Boyle is only the third new Broncos football coach in 35 years
Jay Boyle becomes the 20th head football coach in International Falls history tonight to lead his team onto the field.
Just don’t think the style of play will look much different then it has over the past 35 seasons.
Boyle had been an assistant coach under Stuart Nordquist over the past two seasons, but immediately became the favorite for the head job when Nordquist, who started in 1974, stepped down Aug. 4 due to a back injury. Boyle also played four years under the long-time coach, so the transition from mentor to protege has gone smoothly.
“This year there’s a lot that’s stayed the same with the short transition time,” Boyle said. “We just moved right in, tried not to let any road bumps stop us. The first day of practice we were ready to go. As far as the kids were concerned we got out there and were ready to play football.”
Boyle also kept two assistant coaches — Nick Schoenecker and Roger Jerome — and added another Bronco graduate to the coaching staff in Luke Zika. Glen Anderson most recently came on to fill the vacancy created when Boyle moved from assistant to head coach.
“What I know we will do is we’re going to be prepared and we’re going to come out and hit and I truly believe we’re going to come out and play Bronco football this year,” Boyle said.
And they’ll finally get to start tonight at home against Virginia, who crushed Eveleth-Gilbert 46-8 last Friday on opening weekend.
The Falls, who finished 2-9 last season, didn’t have a game on opening weekend this year because they couldn’t find a team to play. Last season, the Broncos thought they had a forfeit victory over Fort Frances on opening weekend, but a ruling by the Minnesota State High School League took it away and gave the Broncos a forfeit loss to Duluth Central, who they were originally suppose to play. The Broncos haven’t found an opponent since.
“We tried very hard to fill our schedule,” said Falls athletic/activities director Don Rolando. “We just couldn’t find an opponent.”
Well now the opponent is Virginia, and Boyle’s top-loaded team will be tested early.
“We’re a little short on guys,” said senior captain Kyle Hell. “We don’t have much size, but we have some speed. We’re going to be fast.”
The offense returns eight players who sport quality varsity experience, but the Broncos lack depth and must avoid serious injuries. They’ve already taken one shot to the chops when junior Ames Bryant was lost for the season with a broken right leg that required eight screws and a plate.
“It’s never good to lose a player, especially one that’s worked as hard as Ames has,” Boyle said. “But we have to move on and someone has to step up. That’s how the game works.”
And even with the loss of Bryant, the offensive and defensive lines look to lead the way. Blake Museta is back after taking his junior season off, while Philip Ruelle, Lucas Ettestad, Ethan Johns and Kyle Hell all have experience. Ryan Tomevi — the new starting quarterback — has little experience, but he doesn’t lack any confidence and believes in Boyle.
“He’s a smart man,” Tomevi said.
Tim Myles Jr. also returns and will move into a running back role after spending most of last season on the outside as a receiver. He broke the school’s single-game mark for receptions in one game last year with nine against Cloquet, and he sits only 12 catches away from second place on the all-time list.
“As long as nobody else gets hurt, we’ll be fine,” Myles said.
“Everybody’s going to have to chip in,” Hell added.
The 2009 Broncos will feature a changing of the guard-type season with only its third new coach in 35 years. But Boyle has brought plenty of energy and has allowed for a smooth transition with his knowledge of the system.
Then there’s one more thing.
“I’ve grown up in a football family,” he said. “I love the game and I’m thrilled to be back here coaching.”
The Broncos kickoff the season tonight at 7 p.m.
2009 Broncos Football Schedule
Date Opponent Time
Sept. 11 HOME vs. Virginia 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 at Hermantown 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 HOME vs. Ashland 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 HOME vs. Eveleth-Gilbert 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 at Proctor 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 HOME vs. Hibbing 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 at Cloquet 7 p.m.
Oct. 27 Quarterfinals of Section 7AAA Tournament
Oct. 31 Semifinals of Section 7AAA Tournament
Nov. 6 Finals of Section 7AAA Tournament
