As last season ended with a 28-13 loss to Bonneville High School, it was clear that changes were to be made to bring Blackfoot back to its former glory.
First to go was Head Coach Jerod Ackley and soon after, the bringing in of Coach Josh Stewart and Coordinator Jacob Monahan, Blackfoot looked ready to compete once more during the 24-25 season.
Blackfoot is touted as a powerhouse school winning four 5A championships between 2007 and 2012 but after the retirement of Head Coach Stan Buck after the 2011-12 season Blackfoot has been on a decline culminating in the winless season.
In an interview with Coordinator Monahan, he had this to say about some of the challenges he has faced coming here and the changes he has made. He says that the biggest change he made to the team was their mindset. “Instill a belief that we could win, Play more physically, get [physical].”
When asked about what he expected from the team heading into his first year Monahan said, “I expected Blackfoot to be in contention for at least the playoffs, I thought last year was a one-and-done deal.”
Blackfoot is currently 2-2 on the season with a 29-28 nailbiter over non-conference opponent Pocatello.
Blackfoot’s schedule is doing them no favors with a tough week 8 game vs Thunder Ridge. Blackfoot clearly needs a lot to go right for them this season in order to bring back their once sky-high standards, especially from their coaches.