Written by: Brandon Baney
Marsing’s football team broke through in a major way in 2023.
Led by former Huskie Shea McClellin on the sidelines, the Boise State and NFL linebacker helped take his alma mater to the playoffs for the first time in a long time.
The Huskies finished 5-4 overall, but some of the setbacks were painstaking. There was the 22-14 loss to fellow playoff team Wendell in early September, and the 22-16 loss to Melba in the second-to-last week of the regular season.
The Melba loss in particular came back to sting Marsing, as the Huskies were matched up with the Mustangs in the opening round of the playoffs. Facing Melba for the second time in three weeks, Marsing ran out of steam and fell, 34-14.
Then, McClellin departed for Vallivue High School. Two of Marsing’s top players, Mason Enochson and Cache Hance, followed him to the 5A school.
So Marsing has turned to Mike Foristiere, who brings over 40 years of coaching experience in California, Idaho and Oregon with him. Foristiere played college football for the Oregon Ducks for two seasons, and ironically enough, was once Vallivue’s head coach.
Foristiere has a major building block to build around in senior tight end and linebacker Luke Steinmeyer. Steinmeyer was a 1st Team All-Conference selection on both sides of the ball in 2023.
Levi Puga was also a two-way All-Conference player, at wide receiver and defensive back. Bridon McIntyre (OL), EJ Young (DL), Gavin Patterson (LB), Jace Chadez (DB), and Moe Montes (DB) also earned All-Conference honors.
There’s no denying that excitement is high at Marsing this year to continue their winning ways. If Foristiere can find a few supplemental players to complement the returning All-Conference talent, another playoff push is definitely in the cards.