Written by: Dallin Fryar
The 2025 Great Basin Conference race looks to be one of the most wide-open and competitive in recent memory. Minico and Twin Falls have dominated the league this decade, with only Jerome breaking through to claim the title in 2020. Last season, the Spartans and Bruins continued to assert their dominance with a combined 9-1 conference record, but both teams will lean heavily on new faces after losing many seniors.
Meanwhile, rising challengers Canyon Ridge and Mountain Home have built strong momentum. Canyon Ridge enters its third season under Coach Juan Alvarado, who has earned praise across the league for the program’s growth and competitiveness. Mountain Home, under second-year head coach Ben Rayfield, is also showing signs of a new identity and culture taking hold.
Burley and Jerome both look to rebound after struggling campaigns, with Burley hoping to replace key veterans and find consistency under fourth-year head coach Cameron Anderson, while Jerome aims to snap a multi-year skid and rebuild under third-year head coach Rich Bishop.
MINICO
Minico’s offseason departures start in the trenches, where nearly the entire offensive line graduated. Jayden Juarez, Julio Juarez, Alex Linares, and Matty Gomez were steady forces up front, opening lanes for one of the state’s most productive backs in conference MVP Preston Sonner-Cranney. Also gone is Co-Defensive Player of the Year linebacker Will Neilson, among the top tacklers in Idaho last fall.
Still, third-year head coach Sherm Blaser has plenty of experience returning on both sides of the ball. Seniors Boady Baker and Cale Baker anchor the linebacker corps, while Jaiden Sanders and Ethan Heward give the Spartans proven playmakers at receiver. Brenden Heward will see action at both running back and defensive back, and the team’s spread offense aims to push the tempo and stress defenses in space.
Defensively, Minico will rely on speed and aggression out of its base 3-3 look, swarming to the ball and limiting explosive plays. Last season the Spartan defense only allowed 14 ppg and held opposing teams to single digits 5 times. But with 16 starters lost between offense and defense, a host of new faces will need to contribute immediately.
The X-factor? Executing in the passing game on offense, and making sure the tackling stays sharp on defense.
TWIN FALLS
Twin Falls will have to replace some major production from last fall, starting with hard-nosed running back Amos Kun, who churned out tough yards week after week. The defense also took hits with the graduation of captain and linebacker Logan Darrow, as well as All-State defensive lineman Jackson Martin, the Co-Conference Player of the Year whose relentless motor made life miserable for opposing offenses.
Still, sixth-year head coach Ben Kohring returns a wealth of talent, led by 1st Team All-Conference senior quarterback Ty Hess. With a full year in the system, Coach Kohring said Hess will have the freedom to make checks at the line and take shots to a deep group of pass-catchers, including All-Conference selection Hoyt Murray and junior Bryce Nielson. The Bruins will also feature size and experience in the trenches with All-Conference linemen Marcus Arias and Jacob Carrillo, and will rotate multiple running backs, including Dax Payne and junior newcomer Jackson Sattelberg, to keep fresh legs in the backfield.
Defensively, two-time All-State defensive back Dalton Carter anchors a unit that will be multiple in its alignments and aggressive in its pursuit of the football. Senior All-Conference linebacker Jordan Bingham adds leadership in the middle, while the emphasis this fall will be on forcing more turnovers. With experience on offense and youth on defense, the X-factor for Twin Falls will be scoring early and often to give the defense time to grow into form.
CANYON RIDGE
Canyon Ridge says goodbye to several key contributors, including do-it-all athlete Kade McEntire, who brought versatility and experience to both sides of the ball. The Riverhawks also lose reliable receiver David Rothweiler, three-year offensive line anchor Adan Lua, and defensive leader Chris Erling, an on-field coach with a knack for disruption at outside linebacker.
Even with those losses, third-year head coach Juan Alvarado has an experienced group returning. Senior quarterback Grant Hales enters his second year as the starter after taking over midway through last season, and he’ll have plenty of options at his disposal. Senior playmaker Brenner Kunz will be a focal point in the passing game, while running backs Ievin Ceballos and Lorenzo Juarez give Canyon Ridge a physical, versatile one-two punch. The Riverhawks are also deep at wideout, with seniors Thel Ostyn and newcomer Jack Rothweiler expected to make an impact. Up front, returning starters Noah Clayton and Danny Torres will be tasked with opening lanes for the ground game and protecting Hales.
Defensively, Canyon Ridge leans on an aggressive, assignment-sound approach, led by veterans like safety Bryson Figueroa, linebacker Uziel Torres, and defensive lineman Roman Woody. The backfield is a strength, but developing more depth along the defensive line will be key.
Considered one of the teams poised to make a serious push for the conference title, Canyon Ridge has drawn praise from multiple coaches around the league for the strong work coach Alvarado is doing to build the program. The X-factor for the Riverhawks? Solidifying the offensive line to maximize their two-back attack, keeping the offense on the field, and allowing the defense to stay fresh late in games.
BURLEY
Burley enters the 2025 season looking to rebound after a challenging 3-6 campaign last fall, including a 2-3 mark in conference play. Fourth-year head coach Cameron Anderson faces the difficult task of replacing several key standouts, including Conference Sportsman of the Year and 2nd Team All-Conference lineman Michael Martinez, dynamic 1st Team All-Conference running back Bodee Coombes, versatile 1st Team All-Conference athlete Kendrix Knobbe, and defensive leader and 1st Team All-Conference linebacker Mark Loveland.
Despite those losses, the Bobcats return some impactful contributors in the trenches and receiving corps. Defensive lineman Zack Hobbs earned 2nd Team All-Conference honors last season, while wide receiver Cove Thompson brings an All-Conference Honorable Mention to the passing attack.
As the Bobcats work to build consistency and find new leaders on both sides of the ball, Burley’s success in 2025 will likely hinge on how quickly its younger players step up and fill the sizeable gaps left by graduation.
MOUNTAIN HOME
Mountain Home enters the 2025 season with a roster reshaped by turnover and a chance to forge a new identity. The Huskies say goodbye to explosive playmaker Cash Wiley, speedy and savvy Tristan Abrego, gritty leader Jaydin Blair, and experienced trench veteran John Hopson (All words Coach Rayfield used to describe them). Those losses leave holes to fill on both sides of the ball.
Second-year head coach Ben Rayfield has already begun building a strong culture in Mountain Home’s program, a shift that has earned recognition from his peers around the conference. Junior quarterback Sonny Lasuen leads a group focused on getting the ball into the hands of their best athletes, while senior standouts Jayson Harper on the defensive line and Jack Kinnan at linebacker will be key to anchoring the defense. Up front, senior Noah Schafer is charged with protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for a backfield that features sophomore newcomers Aiden Echeverria and Emilio Castillo.
Defensively, Mountain Home plays with a high motor, emphasizing toughness and relentless effort. Limiting big plays will be a priority as the Tigers aim to tighten up in key moments. The X-factor for the team? Playing four full quarters of consistent, disciplined football as they build chemistry and establish their identity in a competitive conference.
JEROME
The Jerome Tigers head into the 2025 season under third-year head coach Rich Bishop, looking to build on their offensive firepower and improve in key areas from last fall. The Tigers bring back a deep and talented receiving corps led by Xaiden Van Tassell, Brock Smith, Gabe Capps, and Connor Bandy, which will be the focal point of their power spread attack. Jerome looks to improve its running game to complement its aerial threat.
Defensively, Jerome’s strength lies in its experienced secondary and linebacking units. Zade Bishop, Smith, Jack Giles, and Juan Telles headline a seasoned defensive backfield, while Van Tassell, Trey Smith, Capps, and Gunner Guillory return with valuable starting experience at linebacker. Under new defensive coordinator Ben Walter, the Tigers will operate out of a base 4-3 while mixing in 3-4 and 5-2 looks, with a focus on shoring up their run defense to keep opponents from controlling the clock.
Jerome will need younger talent to step into key roles this season, especially in the trenches and at quarterback. Promising underclassmen like Zavier Ferriera, Angel Roddas Martinez, and sophomores in the backfield will be asked to make an immediate impact. Coach Bishop believes that if the young players on the line and at QB rise to the occasion, the Tigers can make significant strides in conference play.