Written by: Brandon Baney
Over the past two seasons, any conversation about the Great Basin Conference football landscape has started and ended with Minico.
But the Spartans just said goodbye to an historic senior class, and face a significant reload in 2023, which has opened the door for a new top dog (or bruin) to emerge.
Despite Minico’s dominance in the league over the past couple of years, Twin Falls has quietly been the second best program. They’ve consistently held their own outside of the league, and are poised to take a big step forward in 2023.
“We will be a veteran team in the skill positions this year,” said fourth year head coach Ben Kohring. “After exiting the playoffs in the second round last year, we are looking to make a deeper run this year.”
The Swiss Army Knife of Twin Falls’ squad is senior Wyatt Solosabal. The speedster plays both running back and slot back in the Bruins’ offense, leads the way defensively at linebacker, is an electrifying kickoff and punt returner, and handles the punts for Twin Falls as well.
Senior Austin Crum is back to quarterback the offense, and he’ll look early and often for Solosabal, as well as seniors Grayson Keyes and Carter Orr in the passing game.
On the flip side, Twin Falls’ running game will be vastly different this year after leading rusher James Noorlander and three starters on the offensive line all graduated. Junior Amos Kun projects to take over at running back, while senior TJ Hickmon will anchor the offensive line.
For as much potential Twin Falls’ offense could display in 2023, the defense could be even better. “Defensively, we will look to continue our aggressive style and give offenses multiple looks,” said Kohring.
We mentioned Solosabal at linebacker. He’ll be flanked by Zach Swensen and Keyes to give the Bruins one of the best linebacking trios in the conference. Grant Patterson is an All-State caliber safety on the back end, and Hickmon is a sturdy defensive lineman.
Twin Falls begins their season with a home game against Vallivue, a 4A playoff team from a year ago. Their non-conference slate also includes reigning District 5 champ Pocatello and Emmett, another playoff team from 2022. The Bruins will also travel to Ravsten Stadium to play Idaho Falls, which barely missed out on the postseason a year ago.
In conference play, the Bruins hit the road for two road games at Jerome and Mountain Home before heading home for a critical three-week stretch to conclude the season. Over the final three weeks, Twin Falls will face their stiffest competition within the conference. Home games with Burley and Canyon Ridge are followed by a road trip to Minico in the season finale in a game that could decide the league title.