4A District 5: Snake River has owned the conference, but newcomer Preston presents a challenge

EASTERN IDAHO – American Falls and Snake River both reached the 4A state playoffs a year ago, with the Panthers earning a fourth-straight conference title.

The two will likely compete for the postseason once again, but newcomer Preston could present a new challenge.

The Indians drop down to the 4A District 5 conference after playing in 5A.

How does that impact the conference?

“I think it’s pretty wide open,” Snake River coach Jeff Dalley said. “It’s anybody’s conference to win.”

Dalley noted that they’ve previously played Preston in non-conference matchups.

“That makes our conference better,” American Falls coach Tim Hoope said of the addition of Preston.

On paper, it looks like the conference will be a three-team battle with Preston, American Falls, and Snake River all returning key players, while also looking to replace some talented seniors.

The difference maker might be at Preston, where the Indians welcome the return of QB Carter Perry, who was a standout two years ago as a sophomore, throwing for 22 touchdowns and 2,333 yards. Perry transferred to Green Canyon, Utah, last season, but is back at Preston as a senior. And he’s bigger and stronger, coach Brandt Reese noted.

The Indians were selected in the IdahoSports.com preseason poll as the conference favorite.

“We just got to focus on us and get better,” Reese said.

SNAKE RIVER PANTHERS

Coach: Jeff Dalley, fourth season

Last season: 6-5, 2-0, state quarterfinals

Impact players: Owen Jones, sr., TE/DL; Jonas Bishop, sr. LB; Crew Fields, sr., DE.

Notes: The Panthers have been conference champs the past four seasons and have been unbeaten during that stretch. Despite graduating 11 seniors, many with three years of varsity experience, coach Jeff Dalley said he’s liked what he’s seen from the current group. Senior Owen Jones is a standout on both sides of the ball, earning first-team All-Conference as a tight end and defensive lineman. Fellow senior Jonas Bishop returns as an All-Conference linebacker. Crew Fields, Colt Thompson and Kash Hendricks return on the defensive side. Dalley said the focus heading into the season was limit mistakes that proved costly. “It seemed like we’d shoot ourselves in the foot,” he said. “We need to minimize the mistakes and be fundamentally sound.”

PRESTON INDIANS

Coach: Brandt Reese, second season

Last season: 3-6, 1-1 (5A)

Impact players: Braxton Lewis, sr., WR; Carter Perry, sr., QB; Khai Phillips, sr., OL.

Notes: Preston joins the conference after playing in 5A. The Indians return nine players who earned All-Conference honors last season, but the biggest addition might be at the QB position where Carter Perry returns after playing in Utah last season. Two years ago he was one of the top quarterbacks in Idaho. He’ll be protected by an experience offensive line that includes All-Conference selections Gonzo Loya, Khai Phillips and Ethan Dahle. All-Conference receivers Kylton Atkinson and Braxton Lewis also return. The core group of defensive players return, including leading tackler Miles Henrie at LB and Jeddie Talbot on the line.

AMERICAN FALLS BEAVERS

Coach: Tim Hoope, fifth season

Last season: 8-3, 1-1, state quarterfinals

Impact players: Trip Wagstaff, jr., UT; Austin Teichert, jr., QB; Thorne Rose, Jr., LB/RB.

Notes: Bolstered by one of the top defenses in 4A last season (14.82 points) and a do-everything player in Zak Grigg, the Beavers made a playoff push and threatened Snake River’s conference run. This year will feature plenty of new faces as the team looks to fill some holes. Junior Austin Teichert steps into the QB role and expects to add a passing element to the offensive attack. Tripp Wagstaff returns and will play slot receiver and also returns kicks. Thorne Rose, and All-Conference linebacker, will see time at RB. All-Conference DL Breckin Barclay and LB Zach Resendiz also return. “It’s an interesting situation,” Hoope said. “We had a talented senior group last year … we’ll be a junior-heavy team (this year).” That might not be a bad thing, Hoope noted that the JV squad hasn’t lost a game in two years.

BEAR LAKE BEARS

Coach: Houston Reynolds, fifth season

Last season: 1-6, 0-2

Impact players: Brox Birch, sr., TE/LB; Tyken Carlisle, sr., RB/LB; Dax Perkins, jr., QB.

Notes: The Bears won a state title in 2022 as a 2A team, but now look to be competitive in the 4A District 5 conference that just got better with the addition of Preston. QB Dax Perkins is back after earning an Honorable Mention nod last season as a sophomore. He’ll have tight end Brox Birch and WR Tate Ewing to throw to, with running back Tyken Carlisle taking care of the running game. Defensively, Birch and Carlisle anchor the linebackers, with Ewing back as an All-Conference DB.