Skyline Grizzlies prepare for season opener vs. Bonneville Bees

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Skyline Grizzlies football team is preparing for the upcoming season in Idaho Falls following a one-point loss in the state semifinals last year to eventual state champion Bishop Kelley.

Skyline Head Coach Scott Berger is leading the team through several roster changes heading into the new campaign. “Every year is a little different,” Berger said. “We lost a couple of very good football players. But this group has some real good football players.” Berger added that the team is “just excited about starting to play games and seeing where we're at.”

Senior quarterback John Giannini returns to lead the offense and noted that the roster features versatile options across the field despite the departure of key teammates. “We're just ready to start playing games and ready to put it all together and ball out,” Giannini said. “I think that we have a lot of dynamic guys. I think like, no, we don't have Zyan Crockett, but we have guys who spread out the whole field, and I think that will help us.”

Senior tight end and defensive end Dax Clinger will be one of Giannini's targets this season. Clinger explained that the team's current leaders gained valuable experience from previous upperclassmen. “Last year playing with the older guys, we got to learn from them and this summer, just having guys step up and just making it our team,” Clinger said.

Up front, the offensive line features junior Wyatt Cox, who earned first-team all-state honors last season. Cox expressed confidence in the unit's mentality and preparation. “Yeah, we have a lot of guys willing to hit hard, willing to work hard and do what it takes a lot of selflessness and [a lot of guys] just wanting to be a team player,” Cox said.

Junior Sam DeMott plays both receiver and defensive back. DeMott pointed to the defensive line as a primary strength for the defensive unit this year. “Our D line is probably one of the strongest on our defense. And they'll get to the quarterback,” DeMott said.

As a team leader, Giannini added that execution and effort will be crucial for the team's performance. “I want guys to know what they're doing and be able to go 100% effort,” Giannini said. The Skyline Grizzlies open up their season Friday, August 28 against the Bonneville Bees.