Ida Blue Streaks 2022 Team Preview

By Frank Vajcner

The Ida Blue Streaks have been one of the more consistent teams on the blog, especially since Jeff Potter has been the head coach. But with the Streaks being light on experience (eight returning lettermen), can the consistency continue?

Head Coach: Jeff Potter (32-18, sixth season)

Assistant Coaches: Dave Potter, Chris Leonard, Zack Johnston, Zach Shopshire, Clay Sampson, Brian Spears

Offense: Despite being light on experience, the good news for the Streaks is the well isn’t dry in terms of skill players returning to their full house T offense. Senior QB Nate Miller (5-11, 155) returns for his third season as the starter. The backfield loses reigning FNV Offensive Player of the Year in Owen Sampson, but returns senior Luke Levicki (6-3, 210). Fellow senior Jaeden Gianino (5-9, 155) will get an opportunity to replace the production of Sampson. At TE, senior Zach Lindsay (6-1, 210) returns, but the real headline at the position is the return of senior Kirby Carsten (6-4, 190). Carsten missed all of last season with a knee injury, but showed that he can be a red zone threat in his sophomore season.

The line will have new faces across the board. Potter mentioned Jeremiah Hoffman as one to watch there.

Defense: The strength of the defense will be in the linebacking corps with Levicki, Lindsay, and Hoffman. Gianino returns at defensive back, along with Carsten and Miller. Gavin Borton will be another name to watch in the secondary.

Coach’s Outlook: Our schedule is challenging right from the start, but I am excited to see how we compete.  We need to execute on offense and control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.  We will have a few growing pains in some areas, but I expect us to improve each week.   How quickly we improve will be a factor in us having success.  

Hudson is a perennial power and returns a lot from last year’s state championship team.  Clinton will return a solid team and will be big, strong, and physical.  We are going to compete every week and see where that takes us.  Our seniors will be counted on to step up and lead our underclassmen.

Scrimmage: August 18 at Ida

FNV Outlook: We won’t have to wait very long to see how well Ida will fair, as they will face three straight playoff teams, with two on the road, in Weeks 2-4. How quick can young offensive and defensive lines grow up and gel? If the trenches can solidify, this can be a team that will go on a run into November.