Team Preview:
Written by Will Hoenike (@willhoenike)
When head coach Tim Perrigot took over the head coaching job at Minico High School 20 years ago, he probably didn’t envision a summer where he’d be tasked with replacing seven departing seniors who earned either 1st or 2nd-Team All-State honors.
But that’s where he, his staff and his players have brought this program. Seven All-Staters gone … and still every reason to think a return trip to the state playoffs is likely.
“If we stay healthy, we could make a run,” Perrigot told IdahoSports.com.
The Spartans are coming off a 7-3 season and have missed the 4A postseason just once since 2004, winning eight of the last ten Great Basin West conference titles. And while a number of key players have departed, Perrigot likes his returning experience and incoming junior class.
A pair of two-sport standouts will battle to take the helm at the quarterback position. Tanner Harper, a 2nd-team All-State performer, is gone so senior Jaden Jensen (an accomplished baseball pitcher) and junior Chase Chandler (the point guard on the school’s basketball team) will look to step in and lead the run-based, Wing-T offensive attack. Senior running back Peyton Bailey figures to be the go-to back but also expect contributions from seniors Brandon Williams, Kade Crystal, Tyler Turner and Bayley Jensen. Paving the way up front will be returning linemen Trenton Chandler, an All-Great Basin Conference honoree last season, Pedro Villicana and Efrain Juarez.
When the team goes to the air, keep your eyes on Payton Biermann as a possible pass-catching target. The Spartans went on an offensive binge last season after losing the first two games, averaging 46 points per game during a seven-game winning streak that ended in a playoff loss against Middleton.
Defensively, Minico brings back inside linebackers Jared Nessen and Dylan Schell, both seniors, but Perrigot and his staff are excited about the potential of junior linebacker Boe Boston. Coming off an outstanding summer, Boston could be an impact player for the Spartans.
Seniors Dallas Mort and Takotai Wickel will fill the defensive tackle spots with senior Kaleb Fife returning at defensive end. Tristen Dunahoo and Austin Frank will lead the secondary.
But Minico isn’t anticipating an easy road to another Great Basin West conference championship.
“(The) conference is getting tougher every year,” Perrigot noted. “Canyon Ridge had a breakout year under a new coaching staff. Wood River will be much-improved as most of their starters return.”
And that doesn’t account for old rivals Twin Falls, Jerome or Burley, all of whom will have a say in things before the conference dust settles in late October.
One key for Minico has been its home-field advantage over the past decade. The team has lost just seven games on its own field since 2005.
“Friday nights have a college-like atmosphere from tailgating, exciting pre-game events and fun halftime shows,” Perrigot said. “It’s a tough atmosphere for opponents.”
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