KELLOGG — The Wildcat Football Program may be in a rebuilding year, but that hasn't changed head coach Dan Davidian’s approach to the coming season.  

“Our No. 1 goal is to win the league, and we feel we will compete well in league with a good chance for the playoffs,” Davidian said.  

No matter how you slice it, Kellogg has an uphill climb if they plan to make that goal a reality.  

Last year, the team finished 3-6, with Porter Lewis throwing for 2,000 yards, solidifying himself as the Central Idaho League’s best quarterback, and had the Wildcats a win away from the playoffs.  

Only two of the team’s all-league selections from last year were underclassmen, but only one, AJ Peak, will be suiting up for the Wildcats this year. Peak will be tasked with anchoring a young offensive and defensive line. 

The team was dealt a significant blow over the summer when senior Radley McDonald tore his ACL in late June. McDonald was a CIL first-team wide receiver and was statistically among the state’s best at the position in 2024.  

“Radley being out for the season was a huge loss this year,” Davidian said. “Our numbers aren’t high, but we’re getting quality reps from all our guys. We have a good core group of players.”  

Along with Lewis and Peak, that core includes seniors Andrew Lewis, receivers Draedan Taylor, Preston Graaskamp and Chase Scribner, and transfer lineman Luke Little. However, after that, the Wildcats get really young.

The CIL likely runs through the back-to-back champs from Grangeville, with the Wildcats jockeying for position in a crowded field with St. Maries and Priest River.  

“The league is greatly improved,” Davidian said. “We know the importance of our league games, and they are all going to be tough.”  

Kellogg will get the opportunity to get out in front of the CIL in week 1 when they host the Orofino Maniacs at Teeters Field. 

“As we do every year, we prepare one week at a time,” Davidian said. “Take it one game at a time and compete at a high level in every game.”  

PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATION: The Wildcats didn't do themselves any favors on their schedule. But a 3-1 CIL finish and 4-4 overall record seems very attainable in August. That would probably be enough for them to squeak into the 3A playoffs.