Written by: Brandon Baney
The Raft River Trojans enjoyed a spectacular 2021 season. A 9-1 overall record and a regular season Snake River Conference title was soured only by that one, singular loss.
It came in the most important game of the season: the 1AD1 championship against rival Oakley. After defeating the Hornets 22-16 to win the conference title, the Hornets stung back with a 42-14 win and their second consecutive 1AD1 title.
And so, for veteran coach Chad Evans, Raft River will attempt to re-load and get over the Oakley hump again in 2022.
Senior quarterback Tate Whitaker is back to lead the offense, and will be joined in the backfield by running back Kole Spencer and all-purpose athlete Treg Whitaker.
The most significant losses for the Trojans occurred up front on the offensive line, where Evans will have to replace all three starters from a year ago.
Defensively, players like the Whitakers, Spencer, Alex Murillo and Clayton Durfee will be counted on to lead the way.
The schedule is rigorous. Within the league, defending champion Oakley awaits, along with solid teams like Murtaugh, Lighthouse Christian and newcomers Carey and Valley.
Raft River was scheduled to play Lapwai in a rematch of their 2021 semifinal battle at the annual Idaho 8-Man Classic on August 27th. But Lapwai dropped out.
Now, Raft River will take an extra week off to prepare, before traveling to Kamiah on September 2nd for their season opener.