Written by: Keller Sherman
Jon Helmandollar is quickly turning things around in Wendell. The Trojans went from two wins in 2021 to four in 2022. However, there is still plenty of work to be done as Helmandollar seeks to make Wendell a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron. Can the Trojans have an even better record in 2023 with a more difficult schedule?
Multiple entries to last season’s all-conference team return for Wendell including two all-state honorees. Deegan Gonzalez and Wyett Oden were second team all-state selections at offensive line and linebacker, respectively. In addition, both received first team honors at the conference level.
Mikey Talbert, Josh Green, Ethan Olander, Julian Ponce, Alex Hirai, Bodey Cutler, and Jesse Chavez were named to the all-conference team in 2022 and will expect to play a significant role for Wendell in 2023. The arrival of sophomore Jett Jasper at wide receiver and linebacker will be a significant addition to both rooms.
While every senior that graduates will be missed, Helmandollar points to two in particular whose absence from the Wendell roster will be felt especially. Michael Torres was an all-conference and second team all-state punter. Helmandollar states, “We will really miss Michael and the versatility he brought to our team being able to play multiple positions. His ability to change the field position as a punter will be hard to replace.”
Evan Haddad is another player that Wendell will miss dearly. “Evan did everything the right way,” Helmandollar says. “He came into his senior year as a backup and consistently got better, never complained about his role, and worked day in and day out. He ended up earning a starting spot at our strong-side outside linebacker position and was nominated to the All-Conference Team.”
The offense, which will utilize a multiple-formation scheme, will have numerous strengths. Helmandollar gives special attention to the running game, play-action passes, and a returning starting quarterback. Helmandollar offers plenty of praise for his returning starter under center in Alex Hirai. “He makes everyone around him better by being a true example of what our program is all about,”he said.
The offensive line, running back, and wide receiver positions are groups that Helmandollar believes will also be strong in 2023. Helmandollar talks about each position in great depth.
“Our offensive line is where we have the most experience and depth going into the season,” he says. “We have some returning starters in Deegan Gonzalez at the right tackle position, Josh Green at the left tackle position, Julian Ponce at guard, and Isaiah Lentfer at guard. Garrett Youngblood has stepped up and taken over the center Position. Jadin Connell also started some games for us at the center position last year, and I look for him to be in the mix somewhere upfront.”
On the running back position, Helmandollar adds, “We have a lot of talent at the running back position but lack some depth. Jesse Chavez returns at the tailback position. He had an amazing junior season, and we look for even bigger things from him this season. Ethan Olander looks to fill our most versatile position on offense, the halfback position. He has really developed his blocking ability in the run game and is a receiving threat in the slot or out of the backfield.”
Lastly Helmandollar talks about the wide receivers: “Our wideouts will be a great strength this season. We have a lot of talent at the wide receiver position. Mikey Talbert returns on the outside after having a breakout junior season. Jayden Youngblood has shown tremendous growth this offseason and is going to be in the mix as well outside. Bodey Cutler returns and can play both the outside and slot wide receiver positions. He makes plays all over the field. Wyett Oden returns at the tight end position and he has great versatility both blocking upfront and catching passes downfield.”
An area of improvement Helmandollar wants to see on offense is creating more explosive plays and he believes the team will improve greatly there.
The defense utilizes an aggressive base 4-2-5 scheme. The main goal will be to stop the run as this is the main area the team struggled at last season. However, Helmandollar sees plenty of talent and experience all around this side of the ball much like the offense.
Helmandollar first discusses the linebackers as he states, “Our linebackers should be the anchor of our defense with Wyett Oden’s ability to make plays in the middle, Julian Ponce’s ability to take on blocks, Jesse Chavez’s instincts, Ethan Olander's playmaking ability, Jett Jasper’s ability to set the edge, and Jayden Youngblood’s ability to cover in the passing game.”
The defensive line is where Helmandollar believes Wendell has the most experience: “Our D-Line will be a very experienced group. Just like on our offensive line, our defensive line has a lot of experience/depth. Deegan Gonzalez and Josh Green return at the defensive end positions to anchor our defensive line. We return both our defensive tackles Nate Allen and Aiden Scott, who have great size and should be able to free up our linebackers to make plays in the run game. We also look for big things upfront from Garrett Youngblood, Isaiah Lentfer, Jadin Connell, and Cooper Eldredge.”
The secondary will be strong with Michael Talbert, Bodey Cutler, Alex Hirai, and Jaxon Mattix making up what will be a formidable unit. Helmandollar describes these players as “great athletes that can make plays all over the field.”
Helmandollar believes it could all come together to finally knock off Declo and claim the conference title. “We have an amazing group of players, so I am excited to continue to work toward all the goals we have set out to achieve as a program this season,” Helmandollar says. “This is the most experienced team I have coached during my time at Wendell.” Continuing momentum built during the offseason into the season will be the x factor to Wendell’s success in 2023.
Wendell will play its first two games of the season on the road with a trip west to face Cole Valley Christian followed by a trip east to West Jefferson. After back to back home dates with Marsing and Ririe, a difficult challenge awaits. The Trojans will go on the road to face the defending 2A state champion Bear Lake Bears.
After the trip to Montpelier, three straight games against 3A competition await. Home dates with Filer and American Falls are followed by a trip down Highway 46 to face Buhl. Then comes a showdown for the conference title as Wendell travels east to face Declo. Is this the year the Trojans finally top the Hornets? Helmandollar believes Gavin Rasmussen and Will Garrard are key players to watch from Declo.
Wendell has all of the pieces for an exciting season and Helmandollar has worked hard since arriving to get this program back to being competitive. Year three brings much promise for a program that has struggled in recent years.