Preseason Coaches Poll:
1. Lewiston
2. Sandpoint
3. Lakeland
Written by: Tyson Chapman
The Inland Empire League has been a storyline machine over the last few years. And this year is no different, with tightly contested league play and moves toward state contention on the line.
The three teams all took turns defeating each other last year, which led to a wild Kansas City Tiebreaker on the Monday following the regular season to determine the IEL champ. Lewiston outlasted Lakeland and Sandpoint in the jamboree-style competition, but the Hawks and Bulldogs each advanced one stage further than Lewiston did once the playoffs began.
Lakeland looks to extend its playoff run from last year under head coach Michael Schroeder and prove their firepower in 5A. After an overtime win over Lewiston in the opening round of the playoffs, the Hawks fell on the road at Hillcrest.
Sandpoint comes in under head coach Ryan Knowles, ready to extend their season once more after losing to Skyline in the second round of state, although the Bulldogs did secure an underdog victory at Minico in the opening round.
The Lewiston Bengals, under head coach Zane Hobart, have plenty of weapons returning this year to improve on last year and make their case for a state run.
LAKELAND
Fifth-year head coach Michael Schroeder and the Lakeland Hawks are navigating the departure of key seniors QB Peyton Hillman, WR/DB Jace Taylor, and WR/OLB Cash Lund.
Following a strong 9-3 season and a second-round state appearance, the team looks to its returning core, including senior RB Griffin Tamangi, senior TE/DE Joey Cooper, and sophomore LB Emmit Rivadeneira. The offensive line will be led by seniors Kenai Munyer, Jackson Patterson, and Elijah Hall, and junior Owen Feld.
On offense, it will be imperative for the line to block and create holes for ball carriers in the Hawks’ power spread, focusing on making bigger plays and converting in the red zone. Defensively, containing mobile quarterbacks and stopping big plays will be the difference for the Hawks defense this season.
The ‘X-factor’ this year will be up to how a new starting quarterback delivers. Coach Schroeder stated, “If he can manage the offense and we play as a team on defense, we could be pretty good.”
SANDPOINT
The Bulldogs and head coach Ryan Knowles are excited about what they can do this season after losing key players, including QB and League MVP Braden Buckout, 2nd Team All-State WR Maverick Gomez, All-League OL Owen Hughes, and All-League DE Darrin Flannigan.
This year's group of seniors will be called upon to carry the torch from last year's players. Senior WR/LB/K Brock Yarbrough, an All-State selection at all three spots, returns, as does senior RB Jensen Sheetz. The offensive line is led by seniors Owen Erickson and Jaiden Watson, and senior defensive lineman Mason McLain is another name to watch.
On offense, taking care of the ball and playing a complete game will allow Sandpoint to find a groove. Defensively, two of the three starters at linebacker are back this season, with the experience to limit big plays.
Coach Knowles had three points for Sandpoint’s X-factor this season: “Creating and stopping the big play, getting a new QB to execute at a high level, and creating turnovers on defense.”
LEWISTON
Head Coach Zane Hobart and the Lewiston Bengals return many players that will give them a chance at a deep run this season.
Returning so many playmakers is nice; however, there is still some adjustment after losing key players like QB Mayson Way, DL Jace Krug, DL/TE Jeffrey Yoder, and DB Gage Steiner.
Leading the way for the Bengals this year are senior OL/DL Parker Bagley (a Boise State commit), senior WR Michael Earl, and junior WR DJ Wilkerson. Each earned All-League honors last year.
As a team, Lewiston has a lot of speed and strength that will be used to the fullest extent on offense in order to create big plays for ball carriers on the offensive line. Though starting QB Dallas Richardson is young, coach Hobart is excited to see his growth this season under center.
Defensively, the Bengals feel they have everyone in the right spot to cover the field with their size and speed, along with the anticipated excitement of newcomers like DL Gabe Kessinger and DB Brady Rudolph.
The overall ‘X-factor’ for Lewiston is staying healthy. Coach Hobart stated, “If we can stay healthy down the home-stretch of the season, I think this group has potential to do great things. If this group puts in the work week after week and stays focused and hungry, I think good things can happen.”