Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. North Gem
2. Watersprings
3. Rockland
4. Mackay

Written by: Brandon Baney

When IdahoSports.com began reaching out to coaches and athletic directors this summer, all indications pointed towards Mackay only fielding a junior varsity team in 2021. Administrators were hopeful that the Miners might be able to return to varsity play, but also admitted that achieving that feat would be difficult.

Then in July, Mackay announced that a new coach had taken over the football program: Brad Krosch. His main responsibility? To lead Mackay back to varsity prominence.

Coach Krosch held a team camp in July, and the turnout was large enough that Mackay decided to go for it. The Miners will compete at the varsity level for the first time since 2018.

Enthusiasm is high at Mackay. The Miners admittedly will have a tough road ahead of them, as the Rocky Mountain Conference boasts three teams (North Gem, Watersprings and Rockland) that have playoff aspirations in 2021.

Mackay will kick off its' season with a road trip to Shoshone. In fact, Mackay's first five games will be on the road, as they will also travel to Challis, Watersprings, Murtaugh (to play their JV team) and Rockland.

Mackay's final two games will be at home, against league favorite North Gem and the Challis JV.

No matter what happens in 2021, the fact that the Mackay Miners have returned to varsity play is cause enough for celebration.