Written by: Brandon Baney
One of the more successful coaches in recent years at Preston High, Eric Thorson, stepped down after four seasons, an 18-20 record, and two playoff appearances.
if that wasn't bad enough, Eric's son, All-Conference standout Emery Thorson, is also gone. Emery Thorson played quarterback, running back and wide receiver last year for an Indians team that enjoyed his versatility. Thorson will now showcase that versatility during his senior season at Richfield High in Utah.
Also gone from a year ago are standouts like quarterback Brecker Knapp, running back Charles Iverson, receivers Tyler Lindhardt and Chevy Nelson, and offensive lineman Rhett Larson. All of those players contributed on defense, as well.
So who's back? And who will lead them into battle in 2022?
Craig Cunningham was hired as Preston's head coach this past spring, and has an extensive assistant coaching career in both Idaho and Utah. Cunningham admits his team is young this year, but also says they have "great connectedness."
The most experienced varsity players are senior receiver and defensive back Davon Inglet and senior offensive and defensive lineman Ayden Reynolds. Both started for Preston a year ago, and Inglet in particular could see even more usage in 2022, as he could also see time at running back and kick returner.
Senior Owen Judd will start at quarterback for the Indians, and will also be counted on at cornerback. Junior Karson Winder is another player in the mold of Inglet. He'll play running back, receiver and defensive back.
Cunningham is hopeful that all of that versatility will make the Indians' single back spread offense more dynamic. "We want to improve our scoring average from last year, which was 17 points per game," Cunningham said.
Defensively, Preston will run a 4-3 scheme, but will also mix in a 4-2-5 look. "We need to stop 3rd and long more consistently," Cunningham said.
Overall, competing in a three-team district places a lot of importance on Preston's non-conference schedule. For the second consecutive year, the Indians will open their season at Montana Tech University in Butte against the Lakeland Hawks, a fellow 4A playoff team from a year ago.
They'll also play Jerome and Burley from the Great Basin Conference, 3A playoff quarterfinalist Snake River, and two out-of-state opponents (South Sevier, UT and Star Valley, WY).
The league schedule will be determined in back-to-back weeks in October. On October 7th, Preston travels to an equally young Century team before hosting league favorite Pocatello on October 14th.