2025 in review:
- 7-4, 2-2 in 3A South East Idaho Conference
- Lost 14-8 to Ririe in Class 3A state semifinals
Coach’s resume:
- Head coach: Derek Jolley, 3rd season
- Overall record: 16-6
- Assistant coaches: Jared Reed, Braden Driscoll, CJ Harris, Vince King, Mitchell Spence, Joey Farrens, Cesar Cerna, Alex Cerna
Returning starters:
- 6 offense
- 6 defense
A one-yard goal-line stand. That’s how close Aberdeen came to playing for a state championship last season.
“It was one of those where anytime you have close games like that, you’re always going to have the ‘if I had this back, if I had that back,’” Aberdeen head coach Derek Jolley said of the 14-8 semifinal loss to Ririe. “But that’s not how it works. You just play for how it is, and you hope you learn and get better.”
Aberdeen still made back-to-back semifinal appearances for the first time in nine years. The Tigers have also been among the final four teams at state in three of the last four years.
“It’s been a lot of work — a lot of buy-in and effort from our kids over the years, from our coaching staff, and even the town getting behind them,” Jolley said. “It’s a pretty awesome feeling.”
So how do they take the next step?
“Honestly, it’s not something we can totally control, but if we can figure out how to stay healthy, that would be a big help,” Jolley said. “We’re going to be mid-30s at best for our numbers across all four grades, so it takes a pretty good drop if a few guys get banged up. If we can find a way to keep the right guys healthy late in the year, that would be a big deal.”
Those key guys start with senior Isaac Driscoll. He replaces two-time all-state quarterback Lupe Ortiz under center. But Driscoll isn’t unfamiliar with the pressure — he stepped in for an injured Ortiz during last year’s playoff run, playing extended snaps in the semifinal loss to Ririe after battling back from a broken wrist of his own.
“He’s a different kid than Lupe — doesn’t have the same skill set, but he offers a few other things,” Jolley said. “He’s taller, it’s easier for him to see the field and throw the ball. He runs hard and downhill. Probably the thing he most resembles Lupe in is his leadership. He shows up, he works hard, and the other kids respect that.”
Protecting him will be seniors Jake Harris and Aksel Rodriguez, the anchors of the offensive line. Senior center John McGraw, a third-year starter, rounds out the offensive front.
“They’re hard-nosed, tough kids,” Jolley said. “They like to hit, they like to mix it up. They lead that group — they know what’s going on, and they’ve been a good example as far as work ethic and being physical.”
Senior Adan Valdez moves from outside linebacker to fullback, a position Jolley believes will benefit from his versatility.
“He’s very strong, very physical, and he brings a little more versatility,” Jolley said. “He could line up in the backfield and carry the ball too.”
The Tigers will again rotate four tailbacks — seniors Erik Alvarez and Jeremy Partida, plus juniors Treyton Jenkins and Max Klassen — each bringing something different to the backfield.
“Jeremy’s a north-south guy, strong for his size. Erik’s got great vision and speed. Max is our burner — dangerous anytime he gets out on the edge. Treyton’s the workhorse, a banger who can take shots over and over,” Jolley said. “I’m excited to have all four back.”
That’s especially true since running the ball is the Tigers’ identity.
“At the core, it’s three yards and a cloud of dust,” Jolley said.
Don’t expect the newfound standard at Aberdeen to change much.
“I don’t think there’s any change in expectation from the coaches or the boys,” Jolley said. “We expect to go out there, win some games and have our name right there in the mix of state championships.”