Written by: Marlowe Hereford
Madison enters year three under the direction of head coach Chandler Rhoads this fall.
In both of Rhoads' previous seasons, the Bobcats finished with winning records (6-4 in 2021, 5-4 in 2022).
Madison did graduate quarterback Ben Dredge, who received 5A District 5-6 first team all-conference last season, but returns numerous all-conference players on its roster.
Rhoads said he looks forward to what the Bobcat offense will do with returning players such as senior offensive lineman Brae Mecham, senior wide receiver Chase Crane and junior offensive lineman Rex Silas.
On offense as well as defense, Rhoads said the priorities will be continuing to improve and learn the system.
He added that he looks forward to watching the younger players 'continue to grow and get opportunities to get better.'
Madison ended last season No. 3 in 5A District 5-6 behind Highland, which went undefeated versus conference opponents, and eventual repeat 5A state champion Rigby, which went 2-1 in conference. Rhoads said Rigby quarterback Luke Flowers, a Montana commit and the reigning 5A District 5-6 Player of the Year who passed for 3,009 yards and 32 touchdowns last season, will be a player to watch this fall. He added that Highland, which went 6-4 overall last season in head coach Nick Sorrell's first year, handed Rigby one of its two losses and reached the 5A quarterfinals, will be a team to keep an eye on this fall.
"They return lots of offensive players," Rhoads said.
Madison begins the season with an Aug. 18 home game versus Owyhee before hosting the annual two-day Rocky Mountain Rumble beginning Aug. 25. On day two (Aug. 26), the Bobcats will play Wasatch (Utah) at 7 p.m.