Written by: Keller Sherman

It was a difficult season for the Malad Dragons in 2022 as the team went 1-7 with the lone win coming in a 16-0 decision at Ririe. Even with these struggles however, there are some reasons for optimism for the Dragon faithful. The schedule sets up well enough that a 3-0 start could be in the cards.

The 2022 roster saw several juniors that are now seniors this season. With this amount of returning experience, Malad could be on the rise in 2023. Jaden Ward, a second team all-conference selection is gone, but three honorable mentions do return in Zade Scott, Blaiz Wright, and Braylen Tripp.

Although Malad plays its first two games of the year on the road, both are winnable. American Falls was winless in 2022 while the Dragons only fell to Lyman, Wyoming 14-0 to open last season. Malad’s home opener comes against Ririe, a team the Dragons beat on the road in 2022 by a final score of 16-0.

A difficult road test at North Fremont precedes a winnable home date against West Jefferson. The Dragons only lost 21-14 in Terreton last season and will host the Panthers for homecoming this year.

Conference play features home dates with Aberdeen and West Side and road trips to Soda Springs and Bear Lake. With much expected from the Tigers, Bear, and Pirates in 2023, it will be a difficult task to win one of these games. A winnable game against the Cardinals becomes a much more difficult task on the road, but perhaps Malad can play spoiler somewhere.

A 4-4 or 5-3 regular season record is in the cards for Malad if they can win their first three games, handle business against West Jefferson, and possibly even steal a conference game. It may or may not be enough to sneak into the playoffs, but such a campaign could create a ton of momentum for the Dragons to take into 2024.