Written by: Keller Sherman

A 3-6 mark in 2022 was just enough for Marsh Valley to sneak into the state playoffs. However, in a rematch of an exciting regular season game, Marsh Valley fell to Teton in the first round of the playoffs 56-13, compared to a 41-40 setback in regular season play. Now can Jeff Belnap and company challenge Snake River for a conference title and get into the playoffs more comfortably in 2023?

There will be a new man under center as first team all-conference quarterback and second team all-state linebacker Bradley Belnap is gone. Other graduated all-conference honorees include Ezra Godfrey, Porter Cousineau, Eo’in O’Dougherty, and Alex Vaughn.

A handful of all-conference production returns for the Eagles as Christian Bastian, Payson McNabb, Tuff Solomon, and Corbridge Bastian are back. These returners will help Marsh Valley to reload at numerous positions.

Marsh Valley will open the season once again at the Rocky Mountain Rumble at Madison High School in Rexburg. This time however, their opponent does not come from the state of Utah. Rather, they are taking on Raymond High School from the Canadian province of Alberta. This game will provide a great opportunity for the Eagles to start off on a high note.

The schedule picks up in difficulty over the next two games as the Eagles travel to Teton and host West Side. Both teams had deep runs in their respective classifications’ playoffs in 2022. After hosting Kimberly, the defending 3A state champion Sugar-Salem Diggers visit.

Back-to-back home dates with Declo (homecoming) and Snake River (senior night) round out the 2023 home slate for Marsh Valley. The final two games take place on the road as the Eagles travel to South Fremont and American Falls.

Getting Snake River at home gives Marsh Valley a great chance to beat the Panthers and be in the driver’s seat for a conference title. While a game at American Falls may seem like an easy win, the Beavers are not to be overlooked in 2023. Many believe the team could improve drastically from where they were last season and the Eagles should expect a stiff test in the regular season finale. Marsh Valley won narrowly last season in Arimo against American Falls in a 34-27 decision.

The Eagles have the pieces to not just win a conference title, but also follow up with a deep run in the playoffs. Marsh Valley faces a daunting schedule that features seven playoff teams from last season and if the Eagles win a conference title and make the playoffs, no one will be able to say that the Eagles did not earn it.