TEAM FACTS

Coach: Rusty Frisch, second season, 1-8

Last year: 1-8 overall, 0-7 4A SIC

Postseason: Did not qualify for playoffs

Stadium: Kuna High School Stadium

Homestretch hope: Kuna’s last playoff appearance was in 2007, when it lost in the first round. The Kavemen will be tested early when they open 4A SIC play the second week of the season against conference favorite Skyview. The light at the end of the tunnel is three of the last four games are at home.

SCOUTING REPORT

OFFENSE

Kenny Berger’s transition to full-time starter is the story to watch for the Kavemen offense. “He will have a good core of skilled position players around him to carry the load,” coach Rusty Frisch said. With depth at running back and another year in the coach’s system, Kuna’s offensive numbers should improve from last year’s cellar-dwelling 4A SIC stats. RB Daegon Bowman, a senior, returns after averaging 10.2 yards per carry on 15 attempts.

DEFENSE

The 2010 defense gave up 39.7 points and 428.4 yards per game. The Kavemen are counting on their 4-3 scheme to mend last year’s numbers along with the return of four lettermen.

OVERVIEW

Since advancing to the state playoffs in 2007, Kuna has won four games. Statistically, things couldn’t have been much worse in 2010, and the Kavemen are looking to turn things around by focusing on the trenches. “Our offensive and defensive lines will need to step up to the challenge and continue to improve,” Frisch said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kenny Berger

QB

Kuna’s new starting quarterback worked hard preparing to lead the offense and impressed the coaching staff with his improvement. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound senior did see some action last year, completing 13-of-39 passes for 191 yards and three TDs with two interceptions.

Dylan Kerbs

CB/WR

Kerbs isn’t the biggest defensive back in the league, but coaches say he has a good understanding of the game. “He is a very smart player and is always in great position,” coach Rusty Frisch said. Kerbs is well-suited for a position that demands proper technique and knowledge.

Chad Milburn

LB/RB

The 6-0, 190-pounder enters his senior season leading a Kavemen defense that is eager to erase last season’s 1-8 performance. “He has great natural instincts with great lateral speed,” Frisch said of the two-way starter and power runner. “He has a wonderful sense of the game.”

Chris Millspaugh

RB

The diminutive back excels on the perimeter and is more elusive than his backfield counterparts. The 5-6, 155-pounder rushed for 137 yards on 21 carries with two touchdowns in 2010 and also is a receiving threat. Although he only had three catches, he averaged 18 yards per reception.