Photo By Clayton Bunt - #7 Garrison Bogar
Written by Brandon Hill
In his first season with the Mustangs, head coach Daryl Stavros will look to return Deary to its former glory of the ‘90s.
The Mustangs escaped a last-place finish in the 1ADII Whitepine League last year, defeating Timberline (Wieppe) in a thrilling 30-28 contest, handing the Spartans the bottom slot in the conference.
But last October’s lone win on the season was the sole bright spot in a season filled with blowout losses. On average, Deary averaged 15 points per game while allowing 50.
Stavros said it’s anyone’s game during the offseason, as the Mustangs desperately need on-the-field leadership in order to compete for a title.
Stavros said senior lineman Richard Watson is a new face to the program, who should make an impact early in the year. Outside of Watson, Stavros has a trio of experienced playmakers to rely on in seniors Garrison Bogar, Preston Johnston and Brayden Stapleton.
Stavros comes to the program just a year removed from a Deary-dominated decade. According to the Moscow-Pullman Daily News, the Mustangs qualified for the state tournament every year since 2012, right up until 2019. Jason Hanson, the leader of last year’s squad, is no longer with the program, marking the third-straight season the Mustangs have fielded a new head coach.
Deary debuts against Troy Aug. 28. Stay tuned to IdahoSports.com for updated schedules and scores.