The high school football season in Idaho begins on Aug. 23. So to get you ready, we’re counting down with at least one local team preview every day until kickoff.
Up next: The Bear Lake Bears
2023 IN REVIEW:
5-5 (third place in 2A South East Idaho Conference)Lost 54-6 to North Fremont in quarterfinals of Class 2A playoffs
COACH'S RESUME:
Head Coach: Houston Reynolds, first seasonOverall record: 0-0Assistant coaches: Nate Andersen, Eric Bomsta, Chris Clausing, Cameron Crane, Jaden Crane, Mason Garbett, Pat Johnson, Colin Maughan and Nate Wuthrich
RETURNING STARTERS:
3 on offense3 on defense
MONTPELIER — With only five returning starters, Bear Lake didn't exactly have the state title defense it wanted.
The Bears never won more than two games in a row, went .500 and was blown out in the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs. So considering they went from winning the Class 2A state championship to a 5-5 year, it was probably a little tough for them to feel about their performance.
But it still gave many opportunities for the younger players to step up. So the 2024 group is more than determined than ever to get back into the state title hunt and it'll be relaying on last year's experience to do so.
But some of that experience has already left the team in the form of the 12 senior players who graduated.
The team also moved up two classifications due to the Idaho High School Activities Association's restructuring of classification system and has a new head coach on top of that.
The change returns them to a crowd of teams they have seen before. This isn’t their first time moving up and facing the likes of Marsh Valley and Snake River.
Bu undoubtedly, it will be a tougher season in the 4A division. However, the Bears — and their new head coach Houston Reynolds — say they are ready.
Reynolds formerly played football at Brigham Young University, while earning his bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology. He believes he has quite the skilled background to lead the Bears to a successful 2024 season.
The team of assistant coaches aiding Reynolds includes, Nate Andersen, Eric Bomsta, Chris Clausing, Cameron Crane, Jaden Crane, Mason Garbett, Pat Johnson, Colin Maughan and Nate Wuthrich.
With new coaches, come new ideas and plays, but the Bears are also emphasizing execution and toughness as the season looms.
“We have many new coaches and are implementing a new offense and defense," Reynolds said. "With so much new (things), it will take time, but we expect it to come together for us down the stretch.”
A few two-way players, who will be key for the Bears this season are the "K crew" — Kaden, Kalob and Kasin − all returning starters with big expectations.
Kaden Andersen is expected to make many big plays this season as a cornerback and wide receiver, Kalob Wiscombe will be seen playing both middle linebacker and running back and Kasin Warner is anticipated to be another dual position threat.
All three were named all-league players last season, along with some of the Bears' other weapons — Treysen Thornton, Tony Nomikos and Kegan Salerno.
Those six represent all the Bears' returning starters, making the jump to 4A seem even more daunting.
But the team is hoping its will to win makes the difference.
"We expect our boys to show up every week and compete," Reynolds said. "We know we have a tough schedule ahead, but our boys and coaches are excited for the challenge.”
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