Photo By Steve Conner - #2 Dallas Hagler
Written By: Sven Alskog
Offense was at a surplus for Middleton last season, with the Vikings putting up 40 points or more on seven occasions, including three over the 50-point threshold.
Since switching to the air raid in 2017, Bill Brock and his team have become one of the more explosive offensive units in the state of Idaho.
Expect that success to continue this year with Second Team All-Conference selection Dallas Hagler back at quarterback and a trio of talented receivers in Jace Rodgers, Cash Cowdery and Miki Ah You leading the way.
Middleton will however need to replace the losses of leading receiver Carson Smith and leading rusher Jake Tuckett. Smith was one of the top receivers in the state last year, hauling in 81 passes and tallying up 22 touchdowns.
Up front, Aaron Drake and Warren Craig have graduated, however University of Washington signee Gaard Memmelaar and fellow seniors Isaac Calhoun and Jayden Mateja should help ensure that the Vikings remain tough to move on the offensive line.
Defensively, Ah You is a team leader from the defensive backfield, with Jake Beitia an anchor from the linebacker spot. The Vikings will again run out of the 3-4 base.
Nik Mips, Nikk Almarez and Jerry Kiser are some names to know in the linebacker unit, with defensive backs Trenton Johansen and Ricky Mayhew and defensive lineman Lucas Bicandi other notable returners.
“The kids have been working hard and very are very excited about the upcoming season,” said Brock. “We must continue to improve and finish strong in all three phases of the game.”
After an appearance in the state quarterfinals a year ago, the expectations are again to make a run in the playoffs with the group that is in place in Middleton. The Vikings will begin their journey on August 30 at Kuna.