Written by: Brandon Baney

The last two years, you could pretty much set your watch by it. The Minico football team would run the ball, play strong defense, and pile up wins in the Great Basin Conference.

The Spartans enter 2023 as the two-time defending league champs, having gone 19-3 in that time. But this year’s Minico team will look markedly different.

For starters, 23 seniors departed via graduation. Then, head coach Keelan McCaffrey left to pursue a job at Class 5A Centennial High in Boise.

Enter Sherm Blaser, who’s no stranger to the Class 4A game. Blaser was Class 5A Owyhee’s head coach the past two seasons, but prior to that, Blaser led Kuna to a Class 4A championship in 2019.

So not only will there be several new faces in the lineup this year, but the entire scheme will be different. Gone is McCaffrey’s patented Wing-T rushing attack. Instead, Blaser has been known to favor spread offenses that showcase the passing game.

Instead of telling you everyone that must be replaced, it’s probably more prudent to list the key players that are returning for Minico in 2023.

It starts with senior quarterback Carson Wayment. Wayment showed flashes as a starter in 2022, but now that most of Minico’s backs and receivers have graduated, it’s up to him to lead a relatively green group of players.

Joining Wayment in the backfield is senior running back Spencer Pease. Pease was fourth or fifth in line at running back last year, but in Minico’s run-heavy scheme, he still managed to pick up Honorable Mention All-Conference honors.

Another key skill player returning is senior wide receiver Ryker Stimpson. Stimpson was part of a talented group of receivers a year ago, but this year is without question Wayment’s top target.

Other All-Conference players that are back include Ben Fessenden (OL), Junior Larios (DL), Paxton Twiss (DB) and Nate Wayment (DB).

A year ago, Minico traveled to Twin Falls in the regular season finale for a game that ultimately decided the league championship. The Spartans picked up a 23-7 victory, and will once again face the Bruins in the final game on the docket in 2023, except this time the contest will be played in Rupert. Don’t be surprised if Minico is in position to win the Great Basin championship once again in their battle with the Bruins.