Written by: Keller Sherman
When Shea McClellin was tabbed as the head coach of the Marsing Huskies prior to last season, it was viewed as one of the most exciting coaching hires in the entire state. While the Huskies went 1-8 in year one with McClellin, games against Parma and New Plymouth could have easily gone Marsing’s way for a more respectable 3-6 mark. Many believe Marsing could make a big jump in 2023.
Luke Steinmeyer, Mason Enochson, Moe Montes, Cache Hance, Levi Puga, Bentley McIntyre, Jaxon Astoquia, Wyatt Barber, and Gavin Patterson make up a large list of players from last year’s all-conference honor roll returning this season. Steinmeyer was a first team selection at tight end and linebacker while Enochson was selected to the first team at wide receiver. Hance, Montes, and Astoquia were second team honorees while Puga, McIntyre, Barber, and Patterson were honorable mentions.
There will be a new quarterback in town as Jordan Blas, the second team all-conference quarterback from 2022 is gone. McClellin talks about why Blas will be missed as he states, “(Blas) was an impact player and leader on and off the field. The offense ran through him so we need someone to step up and fill that role.” Jace Chadez is an incoming impact player that is expected to be his replacement under center. In addition, Jaden Shaw and Colton Partlow are new faces to the Marsing roster.
The Huskies find their offensive strengths at the skill positions. “Our skill players are our strength, we have a lot of talent to work with and a good amount of depth there,” McClellin says. “We'll look to get our playmakers the ball as much as possible. We’ll run a “Run N Gun” type offense.”
The offensive line will be an area that Marsing will seek to improve. McClellin states, “With a ton of experience coming back we'll look to improve upon the offensive line. We need to be more physical and tougher than we were last year.”
On defense, the secondary is where Marsing will shine. McClellin says, “We have a good amount of depth at each position in our secondary. We’ll align in a multiple front and look to disguise as much as possible on D.”
The defensive line, much like the offensive line, is where the Huskies will look to be better. “We’ll look to move some of our better players to the D-line in hopes to improve upon that. As with the O-line we need to be more physical and tougher here as well,” McClellin says.
The quantity and quality of the returning talent is something that excites McClellin for the 2023 campaign. “I’m excited about the amount of returners and experience we have this year,” McClellin says. “We're still a young team but we have a TON of experienced players returning and we hope that'll translate on the field to more wins this year.” This talent and experience is also what McClellin believes will be the x-factor to Marsing’s success this season.
The schedule opens up with a home date against Orofino. When the Huskies made the trip up north to face the Maniacs last season, Marsing won decisively by a final score of 35-12. With the game in Marsing this season, the Huskies will seek to beat Orofino again and build momentum for what lies ahead.
After a road trip to the Magic Valley to face Wendell, the Huskies play back-to-back games against 3A competition as they host Payette and travel to Parma. The conference opener gives Marsing a great opportunity to start conference play on a high note. After a narrow 13-12 defeat to New Plymouth last season, the Huskies will seek to knock off the Pilgrims as the site flips to Marsing.
With the meat of the conference schedule lying ahead, a win over New Plymouth would provide for a ton of momentum. While Melba is at home for the Huskies, road trips to Nampa Christian and Cole Valley Christian loom. Many coaches around the 2A Western Idaho Conference believe that Marsing is capable of surprising people this season. Can McClellin get things going in a wide open conference in year two and put Marsing football on the map?