Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Carey
2. Castleford
3. Dietrich
T-4. Camas County
T-4. Hansen
Written by: Will Hoenike
Last September 4th, the Camas County Mushers picked up an exciting, 16-14 win over the North Gem Cowboys on the road in Bancroft. The Mushers were 1-1 and gaining momentum.
Then … COVID-19.
Due to pandemic-related cancellations, Camas County didn’t play again until October 9 – more than a full month later. In the end, the team only got five games in, missed the postseason, and were left wondering what might have been in a different year.
“I am excited to get past the COVID mess,” said Rusty Kramer, Camas County’s sixth-year head coach “Our season was broken up twice last year and it really hampered our momentum and flow to the season.”
Kramer is likely also excited to get his team on the field. It’s a team that features one of the top players in the 1A Division 2 Sawtooth Conference and a strong sophomore class that could be on the verge of making a rise in a conference that features perennial Division-2 toughies Carey and Dietrich.
“We have a young team, but I feel we have a ton of potential at several key positions,” Kramer said. “I think we have so many positions that are in competition that we will have several different starting lineups throughout the season. It will be really interesting to me to see if our seniors embrace the leadership role of this young team.”
The senior leadership begins with Kramer’s son, Dawson, a first-team all-conference performer last season on offense and defense. He’ll spearhead the offense from the running back position and lead the defense as a linebacker. The team also returns senior quarterback and linebacker Xyler Niehay as well to help lead the charge. Juniors Kaidin Baxter and Marcus Staley also return to the lineup for the Mushers, but the program has a strong, talented sophomore class that could lead to big things in the future.
The group includes a two-way lineman in Sage Patten, versatile receivers in Emmett Palan and Trevor Tews, a strong running back/linebacker in Troy Smith, and a talented athlete who could be the program’s future quarterback in Tristen Smith.
Kramer is looking to fill holes along the team’s offensive line. Baxter slots in at center and Patten at guard. Incoming freshman Kelby Cox could earn playing time along the line as well.
Defensively, the Mushers have depth and strength at linebacker with Kramer, Niehay, Troy Smith, and freshman Dominic Gross. Improved tackling and pass defense should help Camas County move up the standings this fall.
The Mushers went 2-3 in five games last season and three of the five opponents qualified for the 1A Division 2 state playoffs, so Kramer and his players have a good idea of what it takes to advance to November football in Idaho. The team plays back-to-back games in October that should provide it another good look as Carey comes to Fairfield for a 4:00 p.m. kickoff on October 8. Then, the following Friday, the Mushers make the 60-mile drive down to Dietrich where they’ll square off against the defending 1A Division 2 state champion Blue Devils.