Written by: Brandon Baney
The Preston Indians broke through in a big way in 2023, as they qualified for the postseason for the first time in three years.
Their reward for making the playoffs? A rematch with league rival Pocatello in the opening round, a game the Thunder won 48-28. It was the second time in three weeks that Pocatello had turned back the Indians.
But you have to crawl before you can walk, and last year’s 4-6 record represented a significant step forward.
Entering his third season at the helm, head coach Craig Cunningham is excited about the potential of his offense.
“We have great depth at the skill positions, and they are strong competitors,” says Cunningham.
Sophomore Carter Perry will once again quarterback the Indians. Perry was thrown into the fire as a freshman last season. Initially a backup, Perry was thrust into the lineup after starter Reggie Larsen was injured in the season opener.
Larsen is back for his senior season, but will strictly play wide receiver this year. Joining Larsen on the perimeter are seniors Cruz Harris and Jake Schumann.
While the passing game should hit the ground running, the loss of running back Karson Winder and four starting offensive linemen all but guarantees that the running game will be a work in progress.
“Karson was Mister Everything,” says Cunningham. “He ran the ball, caught the ball, punted the ball, returned the ball, and tackled the ball on defense.”
Speaking of that defense, they’re in slightly better shape in terms of returnees.
Senior Jaxson Merrill was an outstanding linebacker a year ago, and Harris was an All-Conference defensive end. Senior linebacker Tegan Zollinger and senior nose tackle Sam Pabawena also have great potential.
“We have tough kids who play hard,” says Cunningham. “But we need to create more turnovers.”
With a postseason experience under their belts, a conference title is the next goal to attain. To do that, the Indians will have to de-throne pesky Pocatello.
“I’m excited for our returning players and anxious to see some of our younger players step up,” says Cunningham. “But we need to reduce our turnovers, and outscore our opponents in every game. That guarantees victory.”