Hasselstrom returns to Prairie sideline

The Prairie High School football team will have a new head coach in 2024, but the face will be a familiar one to the Cottonwood faithful.

Ryan Hasselstrom returns for his third stint as head coach of the Pirates, having most recently led the team during the 2021-22 season.

His return is fueled by the players’ enthusiasm, and with over two decades of coaching experience and three state championships under his belt, Hasselstrom is ready for one final run with his old coaching crew. He takes over for the departed T.T. Cain.

“There was a lot of pressure from the kids, which made it hard to step away,” Hasselstrom said. “Still being around and teaching made it difficult. The position was open, so I got my old coaching crew back together for one last run. We did it for the kids — they wanted us back and to see if we could turn things around.”

The team boasts a mix of experienced players and new faces. Key returners include senior Jake Quintal, who will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines, and Dylan Uhlenkott, who brings speed and toughness to the backfield. Uhlenkott was a standout on the track, finishing third at State in the 200 meters.

“Dylan is extremely hard-nosed,” Hasselstrom said. “He doesn’t have the size we’d like in a tailback, but he was third in the state in the 200-meter dash — he can move. He’s learning that he can’t rely on speed alone; we’re working on his vision and cuts. As the season progresses, he should be solid for us.”

The offensive line, led by Quintal, Carter Shears, and Ashton Martin, is expected to be solid, although they lack size. On defense, Chris Schumacher is set to be a crucial part of the unit, bringing a keen nose for the ball as the middle linebacker.

“We’re not going to be overly big this year,” Hasselstrom said. “But hopefully, we can be disciplined and solid defensively.”

The quarterback position remains uncertain with Levi McElroy and Briggs Rambo competing for the starting role. McElroy, who has experience as the JV quarterback, offers speed and shiftiness, while Rambo, who hasn’t played since his freshman year, brings the advantage of size. The early season will serve as a testing ground for both, with valuable reps helping to determine who will ultimately lead the team.

The skill position group — featuring Levi Gehring, Phil Schwartz, and the newly positioned Matt Wemhoff — is expected to provide solid targets for whoever takes the reins at quarterback. Wemhoff’s move to wide receiver, combined with his speed, should make him a key playmaker.

The Pirates face a tough challenge in the competitive Class 2A Whitepine League, particularly with the addition of Kendrick, the three-time defending Class 1A DII state champions.

“The league power has definitely increased,” Hasselstrom said. “Kendrick has had a phenomenal run the last couple of years. Kendrick steps up the competition, and Logos is getting better every year. It’ll be a tough, competitive league. Clearwater Valley is aggressive and physical, and Potlatch and Kamiah always have good kids.”

3 things to watch

• Ryan Hasselstrom retakes the reins for his third stint as the Praire football coach.
• Dylan Uhlenkott will anchor the backfield and possess “great speed” according to Hasselstrom.
• The quarterback battle is a two-person race between Levi McElroy and Briggs Rambo. McElroy has the experience advantage, but Rambo is larger, according to Hasselstrom.

COACH — Ryan Hasselstrom (first season, 24 years total)

LAST YEAR’S RECORD — 5-3, (4-3 in Whitepine League Division I)

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS — Dylan Uhlenkott, sr., RB/DB; Jake Quintal, sr., OL/DL; Carter Shears, sr., OL/DL; Chris Schumacher, jr., RB/LB; Levi Gehring, RB/LB; Matt Wemhoff, sr., WR/DE.

SCHEDULE

8/30 — at Deary

9/6 — at Valley

9/13 — vs. Lapwai

9/20 — vs. Kamiah

9/27 — at Logos

10/4 — at Clearwater Valley

10/11 — vs. Potlatch

10/18 — at Troy

10/25 — vs. Kendrick

Pixley may be contacted at (208) 848-2290, tpixley@lmtribune.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @TreebTalks.