Photo By Randy Jones - #1 Taeson Debruijn
Written by Chris Deremer
With another year of growth and experience, the American Falls Beavers look to improve with the 2020 season right around the corner.
After a disappointing 2019 season, the Beavers hope to forget the past and find more success this upcoming season. Cory Hollingsworth returns for his third season with American Falls, with hopes of taking his team to the state playoffs.
Last year, two teams from the South East Idaho Conference reached the postseason, leaving the Beavers stuck at home. This year, American Falls looks to improve on all aspects of the field.
On offense, the Beavers will have to quickly adjust with an all-new offensive line.
“Our offensive line will be completely new to varsity,” Coach Hollingsworth said. “They’ve had a great deal of success at the junior varsity level. We expect big things.”
Fortunately for the Beavers, they return key skill players that can add the playmaking ability that American Falls needs this season.
Junior Paddy Harwood returns as quarterback for the Beavers, but behind a brand new offensive line, it will be interesting to see how much chemistry is built early on to protect the American Falls quarterback.
Last season, the Beavers were only able to score more than 20 points in three games. Within those games, American Falls was able to showcase its offensive firepower at full force.
This year, big strides are needed if American Falls wants to reach the 3A state playoffs, and finding consistency within the offense can help.
The Beavers are known for a strong running attack, and this season's ground game will be led by senior Taeson Debruijn. Debruijn will have to be able to make many plays on his own behind an inexperienced offensive line.
The biggest key for the offense this season will be the development within the trenches. If the Beaver offensive line can make the quick jump from junior varsity to the varsity level, then American Falls has a great shot at being competitive within the South East Idaho Conference.
“There will be a few new wrinkles, but we will continue to build from last year,” Hollingsworth said.
For the Beaver defense, it all revolves around the strong secondary. Six defensive backs return for American Falls, making opposing passing attacks fearful of the strong Beaver secondary.
If American Falls can find more ways of putting pressure up front, then the Beavers may have one of the most dangerous defenses in the state.
Despite one position group shining above the rest, Hollingsworth believes that a total team effort on both sides of the ball is needed for American Falls to succeed.
If the Beavers can find chemistry on both sides of the ball, don’t be surprised when we see American Falls in the postseason this winter.