Written by: Brandon Baney
The Kellogg Wildcats ruled the Central Idaho League in 2022, as twin brothers Kolby and Riply Luna (now playing at the University of Miami) helped lead a solid cast of players to a 6-4 record (4-0 in the CIL) and a state quarterfinal appearance.
In 2023, Kellogg aimed its sights at a repeat title, and scheduled aggressively, picking up games against 4A Moscow, 3A Bonners Ferry, 2A semifinalist North Fremont, and Washington’s Newport High.
The rigorous schedule backfired, as the Wildcats failed to win any of those games. Add in CIL losses to St. Maries and Grangeville, and the writing was on the wall: Kellogg’s 3-6 overall record wasn’t going to be enough to secure one of the precious few “at-large” bids available based upon MaxPreps rankings.
So it’s back to the drawing board for the Wildcats.
Kellogg welcomes back three players with All-League accolades to their names in 2024: wide receiver Coleman Blalack, offensive lineman Ethan Spencer, and defensive back Wyatt Storey. All three are seniors.
Mission number one is figuring out how to replace departed quarterback Reed Whatcott, and his top receiver, Jaeger Hall.
Junior wide receiver/defensive back Draeden Taylor is poised for a big step forward in 2024, and two quarterbacks are listed on Kellogg’s varsity roster: sophomore Porter Lewis and freshman Cyrus Reed.
Those youngsters will be thrown into the fire rather quickly, as Kellogg has a gauntlet of a schedule this year. The newly minted 3A Wildcats will face 4A Moscow, 4A Timberlake, and perennial 3A power North Fremont once again.
The CIL schedule starts early for Kellogg, as the Wildcats welcome St. Maries to town on September 13th. If Kellogg can snare a win there, they could build some serious momentum.