Written by: Brandon Baney
Jon Helmandollar returned to his alma mater in 2021 to lead the Wendell football program for the first time as head coach. On the surface, the 2-6 record Wendell amassed may not seem impressive. But when you consider that Wendell's program won one game combined in 2019 and '20, the job that Helmandollar did in Year One was impressive.
Wendell fans will tell you: the team looks different. They are more focused, more fiery and more competitive. "Our biggest X-factor will be us continuing the momentum we built throughout the summer and into the fall," said Helmandollar.
Five departed seniors helped lay the groundwork for Wendell in 2021. Helmandollar says Matt Dahl, John Smit, Aden Bunn, Juan Murillo and Jared Olander will all be missed. "All five were All-Conference selections last year, but more importantly, they were all amazing teammates," Helmandollar said. "Our program wouldn't be in the position we are today without each one of them laying the ground work."
"We will miss Matt Dahl's amazing leadership, John Smith's integrity, Aden Bunn's work ethic, Jared Olander's dedication to our program, and Juan Murillo's ability to inspire all of those around him," he added.
Despite the loss of those five, several talented playmakers are back in 2022, especially at the skill positions. "We are a multiple formation offense," Helmandollar said. "Our strengths include running the ball downhill to set up our play-action passes."
Sophomore Gabe Finley and junior Alex Hirai both saw time at quarterback last year, and both will factor into Wendell's plans again in 2022. "They both have stepped up this summer, so we are excited to see their continued growth as we transition intot the season," Helmandollar said.
Starting running back Jesse Chavez returns this year, and Michael Torres will be the Trojans' H-Back. Torres missed all of last season with an injury, and Helmandollar says the H-Back role is reserved for the most versatile player. "He has shown a remarkable ability to both block in the run game and make plays in the pass game," Helmandollar said.
When the Trojans go to the air, there is no shortage of options to throw the ball to. "Our wideouts will be great this season," Helmandollar said. "We have a lot of talent and depth at the position." Mikey Talbert, Ky Kendall and Jayden Youngblood will play outside. Bodey Cutler, Ethan Olander and Wyett Oden will be featured in the slot, as will Hirai when he's not playing QB.
The most inexperienced position on both offense and defense in on the line. Deegan Gonzalez, Isaac Finley and Josh Green are penciled in to start on the O-Line. They'll be joined by varsity newcomers Garrett Youngblood, Isaiah Lentfer and Nate Allen.
Four of Wendell's six losses in 2021 came by 40 points or more and a fifth loss was by 38 points. "We gave up way too many big plays in the passing game last season, so we hope to improve in the areas of coverage and pressure on the QB," said Helmandollar.
The Trojans' run defense, however, is locked in and ready. "We play an aggressive 4-4 defense but shift into different fronts depending on what the offense is doing," Helmandollar said. "We are looking to stop the run first. If we can stop the run, everything else will fall into place for us defensively."
The linebackers will be the strength of that 4-4 defense. Torres, Finley, Olander and Oden will start, but Helmandollar notes that there are several quality backups that could step in and start, as well.
Up front, Isaac Finley and Deegan Gonzalez will play defensive end, while Helmandollar is counting on the inexperienced duo of Nate Allen and Aiden Scott at defensive tackle.
The secondary will feature Kendall, Cutler, Chaves, Hirai and Talbert.
For Wendell, seven of their eight games this year are non-conference affairs. They will play 2A foes Cole Valley, West Jefferson and Bear Lake (all made the playoffs in 2021), as well as a couple of 2A programs (Marsing and Ririe) that are rebuilding.
They'll also face 3A foes Filer, American Falls and Buhl for three consecutive weeks from September 23rd to October 7th. Then it's a bye week before the regular season finale that will decide the Canyon Conference title on October 21 in Declo.
"It's just us and Declo in the conference now with Valley dropping down (to 1AD1)," Helmandollar said. "Declo is one of the best teams in the state, so we look forward to the challenge this year."