Written by: Brandon Baney
The Western Idaho Conference has seen several teams trade seats at the top spot in the conference. Wilder won back-to-back WIC titles in 2017 and ’18 before Idaho City wrested away the crown in 2019. That was followed by four straight years with Notus finishing in first place, and then, in 2024, a new contender emerged: Rimrock, which finished 4-0 in the conference and 6-3 overall, not only won the WIC for the first time since 2011, but they also qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2011, as well.
RIMROCK
When discussing Rimrock’s chances in 2025, you first have to acknowledge the fact that do-it-all standout Ronaldo Gomez has graduated. Gomez quarterbacked the Raiders’ offense, played a shutdown role on defense as a cornerback, and handled most of the special teams kicking and returning duties.
“Ronaldo Gomez was our offensive and defensive leader,” says fourth-year head coach Sam Ward. “He led the team in rushing, TDs and tackles, and set the tone in all aspects of the game.”
Also departed is wide receiver/defensive back Kas Bachman, but otherwise, there’s a strong nucleus of players ready to run it back in 2025.
“We are returning a handful of starters,” says Ward. “I’m really excited to see which players step up to lead on offense and defense this year.”
Leading the way this year are a strong group of offensive and defensive lineman that all saw starting duty in form or fashion in 2024. Seniors Carlos Escobedo and Brandon Ramirez, and junior Franco Ronquillo, will be joined by newcomer Colton Coates, a junior transfer from Vallivue.
“Colton brings a lot of size and athleticism to our line,” says Ward. “This will help us control the line of scrimmage as we seek to find our identity on offense this season.”
Senior Kolton Jewett returns at running back and junior Adrian Farfan is back at wide receiver. Who takes the reins at quarterback is still being determined.
Jewett and Farfan will also factor in on defense at linebacker and defensive back, respectively, along with all of the linemen previously mentioned. The remaining spots are up for grabs, and Ward is excited for the competition. “This year, we will have a great opportunity for some younger guys to get more snaps on defense, which helps us be more balanced,” says Ward.
Overall, if the varsity newcomers can coalesce with the established veterans, Rimrock has a great chance at repeating its’ WIC title from a year ago.
“Team chemistry will be our X-factor,” says Ward. “If we can learn to embody the ‘team greater than me’ mindset, I think we can have a lot of success on the season.”
NOTUS
Notus ushers in a new era, as Joe Woodland had to step down after seven years as the Pirates’ head coach. Woodland was promoted at work and could not take on both duties, so in his place is Charlie Shepherd Jr. The son of legendary former Salmon River head coach Charlie Shepherd Sr., Charlie Jr. is excited for the opportunity.
On offense, four-year starting quarterback Benny Guevara has graduated, along with starting running backs Ian Hill and Hunter Campbell. All three also started on defense; Guevara in the secondary and Hill and Campbell at linebacker.
Senior Derrick Huter will slide over from wide receiver to quarterback this year, while 200-pound sophomore Mark Lungu will start at running back. Returning starter Dehaven Wilson, a 6-foot-4 senior, is expected to take on a larger role at wide receiver.
“We want a balanced offense,” says Shepherd. “We will run from under center and set up the play-action game. We will also go to shotgun and spread it out. We’ll throw and pass out of it.”
Shepherd is confident that Huter can handle the load of a new offense in his first year at quarterback. “I am putting a lot of weight on Derrick’s shoulders,” he says. “From the run game, to the pass game, to pre-snap cadences, he has a lot of responsibility. He has the natural instincts to make plays, an arm that throws accurate passes, and athletic ability to run if he wants to. If we can get him comfortable in this new offense, we can really start to open things up.”
Up front, junior Chris Cook returns to anchor both lines of scrimmage. He’ll be joined by Jackson Fields and Wyatt Witt. “We need those three to step up physically and be able to take control of a running game in the fourth quarter,” says Shepherd. “I’m excited to see how we do with this crew.”
On defense, Huter and Anthony Guevara will lead the secondary, while Wyse Iverson steps into a new role as the starting middle linebacker of a 4-3 scheme. Shepherd is hopeful that a strong pass rush will help flatten the learning curve for Wyse and others. “Our speed and athleticism at defensive end is our best pass defense,” Shepherd explains. “Dehaven Wilson and Cole and Chase Funke have one job – just sack the QB.”
Overall, if Notus wants to reclaim its perch atop the WIC, Shepherd says the Pirates have to improve their basic skills. “Blocking and tackling,” he says. “It sounds simple, but football really boils down to those two fundamental skills. Can you block in the open field when you’re on offense, and can you tackle in the open field on defense? And in 8-man football, there is PLENTY of open field. We will invest a lot of practice time into developing these skills.”
WILDER
The Wildcats boast the WIC’s most ferocious defender in senior middle linebacker Conner Smallwood. Every opposing coach singled out his ability to wreak havoc sideline-to-sideline, as well as in the pass rush game.
Wilder head coach Josh Duty is inclined to agree. “Conner Smallwood leading the defense will make running the ball very difficult for opponents,” says Duty.
The back end of Wilder’s defense should be sturdy as well, with senior Ezra Johnson earning All-WIC honors a season ago.
Those are the only seniors on Wilder’s roster this year, which has Duty excited about the potential of his young squad as he enters his second season as Wildcats head coach. “I’m excited to see the kids in their second year of a new offensive and defensive scheme,” Duty says.
Speaking of the offense, junior quarterback Gelacio Martinez returns after earning All-WIC honors as a sophomore. Sophomore Lance Bryce is expected to take over the running back position from Julian Neri, who graduated this past spring. And another sophomore, Jakota Kemp, could be Martinez’ top target at receiver after tight end Brandon Perez also departed.
“Our season will come down to being able to successfully run the ball,” Duty concludes.
IDAHO CITY
Idaho City coach Jason Roeber is usually tight-lipped about his team during preseason workouts. So we’ll let other coaches from the league shower his team with praise.
Rimrock coach Sam Ward: “They were a very young team last season and I think they’ll push some teams this year.”
Notus coach Charlie Shepherd Jr.: “They have a lot of size, athleticism, and are physical – they are just young. Watch out if they can start to build some chemistry as they gain more experience.”
Only two seniors graduated off of last year’s 1-6 team. The remainder of the 2024 Wildcats consisted of three juniors, three sophomores, and a staggering ten freshmen.
Line play will be Idaho City’s calling card early on this year, as senior Rocco Olvera and junior Ryan Price both earned All-Conference accolades last year. 6-foot-3 senior tight end Michael Kaczmarek was the other Wildcat to be named All-WIC a year ago.
CENTENNIAL BAPTIST
Mustang fans weren’t sure there would be enough player turnout to field a team in 2024, but by midseason, Centennial Baptist cobbled together just enough of a roster to play three WIC games. They fell to Wilder 52-14, Notus 76-36 and Idaho City 63-42, before forfeiting their season finale against Rimrock. The key for Centennial Baptist in 2025 is to increase player turnout.