Written by Chris Deremer
After falling short in the state play-in game a season before, the Kellogg Wildcats look to start fresh in 2020.
Dan Davidian enters his first season as the Kellogg head coach and will try to make changes on both sides of the ball to help benefit the Wildcats. In all six of Kellogg’s losses last season, the Wildcats were not able to score more than eight points.
Changes within offensive scheming will be needed if the Wildcats look to win the Intermountain League. Davidian said he plans on trying new things with his offensive playmakers this season.
“Last year’s team ran the wishbone. This year’s team will run a spread up-tempo,” Davidian said.
Having the ability to switch to a more up-tempo offense could greatly benefit the Wildcats.
The Intermountain League is known for the downhill ground-and-pound style of offensive football, so if Kellogg can find success with a spread offense, this may catch many conference foes off guard.
When trying to find any success, the first step always starts in the trenches, and with running the spread the Wildcat offensive line will need to step up this season.
Davidian said he will put a lot of responsibility on his quarterback this season as well.
“Our quarterback will be key because of his athleticism and our offensive line will have to control the line of scrimmage in order to run our up-tempo system,” Davidian said.
One of the key pieces for the Wildcat offense will be running back Austin Miller. Last year, Miller finished on the IML All-League Second Team and looks to continue improving this season.
Expect Davidian to rely heavily on Miller this season. If Miller can find success on the ground, that can help open up the passing game within the up-tempo offense.
On the defensive side of the ball, Miller will once again be relied on at the linebacker position, with Davidian having faith in Miller to stop the run and drop into coverage when needed.
To see how this new look Kellogg team will stack up amongst the rest of the competition, all eyes will be in the game against the Timberlake Tigers.
The Tigers have controlled the Intermountain League for the past few seasons, and Kellogg will have to dethrone the Tigers if they want a chance at grabbing an IML title.
Check back with IdahoSports.com for updated scores and schedules throughout the season.