Written by: Brandon Baney
The Malad Dragons embarked on a new era in 2021, as Lucas Thorne began his first season as head coach after previously serving as a coach in Pasco, Washington.
One 2-6 season later, and Malad is hitting the reset button again. In 2022, the new head coach is Coby Crozier, a former West Side Pirates player and assistant coach.
Malad fans are hoping that Crozier can bring some of that West Side winning magic to a Dragons program that has fallen on hard times.
West Side, the elephant in the room not just in the South East Idaho Conference, but in the entire state for 2A football, appears to be vulnerable for the first time in a while. The three-time defending 2A champs were hit hard by graduation losses, which could open the door for someone else to ascend to the throne.
Malad will begin their season at home against Lyman, Wyoming, a perennial power at the 3A level there. They'll also travel to Ririe and West Jefferson as part of their non-conference slate, and will welcome in 2A power North Fremont on September 9th in what could be a measuring stick game.
Conference play begins against Soda Springs, the lone team in league that the Dragons defeated in 2021. They'll travel to Aberdeen on September 30th, and host preseason favorite Bear Lake the following week.
Following a bye, Crozier will lead the Dragons into battle at his former school. Malad will play at West Side in the regular season finale on October 21st.