Photo By Steve Conner - #21 Taylor Marcum
Written by Wayne Dzubak
The biggest challenge facing Timberline Head Football Coach Ian Smart as the 2020 season approaches is finding someone to replace quarterback Andy Peters.
That challenge may prove impossible, as Smart described Peters as a one-of-a-kind talent.
“He is such an incredible kid and a phenomenal football player,” Smart said. “He was so dynamic on the field and a game-changer for us.”
Much the same can be said for Kyle Adams and Sam Rodenbaugh who, along with Peters, provided a trifecta of team leadership and athleticism. All three graduated following a 6-5 senior season that saw Timberline beat Post Falls 19-6 in the opening round of the playoffs and throw a scare into Rocky Mountain before losing 33-20 to the Grizzlies the following week. The Wolves will look to continue 2020’s momentum, which saw a historical change in the Timberline winning ways. After an 0-9 2018, the Wolves rebounded all the way to the playoffs.
Smart said the run game will be the key to the Wolves’ success, putting the pressure on Taylor Marcum. Marcum earned first-team All-SIC honors and second-team All-State as a sophomore running back. Smart is striving for a balanced offensive attack with some timely passing, but the run will come first, foremost and often. Smart said not much has changed from the offensive scheme of last year and that simply means the kids can play fast.
“I would like to be balanced, but running the ball is always the key to success,” Smart said. “I think we have some incredibly talented kids, maybe the most talented I have coached. So it will be essential for us to be creative in how we divvy out the ball.”
On the other side of the ball, the defensive line will be the heartbeat of the Wolves. Linebacker Lachian Johnson is expected to play a key role and will be called upon for senior leadership. Johnson came on strong late in the 2019 season, making some huge plays and earned honorable mention All-SIC. Smart said if Johnson can pick up where he left off, his role on the 2020 defense will be huge.