TEAM FACTS

Coach: Scott Wooldridge, sixth season, 31-20

Last year: 5-4 overall, 4-3 4A SIC

Postseason: Did not qualify for playoffs

Stadium: Bulldog Bowl, Nampa

Streak ends: Last season was the first time since 2007 that the Bulldogs have missed the playoffs, even though it was by the slimmest of margins. Nampa should have a good chance of returning to the playoffs this season, as three of its last four games are at home.

SCOUTING REPORT

OFFENSE

Many weapons return from the 4A SIC’s second-ranked offense, which produced an average of 26.1 points and 225.8 rushing yards per game. The backfield will be among the league’s best with the help of speedy returners Devan Lesley (RB) and Josh Bostrom (QB) running the zone read. Coach Scott Wooldridge said he isn’t satisfied with running the ball and plans to stress the value of establishing the pass to become a multi-dimensional unit.

DEFENSE

The 3-5-3 defense should pose problems for opposing offenses as it did in 2010. Nampa owned the second-best defense in the 4A SIC, limiting opponents to an average of 232.1 yards per game, while allowing 20.2 points. However, Nampa will need to improve on its sixth-ranked pass defense if it wants to contend for a playoff berth.

OVERVIEW

Nampa may be the dark horse in the 4A SIC with 13 lettermen returning from a team that narrowly missed the playoffs last season. The Bulldogs were on the wrong end of some close games in 2010 — a trend they hope to flip this year in order to reach their goal of playing football in November.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Devan Lesley

RB

Last year’s 4A SIC top rusher (126 carries, 988 yards, 10 TDs) will grab the attention of defensive coordinators. “He’s a good, hard runner,” said coach Scott Wooldridge of the 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior. “We’ve been fortunate since I’ve been here to have such a good stable of backs.”

Josh Bostrom

QB/FS

Joining Lesley in an experienced backfield is the 5-11, 180-pound senior, who will take over under center. As an H-back in 2010, Bostrom rushed 30 times for 290 yards and one TD, while catching 24 passes for 343 yards and four TDs. His passing consistently improved this summer, Wooldridge said.

Larry Hunsinger

LB

The 6-0, 190-pound senior returns for a defense that ranked second in the 4A SIC, allowing 88.7 rushing yards per game. He had three sacks in 2010 and is expected to make an impact on every down he’s on the field. “He comes from a good family and has a nose for the ball,” Wooldridge said.

J.W. Pierson

OL

Pierson will protect Bostrom’s left side at tackle after gaining 25 pounds during wrestling season to reach 240. At 6-5, the senior and two-year starter anchors a line that will be asked to create holes for their athletic runners. Wooldridge also is considering lining Pierson up at defensive end.