Written by: Will Hoenike
The Shoshone Indians will once again field a hybrid varsity/junior varsity team in 2021, playing a seven-game schedule that includes games at both levels.
For eighth-year head coach Michael Perry, though the team hasn’t fully returned to varsity play, there is plenty to be excited about this fall.
“Excited to have a number of new players, more numbers, and a good mix of young and veteran players,” Perry noted. “Also excited to add two new coaches to the program that will add more experience to help our players improve.”
The Indians will return senior running back and defensive back Austin Stowell along with senior receiver and linebacker Carlos Larios. Perry said he hopes to have about 20 players out for the program, including four or five seniors. Those players will be critical to the future of Shoshone football as they can allow the coaching staff to bring younger, less-experienced players along a little more slowly instead of having to ask them to take on roles they’re not yet prepared to perform at the high school level.
Another one of those seniors is quarterback/defensive back Bryson Kerner.
“We are a run-first team but, with a new quarterback coming in, it will help us in our pass offense and stretch the defense this year,” Perry said. “We have a young offensive line, but they are hungry to improve.”
The team plays three of its first four games on the road before closing with three consecutive games on its home field in Shoshone, two of which (vs. Hagerman on September 24 and vs. Castleford on October 8) are scheduled as varsity games. The team is excited to get on the field and compete this fall.
“The key will be growing as a team as it pertains to assignments and football IQ,” Perry concluded. “We have a dedicated group of players lifting all summer and wanting to be successful. As a growing program we want to start to inspire younger players to join the ranks of our football team.”