Years as Head Coach
2nd Season

Previous Experience
7 years at Troy High School

Assistant Coaches
Brad Broenneke, Dorian Clark, TJ Lewis, Chandler Allen, Logan Brooks, Nick Ellison, Bransen Stirk, Tyas Heikkinen, Robert Loesch, Zach Bafus, Peyton Broenneke

Record Last Year
0-8

State Titles
1981, 1992

Returning Players
Dylan Taylor, OL-DL, 12
Phillip Windley, OL-DL, 12
Dominic Hutton, OL-DL, 12
Joey Williams, OL-DL, 12
Toby Frei, WR-S, 12
Scotty Needham, RB-LB, 12
Cadan Teigan, WR-LB, 12
Eby Qualls, RB-LB, 12
Cody Wilson, WR-CB, 12
Sam Young, WR-CB, 12
Sam Ausband, OL-LB, 12
Alex Thrall, WR-S, 12
Butch Kiblen, WR-CB, 11
Connor Isakson, WR-S, 11
Jamison Griffen, OL-LB, 11
Noah Velasco, QB-DB, 11

Returning Players with Honors
Toby Frei, All League DB

Key Players lost from last year
Mike Kiblen, All League WR
Logan Tate
Max Leisinger

Incoming impact players
Aidan Prakash, WR-S, 11
Graysen Hennrich, WR-CB, 11
Tanner Fealy, WR-LB, 11
Wogayu Qualls, WR-CB, 11
Finny Needham, RB-LB, 10

Written by: Keller Sherman

After seven years at Troy, Rob Bafus came down Highway 8 to coach the Moscow Bears. Year one did not live up to expectations as the Bears went 0-8. There is a lot of improvement to be made on the Palouse and Bafus will look to start righting the ship. It will not be easy, however, as the schedule is just as difficult as it was in 2022, if not more so. The good news is that the Bears do return a high volume of returning production and bring in some new incoming impact players with Aidan Prakash, Graysen Hennrich, Tanner Fealy, Wogayu Qualls, and Finny Needham.

Toby Frei is the only returning all-conference player returning for the Bears. He was named to the all-league team at defensive back while also playing the wide receiver position. Moscow’s only other all-conference selection from 2022 (wide receiver Mike Kiblen) graduated. Logan Tate and Max Leisinger are additional players that graduated and are no longer on the Bears’ roster.

The offensive line will play a key role in Moscow’s success in 2023. Offensive efficiency is seen by Bafus as the biggest area the offense needs to improve as it will “lead to a greatly improved explosive game.”

The defense will also expect to be much improved. “Our defensive emphasis is to be much more physical and disciplined,” Bafus said. “The improvement of our DL will allow our guys to free up and fly around.” Tackling is emphasized as a major area the Bears defense will need to improve in.

Bafus is excited to see how the chemistry he feels his team has gained this offseason pays off. He says, “The chemistry of our team this offseason has been motivating to the team, and the coaches. I truly believe the commitment to the strength room will pay dividends.”

The season opens up with a road trip north to Kellogg. Bafus believes that getting a win here after a 50-12 loss to the Wildcats to open last season will be of utmost importance to success this season. “We MUST win the first game of the season. Once we do that, we will have something positive to show for our hard work this off season,” Bafus said.

Moscow then faces teams from the west side of the border as Clarkston and Pullman, Washington are up next. After a home date against Timberlake, two straight road games against 5A competition are up next as the Bears travel to Lake City then rival Lewiston. Two straight home games against Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint are followed by a trip to Lakeland to wrap up the regular season.

“The room for growth on this team is through the ceiling which is exciting to be a part of,” Bafus concluded. “All the players and coaches are excited to get this season underway.”