Written by: Keller Sherman
As the old saying goes, defense wins championships. It certainly did for the Weiser Wolverines in 2021 as they came up with a goal line stop on a two-point conversion attempt to deny 3A powerhouse Sugar-Salem a fourth straight title and give Weiser its first title since 1997. Storied high school football coach Tom Harrison etched his name in Weiser football history as he brought home yet another state title to yet another school; his 11th overall at his 4th different school. Can Weiser run it back in 2022?
Several key pieces from last year’s team are gone to graduation including three all-state players and the 3A state player of the year, Brett Spencer, who will play Division 1 college football at Idaho State. Willie Shirts and Rylee Willett were first team selections on both offense and defense while Malachi Hooberry was a second team selection on offense. First-team all-conference selections Jesse Lockett, Jack Burke, and Zander McElroy, as well as second-team selection Payton Albertson, will also be missing from this year’s team and all of the departures will leave a major void for the returning players to fill this season.
Even with the losses, the returning production is capable of taking this team far in 2022. First-team all-state and all-conference wide receiver Brock Spencer is back as well as a handful of other all-conference selections. Michael Youngberg, Malakye Scott, Ryndon Olsen, and Maddox Stevens all return after receiving all-conference honors in 2021. In addition, Tristan McMahill and Trent Hawker will also return. Andy Enders is expected to be Brett Spencer’s replacement at quarterback and will also play defensive back.
Tom Harrison continues to believe there is always room for improvement, even when his team is coming off a state championship, as he states that his team will look to continue to get better at all areas on offense and defense. The Wolverines will run a “Weiser-style offense” and “multiple alignment defense” in 2022. Staying healthy will be crucial as always, but Harrison also believes “good luck” will be important as well.
The schedule sets up well for Weiser in 2022, especially in the non-conference. Their two tougher non-conference games are both at home against Buhl and La Grande, Oregon. Meanwhile, their two easier non-conference games at Grangeville and Cole Valley Christian are on the road. That gives the Wolverines a great opportunity to start 4-0 before heading into conference play.
Conference play will begin with three straight home games. First up is Payette, followed by McCall-Donnelly. Then comes the big one; a date with Homedale at home for senior night. The Trojans handed Weiser their only loss of the season last year and the Wolverines will look to avenge that loss and notch their first win over Homedale since 2016. A win in that game would also likely give Weiser its first conference title since 2005. Two straight road games at Parma and Fruitland wrap up the regular season.
While many may not expect Weiser to repeat as state champions in 2022 due to the amount of talent lost from that team, there is still plenty of returning production that can carry this team to an undefeated or one-loss regular season and a deep run in the playoffs. Tom Harrison continues to do a phenomenal job as coach and always gets his players to play up to their potential. A second straight state title is not expected by many, but the Wolverines believe they can do it.