As the 2025 football season kicks off, all non-conference games have concluded, and the outlook is promising. The junior varsity team (2-2) is off to a strong start, while the varsity boys (2-2) have shown resilience against several 6A schools. They held their ground in the preseason jamboree against the Mountain View Mavericks, who are ranked 9th in the state, and the Middleton Vikings, ranked 16th. The Falcons also put up a strong fight against the Borah Lions in their first home game on Sept. 5, narrowly losing in overtime.
With hopes high for this season, we must consider the challenges ahead. Injuries are starting to accumulate, and our rival school, Ridgevue, appears to be improving. There seem to be many challenges waiting for the team in the future, but will these challenges affect us? We interviewed players from both JV and Varsity to see how this season is looking from an inside perspective.
Starting with JV, we interviewed freshman Bechran Anderson and sophomores Matthew Burrell and Sonnie Ruiz. All three agree that this season is going well and they believe that if the team comes together and gives it their all, they will have a very successful rest of the season.
When asked which game this season will be the toughest, all three said Bishop Kelly. Ruiz said that we have lost to BK a lot in the past, so that has brought up some nerves for this upcoming game. They hope to be prepared for the BK game and hopefully make the score close. Although the team has been doing well, they have also had to overcome multiple injuries. The hope is that these players can heal and come back stronger than ever.
Moving on to Varsity, we interviewed sophomore Sawyer Pool, junior Chad Bingham, and senior Shane Osuna. This is varsity’s second year with coach Shea McClellin, a former NFL Linebacker and Boise State graduate. The players who were interviewed mentioned that McClellin knows a lot more about the game and how to train players because of his former NFL experience. They say he coaches and conditions the players just like a college or an NFL team would, and it has helped a lot with the team’s performance. Though just like JV, there have been injuries changing the dynamic of the team. Starting quarterback, junior Eli Daniel, was injured in the first game again Twin Falls, so Osuna has taken over as the Varsity quarterback. Osuna has been giving it his all and has helped put the team back together, giving players hope for the rest of the season.
The team is looking forward to their Homecoming game against Ridgevue next week. Bingham said, “The homecoming game against Ridgevue will have a great atmosphere because it’s a rivalry game.” In Osuna’s words, “we will dominate.”
Though the team is looking great this season, there are still a few complications stopping players from being their best. Pool mentioned that, “The team’s biggest issue right now is on game day, there isn’t enough energy. I think we often have a very slow start getting energy and vibes up.” Another concern was players bringing their drama from their personal lives into the game and not being fully focused on the team.
Overall, both Varsity and JV have been pushing hard and making this season worth it. Players, coaches, and fans are excited to see the outcome of the rest of this 2025 football season. The Falcons will face their district rivals, the Ridgevue Warhawks, next week for Homecoming. Kick off will be 7 p.m. at VHS on Friday, Oct. 3.