Written by: Brandon Baney
The Shelley Russets football team finished 2023 with a 4-6 overall record, slotting in just behind state runner-up Hillcrest and state semifinalist Skyline in the High Country Conference hierarchy.
The Russets were able to qualify for the postseason, but dropped a 21-14 nail-biter to Skyview in the opening round.
Since making the jump from Class 4A to Class 5A, Shelley has always been one of the smallest schools in the classification. Former head coach Josh Wells did a nice job of building up the program and turning Shelley into a consistent playoff qualifier.
But Wells retired in the offseason, paving the way for one of Shelley’s most accomplished players in program history to ascend to the head coaching role.
Jayson Bird knows a thing or two about Russet football. As a junior in 2002, he rushed for 1,500 yards and 26 touchdowns. His senior campaign in 2003 was even better: 1,889 yards, 27 TDs, and the 3A Player of the Year award.
Most importantly: Shelley won their first championship in school history during that magical 2003 campaign.
Bird went on to play running back at the University of Idaho, before settling back down in eastern Idaho.
Under Josh Wells, Shelley became known as a run-heavy offensive attack featuring multiple ball-carriers and movement. Whether that style continues under Bird remains to be seen.
Senior Chance Waite, and juniors Conley Bennett and Dawson Blackner were All-Conference running backs a year ago. Senior Cole Taylor was an All-Conference wide receiver, and three offensive linemen (senior Caden Bowman, and juniors Keyan Monahan and Marcus Campbell) were All-Conference, as well.
Shelley returns several All-Conference defenders as well: seniors Layne Barrett and Brendon John on the defensive line, Waite at linebacker, and seniors Kyle Davis and Chase Ricks, and junior Kael Remington in the secondary.
It will be interesting to see what new wrinkles coach Bird adds to the Shelley program in 2024. Although the style may be different, the goal is still the same. It was set all the way back in 2003, when Bird helped lead the Russets to their first state title. Shelley has won six titles in all, with the last coming in 2013.
If a promising group of athletes can gel, this could be another special year in Shelley.