KENDRICK - Zane Hobart finds himself in a peculiar situation this season. The third-year Kendrick football coach has a roster devoid of seniors and a new starting quarterback.
The Tigers of Kendrick will also open their season tonight (a day early) against Genesee at the University of Idaho's Kibbie Dome due to the amount of wildfire smoke in the area.
"It definitely throws a little wrench into things," Hobart said. "Not being able to go outside the last couple of days toward our game week - like I was telling the kids, so does everybody else. It just throws a little adversity into these week one games that both teams have to deal with."
If Kendrick can overcome a plethora of adverse situations, the Tigers may be able to improve on their fifth-place finish during last season's Idaho Class 1A Division II state playoffs.
First and foremost among their priorities is replacing quarterback Caleb Olson. Junior Hunter Jones has signed up for that duty. The dual-threat quarterback has a physical running style, but has his coach's confidence to be able to deliver the ball downfield when called upon.
"For him it's just being a smart quarterback," Hobart said. "Physically, he's got the tools to be really successful."
Beyond Jones, the Tigers will need to find leadership and star production out of two other juniors and one sophomore.
Wyatt Hardin, more widely known for his prowess on the hardwood, will bring his 6-foot-6 frame to the grass at defensive end and tight end.
Speaking of height, the Tigers also feature 6-foot-5 Seth Wadsworth and 6-foot-6 Hayden Deeds on the defensive line.
If those guys can keep their pad levels low, Kendrick could have one of the most formidable frontline defenses in the White Star League.
"Teams used to take advantage of us with that height," Hobart said. "It gives littler guys the advantage with underneath guys. We've gotten to grow into our bodies a little bit, we've been preaching with our pad levels."
In terms of leadership, junior Mason Hewett and sophomore Leighton Lunceford will be asked to step up.
Hewett, an offensive lineman, knows the entire playbook.
"He knows every position. He's an on-field leader," Hobart said.
Lunceford will be counted on to become a playmaker out of the backfield.
The White Star League will be in its second year of existence this year, a new iteration of the Whitepine League's Division II.
The additions of Clark Fork, Lakeside and Kootenai give the league two bids to the playoffs, instead of one. (Mullan, which played in the WSL last year, won't field a team this fall.)
Meaning, Kendrick can make a run at State like it did last year even without defeating divisional powerhouse Deary. But toppling the Mustangs would be a boon for the Tigers.
Kendrick hasn't been able to so much as score on the Mustangs over the last two seasons. Still, much like last season, that season finale against Deary is what many believe will decide the league title.
"The kids really look forward to that last game with Deary," Hobart said. "They know how big it is. That Deary game is always on the back on your mind. The kids always look forward to it and so do we as coaches."
