Despite an 0-2 mark in conference play in 2022, Teton still made a ton of progress in year one under coach David Joyce, posting an 8-3 overall record and advancing all the way to the state semifinals. Now in year two under Joyce, can Teton take that next step and perhaps reach the state championship game?
Teton’s quest to unseat Sugar-Salem in the Mountain Rivers Conference will be helped by the return of three second team offensive all-state selections in running back Thomas Heuseveldt, quarterback Jack Nelson, and wide receiver Ty Brown. All three players also received honors at the conference level with Heuseveldt being named the conference offensive player of the year and Nelson and Brown being second and first team selections, respectively.
Additional all-conference returnees include Robbie McCashland on offensive line, Jake Allen on both offensive and defensive line, running back Jack Joyce, and Seth Stevens at defensive line. The Timberwolves will have plenty of talent as they seek to improve from where they were in 2022.
The offense will utilize tempo and speed and after an impressive year one under Joyce’s scheme, he believes that even more progress will be made in year two. “We utilize tempo and have good overall team speed, and this being year two in the system will help a lot,” Joyce said. “Our size on the line is good and if we can protect our QB then our offense could be very efficient.”
The defense was a bit slower at adjusting to Joyce’s new schemes last season, but he still believes the unit is ready to elevate the program to the next level. “We have good size and speed, and it took most of last year to get all the defense installed, and I think coming into year two that we will continue to improve the knowledge of the defense,” Joyce said. On where the defense can improve, he added, “you can always tackle better.”
The semifinal loss to Sugar-Salem is being used as fuel for the Teton roster to go even further in 2023. The Diggers, winners of four of the last five state titles, bullied the Timberwolves last season, winning the regular season meeting 56-6, then cruising in the semifinal matchup by a final score of 60-21. Joyce is excited to see how far Teton can go. The first order of business needs to be making the game against Sugar-Salem more competitive. The Diggers and Timberwolves will meet in Driggs on Friday, October 13th in the regular season finale for the Timberwolves.
Teton heads over Teton Pass to open the 2023 campaign against Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The home opener is set for the following week against Marsh Valley. The Timberwolves will then play their next three games on the road traveling to West Jefferson, Salmon, and American Falls before closing with three straight at home. Snake River, South Fremont, and Sugar-Salem all visit Driggs to close out the regular season.
The schedule sets up well for Teton to go into the game against Sugar-Salem undefeated, but it will not be easy. If the Timberwolves are not careful, they could fall victim to a big upset. Getting the Diggers at home bodes well for Teton to have a great opportunity at the upset and a conference title. A win over Sugar-Salem would change the Teton program and cement the Timberwolves as one of the top 3A programs in the state moving forward.