Last season: 0-7, last in 1A North Star League

Coaches: Patrick Young (09'), third year; Jesse Raynor, assistant coach; Nick Butler, assistant coach.

Key returners: Mateo Cruz, QB/RB/LB, jr.; Peyton Chapman, HB/DB, jr.; Cameron Stewart, WR/DB, jr.; Thomas Butler, OL/DL, jr.; Peyton Stevens, OL/DL, sr.

Key newcomers: Bode Scarlett, QB/RB, fr.; Westin Caven, RB/DB, sr.; Jason Mayorga, FB/LB, so.; Haylyn Ashford-Brown, UTIL, jr.

Key losses to graduation: Evrett Mongtomery, WR/LB.

Outlook: Last year didn't go quite as expected for the Wampus Cats, who went winless and suffered from both low numbers and the injury bug. The offense was one-dimensional because of this, and defenses were able to focus their attention solely on players like 2024 All-North Star League quarterback Mateo Cruz and current College of Idaho player Evrett Montgomery — that won't be the case whatsoever this season.

Alongside Cruz, a 6-foot-2-inch 200-pound junior, Clark Fork gains a handful of freshmen and three newcomers who are sure to stand out. First, among the returners are junior Peyton Chapman, a running back and defensive back with a knack for making plays. Junior Cameron Stewart, after a setback due an injury last season, is ready to line back up at wideout and serve as an offensive threat. Senior Peyton Stevens and junior Thomas Butler are workhorses on both the offensive and defensive line, with Butler also lining up at fullback here and there.

Among the newcomers are freshman Bode Scarlett. He's a high-IQ player, and once he's comfortable with the playbook, he could take over the quarterback position full-time. This would allow Clark Fork to expand its options even more. Sophomore Jason Mayorga, standing at 6-foot-2-inches and 200 pounds, joins the squad as does senior cross country, track & field and basketball standout Westin Caven. The two will certainly be an integral part of both the offensive and defensive schemes. 6-foot 3-inch junior Haylyn Ashford-Brown will also be in the mix.

With 15 players set to be on the roster this year, double the amount of healthy players at some points mid-season last year, there is a renewed sense of optimism within the program. Third-year head coach Patrick Young is changing the culture of Wampus Cat football and is ready to flip the script in 2025.

Coach's comments: "We had a parent at our first practice, and he said it was the first time in three years that every kid went through the practice, worked hard, and there was no complaining. That's the culture we're trying to ingrain here. It takes hard work to get anywhere in life." - Coach Patrick Young

About the season ahead: "The only direction to head is up. With this group, there is a lot of talent and we could shock some people. If we can stick to our game plan, the Jimmy's and Joe's not X's and O's, we'll do well. We're going to be very physical; we have lots of size at every position and we have speed." - Coach Patrick Young

About the winning formula: "We're going to bore teams by controlling the ball and running the clock — all I want is three yards a carry. We're going to make teams commit to stopping our run." - Coach Patrick Young

About the offseason excitement: "We had a great turnout for our summer program. When it's more athletes than the amount you had at any point last season, that's big time... I believe it's all going to come together." - Coach Patrick Young 

Player comments: "I want to help out the team in any way I can and will play any position. The bond that we have is special. No matter what, we're always going to back each other up." - Peyton Chapman

"I'm excited to lead the new guys. I like how we are always working together as one, strong unit. I think this team is a lot more capable of winning than we were last year." - Mateo Cruz

"I'm very excited for the year to come; it's a great group to be with. These guys all work hard, push hard in practice, and it's going to show in games. I know that wherever I play, I'll have guys that can back me up. We all want each other to succeed." - Bode Scarlett

Most anticipated matchup: Lakeside

Fun fact: Clark Fork and Sho-Ban, located north of Pocatello in Fort Hall, will face off against each other for the first time in recorded history on Sept. 6. 

Clark Fork Football Schedule

8/23 — vs. Lakeside, 6 p.m.

8/29 — @ Coeur du Christ, 7 p.m.

9/6 — vs. Shoshone-Bannock (in Hamilton, Mont.), TBD

9/12 — @ Wallace, 7 p.m.

10/4 — vs. Lewis County, 2 p.m.

10/10 — vs. Wallace, 7 p.m.

10/17 — @ Lakeside, 7 p.m.

10/24 — vs. Coeur du Christ, 7 p.m.

* Schedule as of 8/20, dates and times subject to change

2024 RESULTS

8/30 — vs. Lakeside L 54-6

9/6 — vs. Wallace L 60-36

9/20 — vs. Coeur du Christ L 54-26

10/5 — @ Lewis County L 14-0

10/11 — @ Wallace L/FF 40-6

10/18 — @ Lakeside L/FF 7-0

10/25 — @ Coeur du Christ L 54-28

    Clark Fork High junior quarterback Mateo Cruz rises and releases a pass during a non-league game against Lewis County last season.