By Frank Vajcner
There is a lot of hype around the Ida Blue Streaks this season. And rightfully so, given that nine starters return to the offense and seven to the defense. Could it lead to the deepest postseason run and finish in the LCAA since 2016?
2023 Record: 5-5. Qualified for the postseason for the 11th time in the last 13 seasons.
Head Coach: Jeff Potter is 41-29 in his eighth season as a head coach, all with the Blue Streaks.
Assistants: Dave Potter, Chris Leonard, Zack Johnston, Zac Shopshire, Clay Sampson, Zack Stein, Andy Green
RETURNING STARTERS
Offense: Jackson Wertenberger (OL), Alex Green (OL), Cameron Satkowski (OL), Dean Thomas (RB), Gavin Albring (RB), Wyatt Dirkmaat (RB), Jacob Towne (TE), Kaden Gerth (TE), Owen Snyder (QB)
Defense: Alex Green (DL), Jackson Wertenberger (DL), Jeremiah Hoffman (LB), Dylan Jarrett (LB), Kaden Gerth (LB), Dean Thomas (DB), Gavin Albring (DB)
Impact Players
1. Jackson Wertenberger, 6-4, 300, senior, OL / DL: Jackson had an outstanding junior season and continues to improve his strength and agility. He will be a force on the offensive line and be improved defensively. Jackson has taken on a leadership role in the off season to push himself and his teammates. Named to the preseason Division 6 All-State First Team by The Big Madonski.
2. Dean Thomas, 5-10, 170, senior, RB / DB: Dean had some huge games last season, but needs to be more consistent each week. He has improved his speed and strength and is deceptively quick. He also will play a prominent role in the secondary as a solid cover corner.
3. Cameron Satkowski, 5-10, 235, senior, OL/DL: Cam moves from starting at center to tackle. He is quick off the ball while being stout and strong. He has progressed exceptionally well at tackle in the early going.
4. Gavin Albring, 6-1, 165, junior, RB / DB: Gavin is one of the fastest players on the team and he has very good hands. He plays both the run and pass well in the secondary, and he is a very capable runner in the backfield.
5. Jeremiah Hoffman, 5-11, 205, senior, RB / LB: Jerry played one quarter of football last season due to an injury. He has come back bigger and stronger and more determined. Jerry is one of our hardest workers and leads by example. He will play sideline to sideline at linebacker.
Newcomers to Watch
Alex Abram (OL/DL): A solid blocker with good technique.
Wade Morrison (OL/DL): Much bigger and stronger after the offseason.
Notable: Assistant coach Zach Stein returns to his alma mater after coaching for three seasons at Allendale.
Coach’s Outlook:
The players have committed to the weight room in the off season. They compete and push each other to be the best version of themselves. We will lean on our seniors to lead us this season. I am excited to see what this group can accomplish.
FNV Outlook: Those who have followed the blog since I came on board have known me to temper my expectations with my alma mater. Keeping things in perspective, I genuinely believe that this could be the best Ida team since 2015 and 2016. A parallel I see to those teams and this one is an elite offensive line and running game that is a non-negotiable. Another is a defensive line with a lot of depth coupled with strong linebacker play.
We won’t have to wait long to see where Ida will be, as they welcome Whiteford in Week 2. LCAA road tests against Hudson and Clinton will show what the Streaks are made of. Getting a split would do wonders, but winning both would mean that this team is special.
Offense running NASCAR fast!!!! Yeeehawwwww!
Both Smcc and Ida looked good, Ida did get stopped on a possession. Smcc scored on all there possessions.. that was the only difference.
This is correct.
Ida went 4 and out on the 1st possession, then scored on the next 3.
SMCC went 3 for 3.
Definitely a battle of two titans tonight. I believe cc and Ida both scored 3 touchdowns and ended with a tie. Ida seemed to do better driving the ball downfield while cc relied on their QB for a few nice passes and rushes. Great football all around, good luck to these 2 teams!
I saw it exactly opposite. Ida had the big plays. And CC drove it methodically.
Anyway, it was 3-3. 2 good teams.
You could be right Gary, I was trying to multitask and took in as much as I could, so I missed a lot. But yes 2 great teams were out there. Saw a couple injuries, hopefully nothing serious. It would be great to see these schools play a real game.
Gary,
Take off the Falcon blinders bro… the only negative play the streaks had was a botched qb sweep. Most of the second and thirds were in for Ida after the first few plays. Where the SMCC starters played most of the scrimmage. On avg the IDA offense was probably at 5-6 yards per play.
Smcc scored on two pass plays against IDA backups.
Do think SMCC is better than last year. But fail to see how they even come in the top three vs the Huron league this year.
Peter,
Not sure what you are replying to or referring to.
I saw both teams subbing. I know SMCC did nearly every play.
I dont pay much attention to 1st or 2nd string. Mainly because I have no idea who is who.
Without jersey numbers, its hard to tell who is out there.
I think both Ida and SMCC will have fine seasons.
LOL K
SMCC subbed nonstop, as did Ida. I’m wondering how you know who SMCC’s first string was when the parents of the players couldn’t tell and never saw the first string in full? Ida scored twice on SMCC when most starters were not in. Safe to say both teams were good, subbed a ton, and were not full strength.
Is it true they grow potato in Ida?
Not that I’m aware of
How did the scrimmage go between CC and ida tonight?
I agree this will be the best Ida team we have seen in almost a decade. They could even be better up front than the 15-16 groups although they do not have an Eric Bugg waiting to take a handoff. Ida was on the verge of being really good last year before the injury bug bit them. We should get an idea of how good they are on Scrimmage Thursday when they pair up with SMCC who is also suppose to be better this year. I can see Ida winning a district title before battling Warren Collegiate or Jackson Lumen Christi who would be the state championship test for D6. Best of luck to Coach Potter and the Blue Streaks this year from a former Viking!