Written by: Lucas Gebhart
If Middleton proved anything last year it was that this program can compete at the 5A level.
After spending the last several years in Idaho’s 4A class, the Vikings made the jump to Idaho’s highest classification a season ago and the results were better than most may have expected.
Despite the positive record, Middleton still somehow seemed to fly under the radar as three of the Vikings four loses came to two of the state’s top schools (Meriden and Rocky Mountain).
The Vikings stuck with their high-profile opponents in two out of three tries and the season seemed to come full circle in a state quarterfinals loss to Meridian (18-6).
Nearly two months earlier, that same Meridian squad came to Middleton and handed the Vikings a 56-7 loss on their home turf. Welcome to 5A football, right? But it’s the score difference between those two games that shows how far this program came and when it was all said and done – a 7-4 finish and an appearance in the state quarterfinals seems like a good starting point.
“We have had a great summer,” said head coach Bill Brock, who is entering his 25th season as the Vikings’ lead general. “I’m looking forward to watch us progress as a team.”
The Vikings return three players will all-conference honors this season in running back Patxi Franks, linebacker Cole Holman and defensive lineman Wyatt Stiefel.
The bad news is they lost some legacy names within the program which include their do-it-all offensive weapon Tate Johansen, quarterback Dekker Hagler and receiver Sawyer Heck. All three started for at least two seasons.
Despite the losses, Brock still says his offense can still be efficient and with Holman and Stiefel leading the way defensively, expectations are still high within the program.
“The kids had a good summer and have a good grasp of our offense,” he said. “We have a good number of returning starters in our front. We have to limit our turnovers and create more takeaways and stay healthy.”