Written by: Brandon Baney
Soda Springs limped through a 3-5 season in 2021. A promising start was derailed by injuries and illness at the most inopportune time, and by the end of the year, when everyone finally started to get healthy, it was too late.
Four of the Cardinals' five losses came in league play, as Soda Springs finished 0-4 in the South East Idaho Conference.
The stretch where the absences were most notable were on September 24th and 30th against Malad and West Side. After dropping a 30-22 heartbreaker to the Dragons, they had to start a converted wide receiver at quarterback against West Side. The three-time 2A state champs blew past Soda Springs 55-8.
The one positive note the Cardinals took with them into the offseason was the fact that they won two of their final three contests, including a 22-14 win over Class 3A American Falls.
Soda Springs coach Colter Evans thinks his squad has potential this year, and has scheduled accordingly. A season opening date with 3A power Sugar-Salem takes place on August 19th.
The Cardinals will also travel to two-time 2A runner-up Firth and 3A playoff contender Snake River as part of a grueling non-conference slate.
Within the conference, most coaches agree the league title is wide open, as West Side was hit hard by graduation.
After traveling to Aberdeen and Malad to begin South East Idaho Conference play, the Cardinals will face their toughest challenges at home.
Soda Springs will host West Side on September 30th. That's followed by a bye week, then a home game with preseason favorite Bear Lake on October 14th.
A favorable schedule could aid Soda Springs in its quest to get back to the playoffs after missing out last year. As always, they'll have to be healthy and upright to accomplish that task.