Photo By Patty Theurer - #26 Isaac Mitton
Written by Brandon Hill
Only two teams were able to get the best of the Oakley Hornets in 2019.
Those two challengers — Lost Rivers and Prairie — ended up facing off in the state championship, giving even more credibility to Oakley’s 9-2 season.
In 2020, the Hornets look to redeem their 50-22 playoff loss to Prairie with a retooled roster centered around senior receiver Austin Cranney and running back Robert Wyberga.
Head Coach Brennan Jones said his offense, which averaged 44 points per game, second-best in the 1ADI Snake River Conference, will have to operate without the leadership of all-state quarterback Chandler Jones. In his place, Jones said senior Jace Robinson will serve as this year’s signal caller, with the mission of carrying last year’s momentum into 2020.
On defense, the Hornets again came just short in leading the SRC, allowing 18 points per game, second-lowest in the league. Brennan said while no specific players will serve as headline-grabbing superstars, each and every athlete in a necessity in the defensive machine.
“We are trying to get more physical at the point of attack,” he said.
The Hornets kick off against Raft River Aug. 28. Check back with IdahoSports.com for updated Oakley scores and schedules throughout the season.