Written by: Brandon Baney
Last year’s Fruitland football team at times resembled cubs rather than the Grizzlies that they’re more known for.
A youthful team went through a season of on-the-job training that culminated in a 2-8 overall record. Despite the sub-.500 mark, the Grizzlies did qualify for the postseason before bowing out quickly to eventual state runner-up Teton in the opening round.
Head coach Jordan Gross says all of that experience from a year ago should pay dividends in 2024. In particular, Titus Vidlak started at quarterback as a freshman, and already looks more polished heading into his sophomore season.
“Our QB and wide receiver play is a strength for us,” says Gross. “We would like to see increased scoring this year, though.”
Vidlak was an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection at quarterback a season ago, and his top target, senior Coye Coffman, was a 1st Team All-Conference honoree. Junior Spencer Tracy is another promising wideout, while senior Kaden Mackenzie is expected to be the lead running back.
Fruitland allowed 30.2 points per game defensively in 2023, but Gross is banking on a sturdier defense this season.
“Our linebacking corps is the strength of our defense,” says Gross.
Indeed, Quinn Hood and Brigham Walker each garnered All-Conference accolades in 2023. They’re joined by Mackenzie in the Grizzlies’ 4-3 defense. Jace Mordhorst and Coffman were also All-Conference defenders last season.
Fruitland is hoping to take another step forward in 2024. They’ll have their work cut out for them, as fellow Snake River Valley Conference foes Homedale, Weiser, and McCall-Donnelly all finished ahead of them in the standings a year ago. All three teams return considerable talent, as well.
But…so does Fruitland.
“We have committed ourselves to the weight room and the offseason,” concludes Gross. “Our players are driven to succeed through their actions on and off the field since the end of the 2023 season.”