Written by: Lucas Gebhart
With just 28 players on last year’s varsity roster, Caldwell enters its fourth season as an independent and is a program that knows all too well how hard it can be to win a war without an army.
The program has historically struggled to get players to come out for football, but it’s an issue head coach Kip Croft is working to fix. As he enters his second as head coach, Croft says the numbers still aren’t where he wants them, but his focus continues to on Caldwell, and only Caldwell.
“Our numbers are not great, but the kids have worked hard this summer,” Kroft said. “It is important that our kids feel comfortable in their role and confident in their abilities.”
While the numbers are down, Croft says some of the school’s best athletes are starting to come out to play football. His new tight end, Sawyer Hope-Audet, comes over from the basketball team while his new wide receiver and kicker, Isaac Araiza, comes over from the soccer team.
“Isaac will also bring a sizable advantage for us in the kicking game,” Kroft said. “Sawyer has also been a very welcome addition to our team. He will play safety on defense for us as well.”
As an independent school, Caldwell has complete control over its schedule and isn’t required to play other Treasure Valley powerhouses such as last year’s defending state championships, Bishop Kelly. It’s all part of the long-term plan to rebuild the program with the hope that they can compete for a state playoff spot down the line after building the program back up.
On the schedule this year is a host of Magic Valley 5A schools, including Jerome, Mountain Home and two matchups with Wood River. 4A Gooding is also on the schedule, along with Moscow, Vallivue and Ridgevue, which is a team Kroft says could compete for a conference title.
“We want to be more physical and wat to have a more balanced attack,” Kroft said. “We are trying to create defensive-only guys, which will help us to adjust between series.”
Caldwell will open its season Wood River on Aug. 23.