Written by: Brandon Baney
In 2021, esteemed Magic Valley coach Allyn Reynolds returned to his alma mater and led the Indians to a 3-6 record.
Hidden underneath that sub-.500 mark was a scrappy team that earned a playoff bid via a tiebreaker over Filer and Kimberly. Their reward? A first round date with eventual champion Weiser. The game predictably ended in a 62-20 Wolverines win.
But Buhl put everyone on notice. They won't be Class 3A's punching bag any longer. Don't believe us? Here's what other coaches in the Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference had to say.
Filer coach Justin Brandsma: "Buhl is going to be tough this year. They may not have any stand out players but they are returning a large number of starters and will be very sound overall in Coach Reynolds’s system."
Kimberly coach Joe Dille: "Buhl has a handful of impact players. They'll have an experienced offensive and defensive line. Jayce Bower (RB/LB) is a threat on both sides of the ball."
Praise from opposing coaches is the ultimate compliment. As those coaches alluded to, Buhl's entire group of offensive and defensive linemen are back, and they'll pave the way for Jayce Bower in the Indians' power running game. Senior quarterback Austin Franson also returns in 2022.
Buhl's season begins where their 2021 campaign ended: in Weiser. They'll also face 4A foes Mountain Home and Caldwell, and 2A members Declo and Wendell.
In league play, Buhl will host three of their four opponents. Their lone road contest in league comes in the season finale against Filer.