Written by Will Hoenike
Sept. 7, 2012.
The Greenleaf Friends Academy Grizzlies went on the road to Harper, Oregon, and defeated the Hornets 26-8 to improve to a perfect 3-0 on the season.
The program has won two football games since. The Grizzlies were granted a forfeit win in 2014 but, in terms of on-the-field action, it’s been a long, long time since Greenleaf Friends has won a game.
Of course, that’s a little misleading. The school hasn’t fielded a team in five years due to a lack of numbers, but the Grizzlies are back in business this season behind first-year head coach Tyler Hoaglun. It is part of a three-school cooperative agreement under the Greenleaf Friends banner as nearby Gem State Academy and Centennial Baptist have joined the fold.
As you’d expect, the Grizzlies are a little light in varsity game experience after the five-year layoff. However, it’s not a complete void. Greenleaf athletes have played football at nearby Wilder for the past few years and, as a result, they’ve learned how to win. Juniors Aedan and Evan Kincheloe were both starters on defense for Wilder last year as the Wildcats reached the 1A Division 1 state semifinals.
Junior Tucker TenHoltzen will compete for the starting quarterback position and senior Christian Hazen is expected to see time at wide receiver.
It may be tough to gauge results early on for the Grizzlies. Laying a good foundation for future years, establishing an identity, and competing are all expected. Can it go beyond that in year one of the return to the field? As the old saying goes, that’s why they play the games on the field.
Check back with IdahoSports.com for updated scores and schedules throughout the season.