Written by: Brandon Baney
The 2A Western Idaho Conference was one of Idaho’s most talented and balanced leagues around the state in 2021. No team can attest to that fact better than New Plymouth.
The Pilgrims started last year off with a 2-0 record against a pair of Class 3A opponents (Parma and Payette.)
Then came the buzzsaw: five losses in a row to McCall-Donnelly, Vale (Oregon) and WIC members Nampa Christian, Melba and Cole Valley Christian. The combined record of those teams? 34-18.
With the the MaxPreps ratings system the exclusive factor used to determine the playoff field, losses to good teams can actually help a team’s chances. At least, that’s what New Plymouth fans thought.
But in a somewhat surprising move, the Pilgrims were left out of the playoff picture a year ago with a 3-5 overall record. All five of their losses came to teams that qualified for the playoffs, but nonetheless, New Plymouth was left out in favor of teams like Aberdeen and West Jefferson.
So as Dallan Rupp embarks on his 10th season as head coach at New Plymouth, he does so with a hungry group that is motivated to earn a playoff spot without the help of the computers at MaxPreps.
The graduation losses weren’t significant in terms of number of players lost. But the players that did move on took a lot of production with them. “Casey Arritola was the quarterback of our offense and defense last year and led the team in tackles,” Rupp said. “Joel Campbell played linebacker for us and was the second leading tackler on our team. And running back Bailey Hite was our leader rusher last season.”
But Rupp has three seniors returning that are just as strong as that graduated trio. Hunter Williams (offensive and defensive line), Connor Hawker (wide receiver and defensive back) and Jacob Winn (linebacker) all earned All-WIC honors a year ago. Nathan Willoughby also transferred in to New Plymouth, and he “will play a major role on the line,” said Rupp.
On offense, Rupp is expecting Skyler Rodriguez to pick up the rushing production that Hite took care of last year. “We plan to have a balanced attack and go back to running our Power Spread offense,” Rupp said. “Wide receivers Connor Hawker, Zack Conlee, Sean Wilson and Heath Schescke will help us stretch the field. Hunter Williams, Dylan Reynolds and Nathan Willoughby will open up holes for Jacob Winn and Rodriguez.”
The one position that remains unsettled on offense is perhaps the most important. “The quarterback position is open,” Rupp said. “Developing a quarterback who is a threat is the key to our success. In order to have a balanced offense, we are going to need to be able to throw the ball and complete passes.”
For as much potential New Plymouth shows on offense, the Pilgrims defense could be downright nasty in 2022. “We will have an experienced group of linebackers returning,” Rupp said. “Jacob Winn was an all-conference linebacker last year, and he will be playing alongside Zack Conlee, Skyler Rodriguez and Grant Rupp, who all received a lot of playing time last season.”
“The defensive line should be the strength of the defense,” he added. “Hunter Williams is returning and Nathan Willoughby will be joining him.”
Overall, there has been a lot of chatter among fans predicting a big season from New Plymouth this year. While Cole Valley Christian has emerged as the preseason WIC favorite, the battle for second place should be fun to watch. The Pilgrims have also beefed up their schedule in 2022, as they will play Oregon foes Nyssa and Vale, along with Class 3A Payette and perennial 2A playoff participant Grangeville.