Written by: Will Hoenike
The Glenns Ferry Pilots come into the 2022 season with experience along the frontline as the team looks to improve on its two-win season of a year ago.
Seniors Emmett Martin and Caleb Black should anchor the front of Glenns Ferry’s offense and defense this fall, along with Chase Stewart. The trio combined for over 80 tackles on defense, including six behind the line of scrimmage and three quarterback sacks last fall as juniors. Continued production upfront will help stabilize a Pilot defense that was feast-or-famine in 2021 – in the team’s two wins, the defense allowed a total of 12 points. In its five losses, it was over 53 points per game. The defense doesn’t need to hold everyone to a single touchdown in order for Glenns Ferry to have success this fall, it just can’t allow more than 50 per game.
The leading returning rusher for the Pilots is junior Landon Mills, who carried the ball 25 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore. With a veteran offensive line, there’s a chance for running backs to shine this season and Mills may get the first crack. Senior Parker Trail, who accumulated over 250 receiving yards last season, will also likely have the ball in his hands for the Pilots. A host of young players, like sophomores Josiah Valencia and Landon Stuart, could play themselves into the mix as well.
The Pilots play in the deep and powerful Snake River Conference, which features two-time defending 1A Division 1 state champion Oakley. The team Oakley defeated for each one of those titles, Raft River, is also in the conference. And, in a twist of timing, the team that won last season’s 1A Division 2 title, Carey, is also in the Snake River Conference after moving up from Division 2 to Division 1 this season.
The Pilots get a pair of strong non-conference tests right out of the gates when they face Clearwater Valley of the Whitepine League at the annual 8-Man Classic on August 27 before returning home to face 1A Division 2 contender Dietrich on September 2. Glenns Ferry opens conference play on September 9 at home against the Valley Vikings.