Written by: Brandon Baney
In his debut season as McCall-Donnelly head coach, BJ Sorensen led the Vandals to a 6-3 overall record and an appearance in the state playoffs.
Unfortunately, in the uber-competitive Snake River Valley Conference, that 6-3 mark was only good enough for third place in the league standings. The Vandals dropped a pair of agonizing losses to Homedale and Weiser in SRV play.
The third loss came in the opening round of the postseason to Buhl, 20-12. McCall-Donnelly hosted the playoff affair, and with snow piled up all over the Vandals’ field, the Indians made just enough plays on a slippery surface to escape with the win.
Now, in 2024, most of McCall-Donnelly’s starters are back with plenty of motivation. Sorensen, in particular, likes the potential of his offense.
“Our strength on offense will be our offensive line and our run game,” says Sorensen. “We return four of five starters on the line and pair them with two good running backs. Our quarterback is also a threat to run the ball.”
Senior Avery Riggs will lead that veteran line, while senior Peyton Esplin and junior Colt Value will split duties at running back. Senior quarterback Maddox Arnold is also dangerous, and will look to senior Ethan Roberts and junior Easton Allen in the passing game.
In 2023, McCall-Donnelly’s defense suffocated the opposition, allowing just 15 points per game. That trend figures to continue this season.
“We will run a 4-4 defense that will make offenses work to score,” says Sorensen. “Our defense will be led by our outside linebackers. Our line will also be tough, especially our defensive ends.”
Esplin and Cam Coburn will line up at outside linebacker, while Gunnar Newman and Lennox Bowling will step in at defensive end.
Sorensen and the Vandals know the deal: to make headway in the Class 4A waters, they’ll need to get past Homedale and Weiser. The second-year Vandals coach believes his team can take that next step.
“I am excited to see how we progress in our second year of our system,” says Sorensen. “Our players have worked hard and bought into what we are doing. I am excited for new players to fill crucial roles on our team.”