Written by Hailey Stewart
Salmon Head Coach Tyrell Penner isn’t looking forward to one particular matchup this season — he’s looking forward to every single game.
“I think the conference can be up for grabs this year,” Penner said.
A fourth-year head coach, Penner knows just how important it will be to play hard against a very competitive conference. With back-to-back games against Ririe Sept. 25 and North Fremont Oct. 2, Salmon will look to post wins against the two previous state championship contenders.
Salmon lost to Ririe 14-7 and lost to North Fremont 48-0 last season.
The key to success will lie on the defensive side of the ball, as Salmon came only second to North Fremont with 15.78 opponent points per game during the 2019 season.
Even with losing what Penner found to be a great group of seniors to graduation, Salmon still has a strong varsity line. Each player, Penner said, has been on the varsity team since they were sophomores.
“I am expecting them all to make an impact,” Penner said.
Penner is relying on the offensive line to give senior quarterback Dillon Pikerton enough time to read the field and make some strong passes. At 6-foot-1, Pinkerton started as quarterback last season as well.
Even though Salmon lost a more “seasoned” offensive line, the team will look to showcase a more balanced offense this year.
On the defense, Penner hopes the defensive line will play physical and stop the run.
In its first playoff game of the 2019 season, Salmond lost to Delco 25-6. On the hunt for the playoffs, Salmon will have to play hard against Firth and West Jefferson, the team’s last two games of the regular season.
Salmon opens the season against Anaconda (MT) Aug 28. After winning 30-0 against Anaconda in 2019, Salmon will look to showcase the same physicality as last season.
Check back with IdahoSports.com for updated scores and schedules throughout the season.