Written by: Lucas Gebhart
Caldwell is taking a bit of a different path in 2022, hoping that it will give the football program a much-needed boost.
Instead of playing a full 4A Southern Idaho Conference (SIC) schedule and competing in one of Idaho’s most competitive leagues, the Cougars decided to go independent this year.
The move means Caldwell can fill its 8-game schedule with any school that agrees to play them regardless of what league or classification they play in. But it also means Caldwell will not be eligible for the state playoffs.
Caldwell has 5A enrollment numbers but has been competing in Idaho’s 4A class. They must successfully appeal to the IHSAA to play down, but it still hasn’t helped the football program find much success.
The last time the Caldwell football program won a game was in October of 2018. It was their only win of the season and means this year’s Caldwell seniors are entering their final year without a varsity win. They have gone a combined 0-24 over the last three seasons.
It’s a big reason why the move was made to go independent. It will allow Caldwell to play a more favorable schedule this year, allowing them to avoid the SIC’s front runners, who are typically also state title contenders.
The Cougars will still play SIC-members Ridgevue, Vallivue and Columbia, but will also play two schools from the Magic Valley in addition to Mountain Home and Ontario High just across the border in Oregon.
They will open the year with 3A Payette and travel to Canyon Ridge the second week of the year before playing Ontario over Labor Day Weekend. They travel to Mountain Home October 14.