Written by: Will Hoenike
Back in 2011, the Rimrock Raiders were riding high. The team posted eight wins, including a perfect 6-0 record in the Western Idaho Conference, to claim the league title.
Supporters in the Bruneau/Grand View area are ready for a repeat performance and, while it may be hard to do in 2022 with a tough schedule on the horizon, there is reason for optimism along State Highway 78. Head coach Sam Ward is expecting a solid turnout on the field, led by all-conference senior Aden Aquiso.
Aquiso earned first-team honors as both a fullback and a linebacker. Aquiso will anchor a defense that, during a three-week stretch during the 2021 season, limited three Western Idaho Conference rivals to a total of just 18 points. Rimrock’s defense will be led upfront by Aquiso’s cousin, Eli Aquiso, junior TJ Gonzalez, and freshman Carlos Escobedo along the defensive line. Sophomore Trevor Carothers is also expected to see time at linebacker in front of senior Zeke Ochoa and sophomore Ronaldo Gomez at defensive back.
Ochoa did not play football last fall but his addition to the team adds much-needed athleticism to help replace team MVP Pedro Varela. As a senior last fall, Varela broke multiple school records, including interceptions in a game (4) and in a season (7). Also departed is Alex Martinez, who led the team in tackles last season, and Gus Black, who led the team in total yards on offense, so Ochoa’s athletic ability will be a big benefit for the Raiders.
Rimrock’s offense will be led by sophomore quarterback Ronaldo Gomez with Aquiso (Aden) and Carothers in the backfield.
“Our primary offensive strength is our depth at our skill positions that will allow us to be flexible in our style of play,” Ward said. “What I’m most excited for this year is bringing in new offensive formations and plays that will allow for an increased role for our offensive skill players and for the increased role that several players will see on offense and defense.”
Gonzalez and Escobedo figure to be key factors along the team’s offensive front with Aquiso (Eli) playing along the offensive line as well as tight end.
So Ward and his staff have talent on the field. What they’ll also see on the field this fall – and perhaps the biggest hurdle the Raiders will face – is a host of talented opponents. Each of the team’s first three games (vs. Dietrich, vs. Garden Valley, at Camas County) will be played against teams that qualified for the playoffs last fall.
After that, the Raiders move into conference play when they travel to Greenleaf Friends Academy on September 22. In 1A Division 1, each conference is awarded one automatic bid to the classification’s playoffs, followed by seven at-large selections based on a mathematical formula. Last season, the Western Idaho Conference only received one bid – conference champ Notus – amid a slew of strong teams from District 2 (Whitepine League) and District 4 (Snake River Conference). The margin for error for the rest of the Western Idaho Conference is likely to be small again in 2022. And, with Notus looking strong again this fall, it is critical for Rimrock to take care of business elsewhere in league play leading up to the regular-season finale on its home field against the Pirates on October 21.
Rimrock hasn’t topped three wins in a season since that great season in 2011. This could be the season it happens. And, if it does, the team has a chance to put itself in position to reach the 1A Division 1 playoffs.