Written by Will Hoenike
If it is truly possible for a two-time league MVP to be underrated, Clark Fork senior Cameron Garcia probably is.
Garcia has earned the North Star Conference MVP award as a sophomore and junior but, due to geography (Clark Fork is less than 100 miles from Canada) and the fact his team hasn’t qualified for the postseason in a decade, most haven’t gotten a chance to see the dynamic quarterback and defensive back in action. He could become a three-time MVP this season and perhaps crack the All-State team on offense after being tabbed a second-team All-State defensive back last season.
Head coach Brian Arthun and Garcia will try to help Clark Fork break a lengthy post-season drought. There have been near-misses in the past decade but the winner of the three-team North Star League earns an automatic bid to the postseason. Former league rival Lakeside has moved up to 1A Division 1, leaving Clark Fork to battle with Mullan/St. Regis and Kootenai for the league’s berth to the 1A Division 2 playoffs.
Garcia will be protected by two senior linemen, Chris Wade and Matthew Hobbs, though the team will have to replace all-league performers Josh Constantin and Charlie Abbott.
According to the Bonner County Bee, the Wampus Cats’ junior high team was a perfect 7-0 last season and a group of those players are now freshmen in the Clark Fork program. Those incoming freshmen along with Antonio Maygora will be among the players who have an opportunity to step into roles vacated by six departed seniors from last season.
Check back with IdahoSports.com for updated scores and schedules throughout the season.