Written by: Keller Sherman
After just missing out on the playoffs in 2021, the Kimberly Bulldogs will look to get back there in 2022 under a new head coach. Rich Bishop resigned after nine years and Joe Dille comes in after 4 years as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs.
Dille inherits a talented team that returns multiple all-state and all-conference honorees. There were two all-state selections in Gatlin Bair, a first-team selection, and Michael Goff, a second-team selection. Other players named to the all-conference team include Parker Stringham, Caleb Child, Connor Laughlin, Anthony Morquacho, and Grant Murphy. In addition, Riley Klimes, Tennessee Owens, and Jarret McMurtey also return.
Multiple three-year and two-year starters were also lost from last year’s team. Among them are quarterback/defensive back Heath Owens whom Dille described as a “smart kid, great competitor”, running back/linebacker Race Widmier who showed a “big heart” and was a “superior running back,” defensive back/wide receiver Vinny Harlow and all-around athlete Jordan Flameling.
There are also plenty of incoming players that are expected to come in and make an immediate impact for Kimberly, especially as the Bulldogs look to fill in holes left behind by last year’s seniors. These include Cody Goff, Kenyon Cunningham, Kade Larson, Jorge Godinez, Brady Dille, and Mason Jensen.
Kimberly will run a spread offense. Many players on the roster have demonstrated great speed and agility with plenty of talent all-around. The receiving core will be strong. “Gatlin Bair will lead our receiving group, which is deep and talented,” Dille said. “Connor Laughlin has great hands and isn't afraid of traffic, and Mason Jensen gives us size and speed.”
The running back unit will be deep as well. “We're 3-to-4 players deep, and each one of those running backs gives us a different look,” Dille said. “Replacing Race Widmier isn't going to be easy, but Michael Goff gives us a dynamic, powerful runner.”
Four of five starters on the offensive line are back as well so that position should remain strong, but the biggest question mark lies at the quarterback position. “Our main question this year is trying to replace a three year starting QB,” Dille said. “The nice thing is we have a couple good options at QB. Kade Larson is a really smart kid that knows our offense and has been a two year JV starter. Parker Stringham is a strong-armed, athletic football player.”
The defense will be aggressive and talented with a majority of the starters returning. “Grant Murphy will be fun to watch in the trenches. Michael Goff at middle linebacker has a nose for the ball,” Dille said. “And with Gatlin Bair in the secondary, there isn't a ball that's not at risk of being intercepted.”
With both sides of the ball returning a majority of their starters coupled with the Bulldogs missing the playoffs in 2021, Kimberly should be a hungry team ready to go out and prove that they are legitimate contenders at the 3A classification.
“Most of this year's team has seen plenty of varsity action. They are used to being leaders on the field," ”Dille said. “The team has a bad taste in their mouth from last year, and want to put the Bulldogs back in the playoffs. I'm excited to watch this team gel and realize just how good they can be.”
Kimberly will open the season with three straight home games as they host Snake River, Jerome, and Fruitland. From there they will hit the road for two straight road games at Marsh Valley and Mountain Home before heading into conference play.
Conference play begins with two straight home games against Filer and Wood River. Wood River is a team Dille feels will be a team to watch in 2022 as he states, “As a new 3A team they will have something to prove. They have a lot of talent back. I think some teams will overlook them and it will cost them.”
The regular season wraps up with two straight road games at Buhl and Gooding. The Indians are another team Dille believes people should keep an eye on as they have experience on the offensive and defensive line with Jayce Bower being another player to watch.
The Bulldogs will have a chip on their shoulder this season after missing the playoffs in 2021, making them a dangerous team for any opponent. Despite having to go on the road to play Gooding, that’s still a game Kimberly feels they can win as the Senators will be in a transition year with a new coach. The Bulldogs won at Gooding in 2018, which was also the year they won their last conference title. While the Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference still goes through the Senators, it could be a three or possibly even four team race in 2022 and Kimberly is ready to capitalize on the opportunity.