CFHS football looks to replace two superstars

Clark Fork High School athletics are going to have a hard time replacing two kids who were seemingly the face of the Wampus Cats over the last four years.

Sam Barnett and Carter Sanroman concluded their high school careers in 2021, and the football team will be the first to search for a new identity at Clark Fork High School.

“They have some pretty big shoes to fill around here,” Clark Fork football coach Brian Arthun said. “However, we’ll have six offensive starters coming back and we’ll have some pretty good depth.”

22 players came out to play football for the Wampus Cats, which is a huge number for a team inside the 1A DII.

“This is one of the biggest teams we’ve ever had,” Arthun said. “We should be able to play a full JV schedule again.”

Clark Fork finished last year 6-2 overall, with both of its losses coming to eventual North Star League champion Mullan.

“Mullan is going to be really solid again this year,” Arthun said. “They’ve won the league back-to-back years. We have to get things in-line right away in order to compete with them.”

The first order of business for Clark Fork will be nailing down who its signal-caller will be in 2022.

Arthun announced that he will open up a quarterback competition this year; it will be a battle between last year's quarterback, Ethan Howard, and Carter Sanroman’s younger brother, Chase.

“Both of them do different things exceptionally well,” Arthun said. “(Ethan) is more of your traditional pocket passer with a strong arm. Whereas (Chase) gives us more of a dual threat option and is more dynamic as a runner.”

Whoever lines up under center for the Wampus Cats will have a sizable and experienced offensive line to protect them.

All three of the Wampus Cats’ offensive linemen will be back this year, including senior captain Nathan Shelton.

“(Nathan) makes all the line calls and plays defensive end for us,” Arthun said. “He is extremely knowledgeable about the game and is the old-school kind of player that you really want on your team.”

The quarterback position isn’t the only position battle that Arthun is going to keep an eye on during camp; in fact, during the Wampus Cats’ first practice on Monday, Aug. 8, he made it clear every position was up for grabs.

“The biggest thing that I’ve been preaching to the boys is competition,” Arthun said. “Everyone is competing for a starting spot. From quarterback, to tailback, fullback, and lineman, it’s all open. We’re going to evaluate them day-to-day and make the determination.”

With a larger number on the roster as well, it gives kids opportunities to take a breath during a game.

“It’ll be nice to have all this depth,” Arthun said. “Some of them can just play offense and some of them can just play defense and you don’t really get that much at the eight-man level.”

Barnett, who was a two-way starter last year for the Wampus Cats at wide receiver and defensive back, will clearly be a huge hole to fill.

However, after doing some fitness testing, the skill positions seem to be where Clark Fork is the deepest.

“Some of our defensive backs can play safety or outside linebacker,” Arthun said. “We do have some guys that can run and catch the ball extremely well.”

As of now, Arthun has only seen his players in shorts and helmets and says that when they put on the pads, it’ll separate who will see playing time and who will be on the bench.

“I’m really excited to see them in pads,” Arthun said. “A lot of times these kids come out and look good in shorts, but when they put the pads on it’s a completely different story.”

As for replacing all-state running back Sanroman, Arthun is expecting a lot from senior Antonio Mayorga.

“Last year he was the thunder to Carter’s lighting,” he said. “He’s the power back that’s harder to bring down, especially if you arm tackle him. I’m expecting big things from him on the field and as a team leader.”

Arthun has high expectations for his team, but is aware of the difficult schedule that the Wampus Cats have been dealt with.

They’ll have to face off against Mullan two times and will face off against second-year program Logos.

“It’ll be really imperative for us to get to work and stay motivated,” Arthun said. “We’re going up against some strong competition and we need to stay healthy.”

The Wampus Cats will open up its season against Lakeside on Friday, Aug. 26.