Written by: Will Hoenike
Second-year head coach Tim Olson is hopeful that his Deary Mustangs can start to punch through after enduring a difficult, one-win season in 2021.
“Prior to this season, everyone had to learn a new scheme and coaching style for four years in a row,” said Olson. “Sometimes consistency is key, so I’m very excited for year two in this system where players should be able to play faster and not think as much.”
Olson and assistant Shane Keen are likely looking forward to a little more luck on the injury front this season as well after two key players, Kalab Rickerd and Dale Fletcher, each missed extended periods of time last fall after getting hurt.
“We also have some younger guys, at least ‘young’ in playing experience, that have shown some impressive improvements in their games from the beginning of last year to football camp this spring,” Olson continued. “Tucker Ashmead’s improvement at defensive back and Wyatt Vincent at quarterback could be integral components to the team’s improvement this year.”
Vincent’s ability to step in under center could really help diversify the Mustang offense. It would allow Rickerd, a dynamic playmaker, to move around the field to exploit matchups in an effort to create big plays. With Fletcher and sophomore Dawson Bovard also available to get touches in the offensive backfield, a window exists for the team to improve dramatically on the 82 total points scored in 2021 – just 26 of which came after September 3.
“Finishing blocks was a big issue last year, whether it was pass blocking or run blocking,” Olson noted. “We were solid at the point of attack but really struggled to stay with defenders and finish the play. That will be a point of emphasis, especially when it comes to pass blocking.”
Junior Briar Schwiekert is in line to see an increased role along the offensive and defensive lines this fall and, as such, will be one of the keys to the team’s improved blocking. Senior Gus Rickert factors into that as well as the team’s tight end.
The injuries that hampered the offense also crippled the team defensively last fall. As the offense slowed, the defense gave up over 200 points in the team’s final five games of the season. With a return to health and continued increase in experience, there’s reason to anticipate tangible improvement on that side of the ball as well.
“The boys did a great job of swarming to the ball carrier, there were very few solo tackles,” Olson said. “The main goal of our defense is to force the ball inside. All our help and extra teammates are inside. When teams got outside our defensive end’s containment, bad things happened.”
The Mustangs boast some depth at the linebacker position, led by Fletcher and Bovard. That duo will be joined by Vincent and junior Blaine Clark, while Rickerd and Ashmead anchor the team’s secondary.
Deary opens the season at home on August 26 against neighbor Troy, located just 15 miles west down State Highway 8. Like Deary, the Trojans are coming off a tough 2021 campaign so the rivalry offers both teams an opportunity for a fast start to the 2022 season.
Three of Deary’s four non-conference games are against 1A Division 1 foes, so the Mustangs will face challenges right out of the gate. The Mustangs open conference play on the road in Weippe on September 23 when they face the Timberline Spartans, a team that reached the 1A Division 2 postseason each of the past two seasons.