Independents: Wallace coach Jared Young ushers in new era

Jared Young is just the third coach in four decades at Wallace.

He follows in the big steps of Dave Rounds, who followed in the big shadow of Norm Walker.

Rounds retired last spring, opening the door for Young.

He inherits a team that returns three starters on both sides of the ball.

“We will be a young team with a new offensive line,” Young said. “All three starters from last season are being replaced.”

For the second year, Wallace, a 1A Division I team, is playing an independent schedule. The Miners will have a play-in game to get into a game to decide a playoff berth.

Confusing? Such is the life of an independent school.

Junior quarterback Justin Bayer, a two-year starter, is back. Senior halfback Mitch Millard, first team all-league last year, also returns.

“We will be a good mix of upper class leadership and juniors to help lead a new-look offense that mimics the 11-man game,” Young said. “I expect good things from the new offense and great ability to mix things up on offense. Defensively, the team is picking things up fast. After a great defensive summer camp at Whitworth, they are expected to be tough against the run and look to be much improved in the secondary.”