Grangeville football coach Jeff Adams is all about the big boys in the trenches.
The Bulldogs are banking on a strong, veteran offensive line to lead them back to the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years.
“Pretty happy with them,” Adams said. “They did a lot in the offseason, more than they have in the past few years. They got in the weight room, worked hard at putting on some muscle and gaining speed. The biggest thing I’ve noticed is that they did it on their own in the offseason, and it shows their dedication.”
The added strength hasn’t just improved the Bulldogs’ physical capabilities, it also boosted their confidence.
“That was the big thing in the weight room — it builds a lot of confidence. It’ll reduce our injuries, but confidence is the main thing,” Adams said. “And that’s what we lacked in my football team. When they take the field in the playoffs, that other team has been in the weight room. We struggled to get any participation, so I’m proud of them.”
Grangeville’s offensive line, which includes three three-year starters, is expected to be the strength of the team. These upperclassmen took some lumps when they were younger but have since grown into their roles.
“They got their butts kicked when they were sophomores,” Adams said “But they did quite a bit of work. Their pass protection is stellar, and we ran the football well. It’s nice to see it come to a head.”
Leading the offensive line are Talum Brown and Beau Bruzas, who have been named team captains. Brown, who plays center, and Bruzas, a guard, both stand at 6-foot and weigh 230 pounds — sizeable for Grangeville where the team’s average weight is usually around 155.
“In our scheme, we have to do a lot of identification presnap, so Brown makes most of the line calls,” Adams said. “Our scheme is not super easy — you have to have the right guys to do it. We’ve added some complex schemes that no one else runs at our level, so it’s a lot more cerebral. If you’re going to have five kids that can figure it out, these are the ones.”
Cooper Poxleitner will be the Bulldogs’ bellcow in the backfield. The senior running back is known for his vision and is tough to bring down. Adams compared the size of his legs to those of legendary Los Angeles Rams tailback Earl Campbell.
At quarterback, the Bulldogs have a dual-threat athlete in senior David Goicoa, who has impressed in the offseason.
“He’s got to be getting close to 6-foot-2,” Adams said. “He’s increased his speed, and is a dual-threat kid.”
Goicoa will likely share snaps at quarterback with sophomore Gage Smith.
“This is the first time, maybe ever, that I’ve had two quality quarterbacks,” Adams said. “We’ll reload at QB next year, and we’re excited about him.”
Smith has turned heads for not only his physical abilities but also for his football IQ. Described by Adams as a “football junky.”
Smith has developed a deep understanding of defensive coverages and schemes, making him one of the most knowledgeable players on the team, according to Adams.
The sophomore is also a whiz in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Physically, he’s already a force at 6-1 and 200 pounds. Smith will contribute mostly on defense this season, particularly on the D-line.
The team faces more uncertainty on that side of the ball. The Bulldogs lost multiple starters on defense and will need to replace key positions. Koby Beach is expected to take over as the leader of the unit at middle linebacker, where the team lacks depth.
“Koby Beach has a great nose for the football,” Adams said. “We’re a little low on linebacker depth, but our secondary should be solid. The defense has more questions than the offense, and it’ll be a learning curve.”
3 things to watch
GRANGEVILLE
COACH — Jeff Adams (seventh season)
LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 4-4 overall, 3-0 in 2A Central Idaho League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — David Goicoa, sr., QB; Cooper Poxleitner, sr., RB; Beau Bruzas, sr., OL/DL; Talum Brown, sr., OL/DL; Troy Benefield, sr., OL/ DL; Tayden Wassmuth, sr., TE Thayn Williams, sr., WR/S.
SCHEDULE
8/30 — at Timberlake
9/6 — vs. Priest River
9/13 — vs. New Plymouth
9/20 — at McCall-Donnelly
9/28 — at West Jefferson
10/4 — at Orofino
10/11 — vs. St. Maries
10/18 — at Kellogg
Pixley may be contacted at (208) 848-2290, tpixley@lmtribune.com or on Twitter @TreebTalks.