All-American Cleaning & Restoration Athlete of the Week – Briggs Esplin – September 3rd, 2026

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – Blackfoot High School wide receiver and safety Briggs Esplin helped guide the Broncos to a 2-0 record to start the football season with a 41-13 victory over Century. During the win, the senior scored two receiving touchdowns and added one rushing touchdown. He is our All-American Cleaning and Restoration Athlete of the Week.

The victory over Century followed a 7-6 win over Shelley in Week 0. Blackfoot Head Coach Josh Stewart commended Esplin's consistent performance and dedication to the team. “He's a hard worker, and he's obviously super talented,” Stewart said. Esplin attributed the team's offensive output against Century to strong preparation. “[We] came out and executed what we were supposed to do, and I think that got us going,” Esplin said.

Blackfoot players vote for team captains before each game, and Esplin has earned the honor for both contests to open the season. Stewart described Esplin as a leader who sets an example through his work ethic rather than vocal confrontation. “He's not going to be one to grab you by the facemask and get in your face. But [his teammates] see that he's, like, the first one on our drills and, he works really hard in the weight room,” Stewart said. “We vote for captains each game. So far, he's gotten voted both times. So that shows what his teammates think about him.”

Esplin credited former upperclassmen and family members with demonstrating how to lead a team. He noted that playing alongside his older brother Cade Esplin last season helped shape his approach on the field. “Having some great upperclassmen that kind of took me under their wing just to show me what it was like to be a captain and to just be a leader,” Esplin said. “Especially last year, having an older brother in his senior year, and just being able to go out and play with him.”

In addition to his offensive duties, the Blackfoot coaching staff asked Esplin to expand his role this season by playing safety on defense. Esplin spent the summer attending workouts to master the defensive position. “Something different than last year. We're asking him to play defense for us, too. So I'd just like to see him continue to grow and develop on that side of the ball,” Stewart said.

As a senior, Esplin aims to maintain high standards for himself and his teammates throughout the remainder of the season. “I just go out there and I push myself, and it shows the other people what they're supposed to do... I just want to play hard, do what I'm supposed to do every game. I want to leave it all out there for my senior year,” Esplin said.

Esplin expressed optimism about the team's overall trajectory as the season moves forward. “Yeah, I think we're definitely a state contending team, and we're going to be good this year,” Esplin said.