Written by: Zac Dean
Nampa Christian and Marsing were the clear contenders in the Western Idaho Conference last season, with the Trojans defeating the Huskies in the regular season duel and ultimately deciding the conference title. The two proceeded to sweep the remaining conference foes of New Plymouth, Melba and Parma.
The Trojans have held the top conference spot for back-to-back years, with conference coaches believing they could run it back this fall. Several star players return from an offense that averaged 38 points per game in conference play last season. Add that with their suffocating defense and the Trojans could be a nightmare matchup once again.
Marsing and Melba, however, return plenty of talent that could dethrone the Trojans’ reign. Both return 2024 first-team all-conference players, most notably on the defensive side. The Mustangs, in particular, feel they have a chip on their shoulder after a large group of young players gained valuable varsity experience last season.
NAMPA CHRISTIAN
Nampa Christian claimed last season’s Western Idaho Conference after a perfect 4-0 record. They’ll look to reclaim the conference by turning to new faces on both sides of the ball.
But reigning conference coach of the year Daniel Jenkins likes what he has for artillery. Many key players return for their senior season, including first-team all-conference offensive lineman Keaton Crane, second-team all-conference running back Ian Johnson and second-team all-conference receiver Dylan O’Brien. And Jenkins says the evolved air raid offense will get many skilled players in space, making life difficult for defenses.
The defense will align in a 3-4 formation again. Jenkins says a team strength will be the ability to attack from anywhere on the field, with first-team all conference playmakers O’Brien and Nate Rundquist leading the way.
The Trojans kick off the season against Declo on August 29. The Trojans lost to the Hornets in their 2024 season opener and state quarterfinal.
MARSING
Marsing snuck into last season’s 4A state tournament after a strong 6-2 regular season. And despite key seniors graduating, the Huskies’ defense looks to run it back after surrendering just 18 points per game in 2024.
Conference player of the year and linebacker Luke Steinmeyer graduated, but seniors Caleb Smith and Bridon McIntyre keep the linebacker group intact. They also return defensive lineman Jaxon Astorquia and defensive back Moe Montes.
Steinmeyer was the top receiving threat last season, with the first-team all-conference duo of quarterback Jace Chadez and receiver Jaden Shaw also gone. They bring back, however, four of their five offensive linemen. The experience in the trenches, mixed with the first-team all-conference running back of Montes, could make the Huskies a force to be reckoned with.
No other information was provided.
NEW PLYMOUTH
New Plymouth finished middle of the pack last season and hope for a more consistent season under new head coach Brody von Brethorst.
Senior quarterback Cam Mowder was a second-team all-conference selection last season and has a strong rapport with senior receivers Troy Swain and Cutler Kling. Running back will need to be addressed as they lost conference offensive player of the year and running back Payton Travis.
The defense returns plenty of all-conference talent, including Swain and Kling at defensive back. Second-team all-conference selection and senior Cyrus Gibbons headlines the defensive line, and linebacker duo Anthoney Casale and Braxton Mowder get an encore season together.
No other information was provided.
MELBA
Despite Melba’s 2-6 record last season, head coach Marc Caron believes the varsity minutes of their 2024 underclassmen will help the Mustangs take the next step this fall.
“We had a down year last year and we are looking to set the record straight,” Caron says. “We know we were better than what our record showed last year and this year we want to prove it.”
The offense returns three of their five linemen, with newcomer Alex De la Torre adding to the mix. Caron believes an offensive strength is their rushing attack, headlined by junior running back Rhett Franklin. Junior receivers Elias Shoemaker and Ty Aggen also return, giving sophomore quarterback Tyce Johnson plenty of weapons on the field.
The defense returns just as much experience, but will need to replace the conference defensive player of the year in defensive back Rylan Frank. Franklin, a first-team all-conference linebacker, and defensive lineman Dylan Fahey will lead the way with Caron calling Fahey a “thumper on the edge.”
PARMA
First-year head coach Randy Riley hopes to turn around a program that’s finished last in the conference for five consecutive seasons. The Panthers will continue to run their physical, run-first offense, with junior Clayton Troyer and sophomore newcomer AJ Pierce leading the running back workload.
Passing will have to improve, as Riley says the Panthers were held to just a 27% completion rate last season. Returning offensive linemen Wyatt Troyer and Kellen Crockett should give their quarterback more breathing room while also stabilizing the trenches.
Troyer and Crockett also headline the defensive front seven, with senior defensive back Colton Davison adding juice to the secondary. Riley points to the basic fundamentals as the defensive areas to improve, and if accomplished could make the Panthers the conference’s surprise team.
“I believe we have a team with the make up to be competitive in every game we play,” Riley says. “Creating a culture of ‘we compete here, and we can do things the right way.’”