Written by: Brandon Baney
Since Josh Wells took over as Shelley's football coach 2019, there's been steady improvement year-over-year as the Russets have adjusted to life in the 4A ranks after long being a 3A power.
In Wells' first year, Shelley went 0-8. Then in 2020, they were 3-5.
The big breakthrough happened in Year 3. Last season, the Russets finished 7-4 overall and earned a spot in the 4A postseason. They even won their first round playoff game over Preston before falling to eventual runner-up Sandpoint in the quarterfinals.
Under Wells' tutelage, Shelley has slowly morphed into the Runnin' Russets. Capable of pounding teams between the tackles, or hitting the edge for longer runs, Shelley consistently has one of the better running games around.
Senior running back Ryker Clingler is a big reason why. He went over 1,000 yards last year as a junior, and if a few new offensive lineman can develop quickly, Shelley could be lethal again in that department.
Junior Brecker Williams is also back to quarterback the Shelley offense. He'll have several talented athletes to get the ball to, including Kaden Kidman, Caden Johnson and CJ Fielding.
While the offense appears to be humming, the defense will be searching for new leaders as lineman Cannon Vance, linebacker Skyler Robinson and defensive back Tomy Bradshaw all departed via graduation.
The Russets' season will begin with a neutral site game against Star Valley, Wyoming. That contest will be held August 26th on the famous Blue Turf of Boise State's Albertsons Stadium.
They'll follow that up with their annual rivalry game against Sugar-Salem, and will also travel to Burley and Pocatello in the non-conference.
Shelley's toughest conference games bookend their league schedule. The Russets will host Blackfoot on September 16th and conclude their regular season at Ravsten Stadium against two-time defending 4A champ Skyline on October 21st.