Written by: Brandon Baney
The Pocatello football program has been the toast of District 5 for the past several seasons, compiling a 14-8 overall record, but a sterling 4-0 mark in District 5 play over the past two seasons.
You have to go all the way back to October 23, 2020, for the last time Pocatello lost a district game. The Thunder fell to Century that night 28-14, but the South East Idaho Conference has been Pocatello’s ever since.
So the goal for ninth-year head coach Dave Spillett is to continue Pocatello’s winning ways. With only three teams in the district, the winning needs to extend to non-conference play, as well as the postseason.
“We have a senior-heavy team with a great deal of talent,” Spillett said. “I love this team’s toughness and chemistry. We’ll look to have a fun year this year.”
The fun starts on offense, where electrifying running back Ryken EchoHawk returns for his final season. He’s been Poky’s starting running back since his freshman year, and is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the pigskin. He’ll work behind an offensive line that welcomes back returning starters Tommy Smith and Dawson Walsh, both seniors.
Pocatello’s plans at quarterback went up in smoke last year, as starter Dre Contreras battled injuries all season. It forced sophomore Hunter May into the starting lineup. Although May looked like a seasoned pro by the end of the year, the road to that point was bumpy, as he had been a wide receiver up until Contreras’ injury.
Contreras is back for his senior year and injury-free, which means May can move back out wide. ““We have a great deal of speed and a plethora of weapons for Dre Contreras to get the ball to,” Spillett said.
In addition to May, Pocatello also welcomes back wide receiver Carson Christensen and tight end Parker Smith. The biggest addition, though, is a familiar face. Senior Julian Bowie, who has committed to play basketball at Boise State, has rejoined the football team after not playing a year ago.
“We were a run heavy team last year and we’ll look to be more balanced this year,” said Spillett. “We’ll play with a fast tempo.”
The Pocatello defense will be led by senior linebacker Devin Rodriguez, who plays fast and furious on every down. He’ll pair with defensive end Berto Reed to cause disruption in the backfield. “Our defense did a great job of creating turnovers last year,” Spillett said. “But we’ll need to be much better on 3rd and 4th down this year.”
Tommy Smith and Walsh will play on the defensive line as well, while Christensen lends help at linebacker.
Pocatello will open its season against Mountain Crest (Utah) at the Rocky Mountain Rumble in Rexburg. It’s followed by a home game with District 3 Ridgevue and a trip to District 4 favorite Twin Falls before a home date at Lookout Field with 5A rival Highland in the annual Black and Blue Bowl.
Non-conference games against District 6 foes Hillcrest and Shelley set the stage for the final two games of the regular season: conference battles at home against Preston and at crosstown rival Century.
This is a team that Spillett is high on, provided that everyone gels together. “Outside of health, we’ll really focus on the process of getting better every day and truly enjoying the game of football together,” he said.