Written by: Brandon Baney
Ask any fan of the Pocatello Thunder, and they'll tell you: it's not a rebuilding year, it's a reloading year.
After a 9-3 record in 2021 that ended in a semifinal loss to eventual champion Skyline, expectations and optimism are high at Pocatello.
As Dave Spillett embarks on his seventh season as Pocatello's head coach, he will have to replace a few key players. But he also returns a good number of varsity contributors, making Pocatello one of the ultimate 50/50 teams in terms of players lost/players returning.
First the losses: Ryan Payne (QB), Matt Christensen (WR/DB/K/P), Jaxon Williams (OL), Spencer Robertson (OL), Luke Smith (OL/DL), Kanen Wortley (OL/DL), Kaden Hottel (DL), Hunter Killian (LB) and Keith Wykoff (LB) all departed via graduation.
There's no denying those leaders will be tough to replace, but check out the headliners that return to Pocatello in 2022.
It starts with junior running back Ryken EchoHawk. A starter since his freshman year, EchoHawk should be one of the best running backs in Idaho this year.
He'll run behind an offensive line anchored by senior Ryan Critser and junior Tommy Smith.
Senior Chance Crittenden has played both receiver and defensive back for Pocatello since his sophomore season. Junior Carson Christensen should also contribute at receiver, and returns to a starting position at linebacker.
Also leading the defense is senior cornerback Krue Hales. He led the state in interceptions last year with eight total. Hales could also figure into the receiver rotation on offense.
Due to their high number of returning players, coupled with the fact that Century and Preston are breaking in new head coaches, the consensus is that Pocatello is the favorite to win the South East Idaho Conference.
But for a team that made the 4A semifinals a year ago, Pocatello's goals are much higher.
A tough non-conference schedule starts with a contest against Morgan (Utah) at the Rocky Mountain Rumble in Rexburg.
They'll also travel to Ridgeuve High in Nampa, which could prove useful if Pocatello has to make a long road trip somewhere during the playoffs.
After those first two games, Pocatello will debut its brand-new facilities at Lookout Credit Union Field against Twin Falls. They'll also host Shelley and Century at their new field.
The annual Black and Blue Bowl against 5A Highland will take place September 16th at Highland's Iron Horse Stadium.
Pocatello will finish the season with two conference games: October 14th at Preston and October 21st at home against Century.