Photo By Willy Harris - #2 Donnie Estrada
Written By: Sven Alskog
Nampa made a loud entrance back to the 4A classification last year, finishing with a trip to the state semifinals and a 9-3 record.
Many of the same pieces that helped lead the Bulldogs to one of the best seasons in recent program history return, giving hope that the program can again have a strong year.
First Team All-SIC performer Donnie Estrada and All-State defensive back Jace Mann highlight the senior class, with both expected to be among the best players in the state. Estrada split time at quarterback and wide receiver a year ago. Expect more of the same this season, as the playmaker excels when moved around the field in passing, running and receiving situations.
On the offensive side of the ball, the main priority will be building a quality offensive line to give the skill position pieces the opportunity. Every member of the front line graduated from last season, leaving many new faces in positions to earn heavy playing time.
“We will be returning several skill players offensively,” said head coach Dan Holtry. “We will continue to be a fast-paced spread offense with the ability to run the ball. Our strength comes from our experience in Donnie Estrada, who will be at quarterback, and we have several solid receivers in Jace Mann, Cade Smith and Braden Draper that will help move the ball down the field. We will look to a young offensive line and the leadership of Alec Jensen to establish a run game.”
He wants to see many of the characteristics of the offense from last year carry forward into the new season, with some specific areas of emphasis for improvement as well.
“I think we did a very good job of achieving our goals of ball control and limiting turnovers from last season. I would like us to be able to execute in all facets of the game and especially during times of adversity. We want to be able to continue to finish drives and be balanced in our attack.”
Defensively, Nampa was perhaps the most opportunistic team in Idaho last year when it came to capitalizing on the mistakes of opponents. Mann led that charge by pacing the state in interceptions. With him and multiple other defensive backs returning, expect the unit to make things difficult for opposing offenses each week.
“We will be returning four solid defensive backs in 2019. Santi Reyna, Jace Mann, Donnie Estrada and Cade Smith will provide a strong secondary force. At linebacker we return Braden Draper and we will rely on him to lead our new group of linebackers. On the defensive line we return Joben Storrs-Kiehne and Brandon Colindres. The test will be to see if these starters from last year can bring the same leadership we had last season,” added Holtry.
Stopping the run and doing a better job of preventing big plays are areas of focus for improvement according to the coach.
After such a strong 2018, Nampa is as excited as anybody to hit the field for the new year.
“We are very excited to return to the field after the success of last season. This 2019 group is excited to prove that we are an established team and that last year and its success was not limited to just one season. We have a relentless mentality and continue to fight for more every day,” said Holtry.
The Bulldogs get 2019 underway with back-to-back road games at Bishop Kelly and Kuna.