Written by: Brandon Baney
Elvis Presley once sang about the Heartbreak Hotel. What he forgot to mention is that it’s located in Homedale.
No team has been so close to biting the proverbial apple without actually sinking its teeth in than the Trojans. Since 2018, Homedale has gone a combined 60-8 with zero championship trophies, but plenty of heartache.
Homedale’s 2018-2022 seasons ended with five losses to Sugar-Salem (three times in the championship, twice in the semifinals). Three of the five defeats were single possession losses, including one in overtime.
But what about 2023, you ask? Different opponent, same result, as Teton came to Homedale in the state semifinals and earned a stunning, last-second, 49-42 victory.
Through it all, veteran coach Matt Holtry remains undeterred. Entering his 16th season at the helm, the game plan is the same as always: lean on the talent returning, while mixing in a few newcomers.
“We have a core group of returners that bring experience in key spots on the field,” Holtry says. “We are excited to see the identity that this group creates and the legacy they leave as seniors. We will have to gel as one unit, and we need some of our juniors to step into some key roles and execute at a high level.”
One of the juniors that will have to adjust quickly is Xavier Uranga, who takes over at quarterback for Dillon Fine, who’s now pitching for the University of Utah baseball team.
“This year we will start a new varsity QB for the second season in a row,” says Holtry. “We are excited about Xavier and his progression this summer, as well as his understanding of the offense.”
“Having three capable running backs and three athletic targets at wide receiver helps in that progression,” he added.
Indeed, there are several helping hands. Senior Brock Walker, an All-Conference performer a year ago, returns at fullback. Senior Alex Sotelo and junior Kade Hall will take turns at running back. All-Conference wideouts Rafa Cuenca and Luke Henry are joined by fellow senior Angel Nolasco to give the Trojans a talented trio on the perimeter. Junior tight end Lukas Hall is also a tall target for Uranga.
Up front, seniors Caden Layne, McCoy Swallow and Diego Cortez will lead the way. All three will contribute to the defensive line, as well, and both Kade Hall and Lukas Hall are expected to take a big step forward at defensive end.
In fact, there are several standouts returning for Homedale on defense.
“We have been fortunate to have these players learn our defense over the past five or six seasons,” says Holtry. “So we are excited to see the continued growth of the defense as a whole and the progression of our returning players as they play with more confidence.”
Anchoring the linebackers will be Walker and Sotelo. Sophomore Tyce Fisher will also see time at the second level.
The secondary will be led by Henry, Cuenca and Nolasco.
Competition will be fierce yet again in the Snake River Valley Conference. Homedale won the league crown a year ago, but Weiser, McCall-Donnelly, and Fruitland all qualified for the postseason. Those four should again push each other for the playoffs. All of which should make Homedale battle tested and ready should Sugar-Salem or Teton come knocking again deep into November.