Okay folks, grab some coffee because this Owyhee football preview took way more legwork than I expected. Started simple: just wanted a quick season peek for the blog. Figured I’d scan last year’s stats, maybe chat with the coach. Nope.
The Schedule Grind
First thing Monday morning, hauled my butt down to the athletic office. Secretary eyed me like I was selling vacuums. “Media pass?” she asked. Told her I was just a blogger chasing down game dates. She slid that schedule across the counter like it was contraband. Highlighted three dates immediately:
- Week 3 vs. Mountain View: Those guys smashed us 42-7 last year. Payback time.
- Week 6 at Eagle High: Always comes down to who wants it more in that mud pit.
- Homecoming against Capital: Their QB transferred but still smell blood in the water.
Stalking Practice (Legally)
Camped out at Wednesday’s practice. Field smelled like cut grass and desperation. Coach Dawson waved me over mid-drill – forgot how loud that guy yells. “Watch Jenkins at receiver,” he hollered over tackling dummies crashing. Kid #12 moved like greased lightning. Nearly lost my notebook when a rogue ball flew at my head. Equipment manager laughed: “Happens daily.”
The Film Room Blues
Thursday night disaster. School gave me last season’s game tapes, but my ancient laptop choked harder than our offensive line in the fourth quarter. Spilled coffee hunting for my external drive. Rewound Eagle High’s overtime loss five times to watch defensive end Marcus “The Wall” Thompson (#55) eat their running back alive. Kid doesn’t tackle – he unexists people.
Friday Night Lights
Scrimmage against Caldwell was my final puzzle piece. Stood by the chain gang so I could hear pads cracking. Junior quarterback Diego Rodriguez (#7) scrambled like his shoes were on fire. But saw him force two throws into triple coverage – gonna get picked all season doing that. Went home smelling like sweat and nacho cheese, scribbling notes on my program.
So after all that? Season hinges on Rodriguez protecting the ball, Jenkins stretching defenses, and Thompson wrecking backfields. And us not freezing our butts off in that Eagle rain game. There’s your preview. Might need a vacation.