henry and Sigmund Goode from last season,” Holtry said. “With the wealth of experience returning and adding in newcomers such as Oklin Carson, Danny Lomeli, Elijah Renteria, and Snuepy Garcia, we feel that we have some great potential on the defensive side of the ball.”
Additionally, Holtry also praises the job done by defensive coordinator Tony Urgana and the other defensive assistants within the program for building the defense into the strong unit they are today. Even with this praise however, Holtry still feels there is room for improvement as he states, “As always we want to have a versatile defense with the ability to stop the run and that will remain a focus for our defense heading into the 2022 season.”
There is plenty of excitement around the program entering the 2022 season. With a vast majority of the starters from last year’s team back, Homedale should be able to pick up right where they left off in 2021. Team chemistry will be key for the Trojans and the team has worked hard all offseason to create that within the program between returning and new players alike. “How this group chooses to unit together and rally around each other will help take the program to the next level,” Holtry said.
Homedale will kick off its season a week earlier than most high schools throughout the state against a unique opponent when the Trojans welcome Laguna Beach High School from California. The Trackers will make the 851 mile trek to Homedale for the game. The game will be a rare opportunity for Homedale to prove it not only is among the top programs in Idaho, but can also hold its own against teams from other states.
After an open date, the Trojans will gear up for another huge game as Gooding comes to town. The Senators are under a first year head coach, but have plenty of experienced players and should give Homedale all they can handle. They’ll follow up that game with a road trip over the Oregon border to face Baker. The Trojans had no trouble with the Bulldogs last year in a 56-6 rout. The non-conference slate wraps up with another big game, as Homedale will head north to face defending 4A state runner-up Sandpoint. Last year’s game, the first in the home-and-home series, resulted in a 38-21 Trojan victory in Homedale, but the long trip up north and the bus lag that tends to come with it will make the game all the more difficult.
Homedale will then kick off conference play with a road game at Parma and a home game against Payette. Then comes what will perhaps be the biggest game at the 3A classification of the season as the Trojans hit the road for a game against defending 3A state champion Weiser.
Last year in Homedale, the Trojans handed the Wolverines their only loss of the season in a 14-6 slugfest. Barring a major upset against Parma or Payette, the Trojans will enter the contest on a 23-game conference winning streak that dates back to 2017 and will have a difficult task ahead of them to extend that streak to 24, as well as six wins in a row over Weiser. Their last loss to the Wolverines came back in 2016 when Weiser defeated the Trojans 22-20. A two game homestand against Fruitland and McCall-Donnelly will close out the regular season.
With a difficult schedule, it’s not unreasonable to expect a drop-off from the elite status Matt Holtry has had this program at since 2018, but he continues to build great players and haS them ready to go for every game week in and week out. The players are showing their desire to be a part of this great program by their efforts on the field. When this team is clicking on all cylinders, they are more than capable of beating anyone on their schedule.