Written by: Brandon Baney
Entering his third season as the head coach at American Falls, Tim Hoppe is finally starting to see signs of progress. After finishing 0-8 in his debut campaign, the Beavers improved to 3-7 a year ago. That was enough to earn a playoff spot, although the trip was short, as the Beavers fell to Timberlake in an opening round game, 69-27.
But that playoff appearance laid the groundwork for what promises to be a bigger, bolder season in 2024.
“We improved greatly on offense from 2022 to 2023, increasing our yardage output by 44% and our scoring by 35%,” says Hoppe. “In their third year in the system, I expect another output increase from our offense.”
The offense is led by senior triggerman Dax Brower. Dax’s older brother, Beau, is the only loss among American Falls’ skill players. Although Beau Brower will be missed at wide receiver, there are plenty of solid returnees. Austin Adair led the Beavers in receiving yards and touchdowns a year ago. Zak Grigg will play both receiver and slot back, and Micael Torres will be the featured running back.
That trio will be complemented by offensive newcomer Kahlen Hernandez.
“Kahlen started at cornerback in every game last year, but he was stuck behind Beau Brower on the offensive side,” explains Hoppe. “This year it’s his job to lose, and he’s been showing out this summer in passing leagues. He is much taller than Beau and can go up and get the ball, so I expect him to break out on the offensive side.”
While Hoppe is excited about all of the returning weaponry on offense, he’s also quick to point out that all five offensive linemen that started for the Beavers’ postseason game against Timberlake are back, too.
“Our biggest weakness the last two seasons stems from the fact that American Falls played a double wing system for a decade prior to my first year and averaged fewer pass attempts per season than we did per game,” says Hoppe. “That led to a weakness in pass blocking, but our offensive line has worked hard to improve in this area. We will have a senior-heavy offensive line this year, which I hope leads us to keeping Dax’s jersey clean this season.”
Seniors Cash Williams and Benson Taylor will lead the way up front, and Hoppe is also excited about the prospects of senior Colton Oliver, a relative newcomer.
“Colton missed almost all of his sophomore season after breaking his ankle, and then missed his entire junior season of football and basketball after having shoulder surgery over the summer,” says Hoppe. “He’s a big kid with good athleticism at his size. He should step into a starting role for us on the line.”
The Beavers will run a 3-3 stack again on defense, and will rely on its athleticiscm to make plays happen.
“Our defense gave up 15% less yards per game and 38% less touchdowns per game from 2022 to 2023, and we hope to improve even more in the second year of this defensive system,” says Hoppe. “It is a defense that will rely on movement by the defensive line and an aggressive group of linebackers.”
That aggressive group of linebackers produced two of American Falls’ top three tacklers a season ago in Adair and middle linebacker Ty Smith. Gavin Neibaur was a breakout performer at defensive end last season, and will be joined by Salvador Ortiz and possibly Oliver up front.
Hoppe is also counting on senior Adrian Carvajal to line up in a variety of spots.
“Adrian has been a starter on the defensive line the past two seasons, but he’s spent the offseason working with the track team on his speed,” says Hoppe. “He’s big enough to play on the line (6-foot, 205 pounds), but he’s also fast enough to play linebacker, so he will be moved around to give opposing offenses different looks.”
With all of the excitement surrounding the linebackers and linemen, we almost forgot to mention that American Falls welcomes back all three starters from the secondary as well. Hernandez and Gavin Adamson will line up at cornerback, while Grigg, the Beavers’ second-leading tackler a year ago, plays free safety.
The pieces appear to be in place for American Falls this season, and the Beavers have pushed all of their chips to the middle of the table.
“We return a lot of players who have been starting or contributing heavily at the varsity level since their sophomore seasons,” says Hoppe. “There is no substitute for in-game experience and we have it. For the first time in three seasons, we are a senior-heavy team with a lot of game experience. I am excited to see how this year’s senior group comes together.”