Sports Line High School Football Preview Series: Blackfoot Broncos

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) - In an overall up-and-down campaign, the Blackfoot Broncos nearly made it to the state championship game last season, but a Sandpoint two-point conversion eliminated Blackfoot in the semifinals.

For Head Coach Jerrod Ackley and the Broncos, that loss has stirred up plenty of motivation for 2022.

"There's a lot of fuel for our fire," Ackley said. "We had several games that were just a point away, and all those opportunities are chances to learn and grow and get better.

"We've been talking a lot about plus one. Every little detail is what matters in a football game. Plus one kind of falls in line with a lot of things. What can each of us do to close that gap? What can we do collectively as a team to close that gap? And then ultimately, if we work one step at a time, we can change those scores and tilt the table in our direction."

The Broncos also return key players from last season's squad, including all-state receiver Javonte King, as well as Austin Ramirez and Deegan Hale.

"Everyone knows about Javonte King," Ackley said. "Austin Ramirez is a super tough, gritty football player, a great leader. Deegan Hale is a returning All-State caliber player. We just have a wealth of experience at several positions, so we're really excited about our seniors."

But to get back to the semifinals and finish the job this year, they'll have to go through a gauntlet of a schedule that includes 4A High Country conference opponents such as the back-to-back state champion Skyline Grizzlies.

"We really believe that southeastern Idaho football, the High Country Conference, is the best football in 4A," Ackley said. "It just sharpens the sword, if you use a cliche. There's not a single conference team that is going to be a pushover game."

Blackfoot starts its season Fri. Aug. 26th at Emmett in a non-conference 4A showdown.

The Preview Series continues Wednesday with the Idaho Falls Tigers.