Written by: Marlowe Hereford
Michael Berger makes his varsity football head coaching debut in familiar territory.
The son of Skyline head football coach Scott Berger and a 2010 Skyline graduate, Berger was a multi-sport athlete for the Grizz who went on to play defensive back at Idaho State for four seasons. With teaching and coaching stops at Twin Falls and, most recently, six seasons with 5A powerhouse Highland, Berger brings firsthand knowledge and experience with him to his home area upon taking over the direction of Thunder Ridge football.
Berger said the players on his new team are already buying in and putting in the work.
"We are excited to start a new chapter for Thunder Ridge football," he said. "We will be relying on many new starters for this season, but their commitment to the weight room and football activities has prepared them for success. The players have done a phenomenal job buying into the new direction of the program, and these seniors have shown tremendous leadership qualities to lay a strong foundation for future Titans."
The Titans, who went 3-5 last fall, graduated prolific athlete Tao Johnson, now playing at the University of Utah. Thunder Ridge returns a crop of experienced seniors in defensive back Conner Hall, linebacker Rory Leavitt, wide receiver Porter Brizzee, offensive lineman Owen Ward, wide receiver Ryan Johnson, tight end/defensive lineman McKay Dougal and offensive lineman Hayden Jackson.
Berger said the offensive line is especially experienced.
"We will utilize a spread offense with our senior led group, and we want to be multiple with our personnel and formations," he said. "We also bring back a veteran offensive line that are looking forward to utilizing their strengths in the new offense."
Offensively, Berger said the Titans will work to improve their run game. Defensively, Thunder Ridge has several new starters.
"We always want to improve our ability to stop the run, and be able to put our defensive backs in man to man situations to utilize their coverage skills," Berger said.
He added that staying healthy and keeping a strong offensive and defensive line will be key factors to this season.
Berger is also familiar with the eastern Idaho teams on the Titans' schedule, having prepared for them numerous times as a member of Highland's coaching staff. He tabbed defending 5A state champion Rigby as well as powerhouse Highland as teams who will 'maintain and continue to be marquee programs within the entire 5A classification.' However, he said to keep an eye on Madison.
"Madison is a team on the rise," Berger said. "They have a great group of kids coming up from their younger programs. They also have the tools and resources to be a top program in the area."