The Malad Dragon football season isn’t waiting for school to be in full swing before they take to the grid iron for some fall games.  In a preseason game against the American Falls Beavers, the MHS varsity football team found success as they worked out the kinks to begin their 2023 fall season.

In their first Friday night game of the year, the Dragon football team clashed against the Beavers in American Falls on August 18.  The game was a good look to see just where the MHS team is sitting as they start into their fall schedule.  After the game, MHS head coach Coby Crozier was pleased with what he saw on the field and excited to see what the rest of the season will bring.  

The team worked well to execute on both offense and defense, with a few plays standing over the night.  With a little extra footwork, quarterback Braylen Tripp managed a 25 yard scramble for a touchdown and six points on the scoreboard for the Dragons.  Tripp also brought out a fake punt pass in a crucial moment of the game that allowed for a first down that led to a scoring drive for Malad.  Running back Ryan Hubbard had an additional touchdown after a short four yard to make it across the goal line.  All in all, the offense totaled up 155 yards- 96 yards rushing and 59 yards passing.

The MHS defense stepped up as well, bringing in some big stops to keep the Beavers from moving the chains forward.  Brady Showell was on his game when picked the ball on the American Falls yard line and ran for Dragon territory, until he was stopped at the Malad 30 yard line.  The play was a huge momentum swing, elevating the energy and intensity for the MHS team.  The Dragons pulled out the win as the game came to a close, 12-6.

It’s still early in the season to anticipate how the upcoming weeks will turn out but if this opening game is any indication of how the Dragons will play, it could be a very exciting season.  With both offense and defense starting off with solid and keen play, the MHS football team could have a very promising year.

Soon enough, the schedule will be packed with games of all fall Dragon sports.  The MHS Volleyball team looks to have their opening game Wednesday, August 23 as they play Declo in Declo.  The Lady Dragon Soccer team will host Firth on Wednesday in Malad for their season opening game.  Cross Country will host the Terry Jones Invitational meet in Malad Thursday, August 24.  The football team will travel to Lyman, Wyoming for their next game under the lights Friday, August 25.