St. Maries focused on one of three playoff spots for Central Idaho League

The three Central Idaho League teams are guaranteed state playoff berths in an expanded 16-team format this year.

So St. Maries, 2-7 a year ago, is understandably jacked and the Lumberjacks have yet to play a game.

There is incentive for the league champ, which stays home while the other teams travel in the first round.

Whether St. Maries has enough to challenge perennial power Grangeville and Orofino remains to be seen.

Senior Logan Feasline returns at quarterback. He started four games last year when his brother, Luke, tore an ACL. Senior Isaac Walters and junior Chase Trustcott both started at times at running back.

“This team has a lot of potential,” coach Craig Teft said. “Like any team, depth is always a concern. Last year we had a promising start and then so many things went bad: injuries, athletic code violations and academic casualties. We’re excited right now.”