Written by: Will Hoenike
After competing last fall at the 1A Division 1 (now 2A) level as a member of the High Desert Conference, the Challis Vikings petitioned down a level to compete in the 1A (formerly 1A Division 2) Rocky Mountain Conference in 2024.
Since reaching the semifinal round in the larger classification in 2017, the program hasn’t reached the playoffs and has struggled with player turnout. The team won seven games in 2018 and narrowly missed the playoffs but, between 2019 and 2023, Challis has won just three games, including a 2022 season where the program did not field its own varsity team.
Two of those three wins came last season and second-year coach Les Webb is hopeful the program can take a step forward in 2024 and begin to re-establish the once-strong program.
“These kids care about each other,” Webb said. “We are still building and this leadership group of upperclassmen are hungry to win.”
The team’s backfield from last fall returns with senior quarterback Jacen Farr and junior running back Rigin Dixon. After playing largely along the offensive front last fall, senior Garrison Applegate could see time in the backfield this season and Teage Erickson, a second team All-Conference selection last fall, returns at the receiver spot. Webb and his staff have several younger players who will vie for playing time, including sophomore lineman Jaden Taylor.
Webb wants to see his team improve at ball pursuit on defense this fall, which will limit the number of big plays the team allows. The Vikings defense allowed 311 points last season, an average of just under 40 per game. That includes a streak of three consecutive weeks where the team held its opponent under 25 points, which is a good number in 8-man football. Farr (LB), Dixon (LB), Applegate (DL), and Erickson (DB) will play crucial positions on defense as well as offense.
Though the team will play at a lower level this fall, it isn’t inheriting a soft schedule. Three of its foes were 1A Division 2 playoff teams a year ago – Hagerman, Rockland, and Mackay – and the Rocky Mountain Conference features North Gem, which has qualified for the playoffs nine times since the 2011 season. Challis will also face former conference rival Butte County, which is coming off a state championship, at home on October 4.