Team Preview:
Written By: Sven Alskog

Camas County was a better football team than its 2017 record of 3-5 indicated, with close losses to Castleford and Dietrich and a forfeit against Clark-Watersprings included in the record.

A program that could have very easily been over the .500 mark returns a good chunk of the roster, with running back Erik Robles and Molly Kepford the only players who have exited.

Line play could be a strength for the Mushers with Colby Thompson and Zach Reedy both returning. Incoming lineman Dawson Kramer looks to get immediate playing time as a freshman as well.

Quarterback Trey Smith returns to lead the spread offense, with Remington Kramer at wide receiver. Replacing the talented Robles in the backfield represents the biggest challenge offensively for Camas County.

On defense the backbone is the front line out of a 4-2 base.

“Strength is up front with Zach Reedy and Colby Thompson,” added head coach Rusty Kramer.

He wants to see improvement in tackling and what he calls “stupid” penalties from a year ago.

The Mushers struggled to slow down the opposition last season, allowing over 40 points in five different games. A shutout effort against Richfield and holding Hansen to 22 points in the final two weeks of the year sheds optimism that the team can get headed in the right direction though.

A week one matchup at Hansen awaits Camas County, prior to a battle with defending 1AD2 state champion Carey on the road the following week.

If things roll the right way there is reason to believe that the Mushers should be able to challenge for a playoff spot after a year hiatus.

“These boys have played together for many years. I think we can take the momentum from last year,” added coach Kramer.

With Hagerman dropping down to the 1AD2 ranks, the Sawtooth Conference now has eight teams in it, which should make for a fun regular season to determine playoff spots and seeding.