Written by: Brandon Baney
Malad’s football team has fallen into a mini-drought in recent seasons, last qualifying for the playoffs in 2020.
They were oh, so close in 2023, though. The Dragons started 4-2 and won their conference opener over Soda Springs, 16-6. But three straight losses to Aberdeen, Bear Lake and West Side to conclude the year left Malad on the outside looking in.
Then, in the offseason, head coach Coby Crozier stepped down. After seven seasons as an assistant coach, Brady Price now steps into the head role for the first time.
Despite a new head coach, the Dragons will run the same offense as last year’s team. A year ago, Malad’s Wing-T attack showed potential, although quarterback Braylen Tripp and running back Ryan Hubbard both graduated.
“Our focus this year, like last year, will be to run the ball,” Price says. “It all starts up front with our O-Line and I feel that we could have some special guys this year. Gabe Hooste, Waylon Hill, Rydon Montgomery and Justin Toone could really be a special group.”
“If we can do our job up front, we have a really good group of running backs that could become a strength for our team,” he adds.
Brady Showell, Holden Tubbs and Chase Martin will all get carries in the backfield, while Ryan Jensen will line up at wide receiver.
Those same faces will help lead a strong back end on defense. Showell and Martin will line up at strong safety and free safety, respectively. Jensen will play cornerback, while Tubbs lines up at linebacker.
“So far this summer, our secondary has shown the most improvement over last year,” Price says. “In some 7-on-7 games they have been able to create some turnovers and all of them also love to come downhill and help in the run game.”
Tubbs will be joined at linebacker by Hooste, while Toone will anchor the front at defensive end. Coach Price is hoping that a few other standouts will emerge on the defensive line.
“When we get into long down situations, we need to have the ability to put pressure on the QB and have a chance to cause more turnovers,” says Price. “We need to create more momentum-type plays on defense through turnovers, sacks, and tackles for loss.”
Overall, there’s excitement building in Malad. An exceptionally large sophomore class will challenge the upperclassmen for playing time this year. The only downside? As Malad continues to build up its program, they’ll have to do so in a tough South East Idaho Conference featuring perennial powers West Side and Aberdeen.
Further complicating matters is the merger between Districts 4 and 5 in Class 3A football this year. That’s right: Declo and Wendell, both playoff teams a year ago, are joining the conference.
“I am excited to see how this team builds upon the successes of last year,” says Price. “We had a few good wins and were right there at the end of the season for a possible chance at a state berth. The last few games did not go our way, but I am looking forward to seeing if this year’s team can continue to improve and again put themselves in position for a state playoff berth.”