Photo By Patty Theurer - #3 Jarret Mink
Written by Brandon Hill
The Tri-Valley Titans would sooner forget the trails and tribulations of the 2019 season.
Seven outings resulted in seven losses for the two-school co-op in Central Idaho. The Titans, comprised of Cambridge and Midvale High Schools, dropped five in-state contests, allowing an average of 56 points per game while scoring only 13 themselves.
But with new head coach Justin Mink joining the program, Tri-Valley looks to get back to the dominance of just a few short years ago. In 2017, the Titans went undefeated in the regular season, with its only loss coming in the 1ADII State Championship — a 50-42 battle with the Carey Panthers. In that season, Tri-Valley reached the pinnacle of its offensive and defense performance, scoring an average of 52 points per game while allowing only 16.
Mink said this season he’s retooled the Titans’ roster, adding skill players familiar with Tri-Valley’s former dominance, including senior Nathan Kindall.
“He hasn’t played since his freshman year,” Mink said. “He will make an impact as a linebacker and team leader.”
Mink also recruited senior Brendon Rusconi, a multi-purpose athlete who hasn’t stepped foot on the gridiron in high school. Mink said Rusconi will fill in wherever he’s needed, including running back, defensive lineman and offensive lineman.
Rusconi will be joined in the backfield b Clayton Harper and Gage Warren, while Trevor Farrens will fill out the offensive line and passing game at tight end.
“We plan to develop a new offense that fits our personnel. We are working on all players truly understanding the offense and their roles,” Mink said. “We are a very young team with limited experience playing varsity football. There are new, young, energetic players that want to learn the game.”
Senior quarterback Jarrett Mink will be the cornerstone of that new offensive scheme. Mink said his quarterback has shown strong decision-making skills and improved ability to read defenses over the offseason.
On defense, Jarrett Mink will also fill in at the safety position, joining Rusconi and Kindall for what should be a much-improved squad.
Check back with IdahoSports.com for updated Tri-Valley scores and schedules throughout the season.