Written by: Brandon Baney

Upon taking a cursory glance at Blackfoot’s football roster for this season, one thing becomes abundantly clear: This is going to be a young team.

It’s true. The Broncos will lean on a number of sophomores and even freshmen this year after losing one of its most talented classes in recent memory to graduation.

The group that left this past spring went 31-15 during their four-year careers, with two trips to the semifinals and two trips to the quarterfinals of the Class 4A postseason.

But the losses were heavy. Wide receiver Javonte King, the conference Offensive Player of the Year, is now playing at Montana State University. Fellow receiver Deegan Hale, and the entire starting backfield of Jaxon Grimmett (QB), Austin Perez (RB) and Kort Capson (FB) have all graduated as well.

In fact, the only returning All-Conference player that is back for Blackfoot in 2023 is junior defensive back Tyler Johnson, who picked up honorable mention honors.

This may be head coach Jerrod Ackley’s toughest task yet, and the schedule does Blackfoot no favors. Five of the six members of the High Country Conference made the 4A playoffs a year ago (Skyline, Shelley, Hillcrest, Bonneville and Blackfoot), and Idaho Falls was the first team out of the postseason.

So maybe they’ll get some respite in the non-conference? Not likely, as Blackfoot is lined up to play 5A powers Rigby, Highland and Madison.

No matter what happens this season, Blackfoot will be a fun team to watch week in and week out, as this new group of varsity players adjusts and grows. And who knows? Maybe by the end of the season, this group of colts will be ready for a surprise playoff run.