Pocatello Indians

Schedule:
8/26 @Madison
9/3 vs. Douglas HS (Minden, NV)
9/9 vs. Century
9/16 vs. Middleton
9/23 vs. Rigby
10/7 vs. Highland
10/14 vs. Preston
10/20 @ Box Elder (Brigham City, UT)
10/28 Great 8 Play-off

The Pocatello Indians are coming off an impressive 8-2 2010 campaign that finished in disappointment after having a lead for a good part of the game in the State Quarterfinals at eventual champion, Bishop Kelly. That was with a team full of underclassmen, who got hit by the injury bug late, notably losing QB/TE Jake Jardine, and do-everything ATH Jerron Batts. Both look to have made a full recovery, along with RB/LB Tanner Moore. Tom Harrison's team will be among the favorites to lift the 4A Title trophy at the end of November, and anyone associated with the program knows that anything but a title will be a big let down. The only loss to my knowledge in the offseason is that of QB Bodie Miller, who has opted to play fall baseball. The junior had the potential to be a college-caliber signal caller, but if the desire isn't there, they are probably better off anyway going with Jardine and/or the super athletic Chris Randall. The senior caused opposition fits all over the field with his deceptive speed and excellent moves. The offense as a whole has a bevy of playmakers, notably, RB Tanner Moore, RB Jerron Batts, QB/TE Jake Jardine, ATH Chris Randall, TE/WR Kade Teter, WR Jordan Christensen, and Varsity newcomer ATH Seiji Wood. Besides Wood, all these athletes accounted for a large percentage of Poky's overall offensive output last year, and their numbers should be even more productive in '11. The Offensive Line returns a number of starters across, and are bolstered by above average height and weight. The line should average 6'1" 250 lbs. across which is more than enough to get it done at the HS level. Harrison-coached teams are always pretty sound in the trenches, so I look for steady, if not great play from the Indians' OL this fall. As a whole, the Indian offense, with the return of so many productive playmakers, and a backfield of two 215 lbs. backs, should put up huge numbers this year. If they will limit the penalties and turnovers that have plagued them the last couple of years, I see Poky rolling up a lot of teams. Now to the Defense. I'm not totally familiar with the returnees on the D Line, but they do return 2 LB, in the aforementioned Batts, and Moore. There are a few hole to fill most notably left by the graduating LB Tyson Hoffman, LB Richie Te'O, and a good DB, Sean McClellan. Poky should be able to plug those holes and look for big things as well from ATH Carson Robbins. Overall, the D has some sorting out to do, but Harrison & DC Willie Walker always put a pretty sound product on the field. On Special Teams, Poky returns everyone. Scotty Lyons returns to assume kicking duties and has a very powerful, and adequately accurate leg. He routinely put the ball in the end zone for an automatic touchback in Idaho HS football, which is a weapon in and of itself. The punting should again be done by Randall, and the return game should be by committee. This is an area I'd really like to see Poky excel and focus on. Overall, this is a class that Poky supporters have circled to return to former glories. The offense is loaded, the D should be formidable as the season progresses, and their special teams should be sound. Overall, I see Poky winning the 4A 5th District and being among the top 2-3 in all of 4A. Will it culminate in a State Title in Holt in late November?