Photo By Clayton Bunt - #16 Cory Godwin
Written by Chris Deremer
The Orofino Maniacs hope to continue the building process heading into the upcoming season. After a rather disappointing 2019 campaign, the Maniacs look to have a more successful 2020 regular season.
Third-year Orofino Maniac Head Coach Garett Bretz returns, leading a young team sprinkled with veteran leaders. Seven key starters return from a year ago, and after playing with one of the younger rosters in the conference, Coach Bretz is excited for the development of his younger players.
“Last year we played a few freshmen on varsity, so I expect them with a year of experience as a sophomore to make a difference,” Bretz said.
The Maniacs return two all-league members from a season ago in seniors Joe Sparano and Darrion McIntosh. Both aim to be the leaders of this young Orofino team.
Sparano was an all-league defensive back last season, boasting a scary Maniac defense that petrified opposing quarterbacks. Sparano hopes to once again be dominant in the secondary during his senior campaign, helping the Orofino defense be able to get off the field quicker than last season.
McIntosh will be the leader of the Orofino interior this season after receiving all-league defensive lineman honors the previous season. If McIntosh and the rest of the defensive line can find ways to get to the quarterback. This could be a young and dangerous defense for Orofino.
Hence the team name, Coach Bretz says he needs this young defense to play like Maniacs when the start of the season rolls around.
“Since we are so young, we will need to be an aggressive defense,” Bretz said. “We will show multiple fronts and bring multiple pressures.”
Sparano and McIntosh not only seem to be the leaders of the defense but are also counted on to make plays for the offense as well. McIntosh will be one of the head anchors of the offensive linemen, while Sparano will be one of the main playmakers at the wide receiver position.
It is safe to say that this season, Coach Bretz will be relying on his two all-league seniors going into 2020.
“Joe Sparano and Darion McIntosh will play a big role in our success this year,” Bretz said. “Both of the players were all-league last year and are two of our five seniors this year.”
This season will once again be an uphill climb for the Maniacs, but Coach Bretz and his squad seem poised for the challenge. Bretz says that the biggest task at hand will be trying to handle their fellow Central Idaho Conference foes, Grangeville and St. Maries.
Both teams made the state playoffs a season ago, and have proven to be two of the best teams within 2A Idaho high school football season after season.
Orofino opens the season against McCall-Donnelly Aug. 28. Check back with IdahoSports.com for updated scores and schedules throughout the season.