Written by: Brandon Baney
On October 21st, 2023, the Nampa Christian Trojans earned their second Western Idaho Conference title in three years with a 36-22 dismantling of Melba.
Just two weeks later, the Mustangs returned the favor, knocking Nampa Christian out of the playoffs with a 37-21 quarterfinal victory.
It’s no surprise that WIC coaches have once again pegged Melba and Nampa Christian as the preseason favorites. The Trojans, in particular, look strong thanks to a tidal wave of returning talent.
“I am excited for the growth in our returning starters from last season,” says head coach Daniel Jenkins. “We lost a lot of experience, but we have a solid core of talent coming up. We also added some new wrinkles and schemes on both sides of the ball.”
It’s true that Nampa Christian did say goodbye to some tremendous players. Two-year starting quarterback Aiden Thompson, wide receivers Luke Lady, Maiko Nevarez and Hunter Hafer, tight end Addison Taylor, and two-way lineman Jackson Anderson all graduated.
But the Trojans are more than equipped to handle their departures. The offensive line returns five players (Colby Ferdinand, Israel Crane, Chris Walborn, Keaton Crane and Tom Kesonaosad) that saw extensive time last year.
That quintent, combined with returning running backs Matthew Nevarez and Mason McDaniel, has coach Jenkins excited about his team’s offensive potential.
“Our offensive strength is our ability to be versatile in attacking defenses with speed in space,” says coach Jenkins. “We are looking to improve our overall efficiency and consistency as a unit.”
As for the passing game, seniors Thomas Duerre, Jack Ihli and Tyler Szilagyi all saw time out wide a year ago. Who will throw the ball to them? It could be junior Pete Dice, sophomore Carter Compton, or even Szilagyi. Whoever emerges will have several talented playmakers to lean on, though.
On the defensive side of the ball, Ferdinand, Israel Crane, Keaton Crane, Walborn and Kesonaosad will all see time up front in the Trojans’ 3-4 alignment. Nevarez, McDaniel, Ihli and Nate Rundquist are slated to start at linebacker. Duerre will lead the secondary, while juniors Ian Johnson and Dylan O’Brien will also play key roles on the back end.
O’Brien is also a weapon in the kicking game.
“Our defensive strength is our ability to attack from everywhere on the field,” says coach Jenkins. “Our general focus on defense is to limit big plays. We also want to improve our overall efficiency and get equal production from every position.”
There will be no warm-up to this season’s schedule. Nampa Christian welcomes in 3A runner-up Declo on August 30th in the season opener. And the schedule only picks up steam from there. But if any team is ready for the challenge, it’s Nampa Christian.
“We have great team chemistry and great buy-in to the program. I am looking forward to a great season,” Jenkins concludes.