Written by: Lucas Gebhart
A new era is beginning at Columbia High and some coaches across the 4A SIC say this could be a team to watch this season.
Charlie Dotson is taking over the program, closing the books on the Greg Asbury era. The Wildcats went 5-20 in three seasons under Asbury.
But with a new coaching staff and a new culture, some say Columbia could surprise some folks this year.
“Columbia has a new and good head coach,” said Bishop Kelly head coach Tim Brennan.
Vallivue head coach Layne Coffin echoed a similar thought, saying he thinks both Columbia and Ridgevue could turn heads this year.
The thoughts carry some weight too. Both Brennan and Coffin are among the state’s most experienced coaches, sharing a combined 43 years’ experience running their respective programs.
Dotson’s goal is to run a dynamic offense. The plan is to run multiple formations and utilize their returning talent, which includes Ikaika Ho, a Second Team All-SIC running back from a season ago.
Defensively, the strength will be experience, Dotson says.
The Wildcats return four players with all-conference honors to that side of the ball. Three of them play linebacker.
Ramon Caballero was a second team all-conference selection at the position while Manny Variz and Andres Waters were honorable mentions. Tony Olmos was also an honorable mention on the defensive line.
“Our senior experience and potential are what I’m most excited about,” Dotson said. A Week Two road trip, however, may not look as exhilarating.
Columbia opens the year by hosting 3A Fruitland. But four of the next five are on the road, including a trip to Lakeland, a North Idaho school that sits in Rathdrum, which is over seven hours from Nampa.
The road trip could take the Wildcats through three states depending on the route and they will have to prepare for it on a short week.
The game is scheduled for a Thursday night, so if the team leaves Wednesday, it gives Columbia just four days between games, two of which are on a weekend.
"(We) get the opportunity to hit the road early,” Dotson said.