DECLO, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) – The Declo Hornets had a blemish on their record heading into the 2023 season.

Despite an undefeated regular season that included a conference title over rivals and two dominant playoff victories, Declo fell to West Side in the state championship.

The Hornets have graduated seven alumni from the state finalists’ team, but they are more determined than ever to return to the title game and avenge their loss.

We will see a rematch between the two on September 27th as the Hornets have joined the 3A South East Idaho Conference.

New head coach Rhett Jones knows what challenge awaits his team to get back to the title game.

“That feeling of ‘Hey, you did all this great stuff, you went 11-0 and made it to the big game, but at the end of the day you lost your last game,'” Jones told KMVT. “These seniors are really hungry and want to be in that situation again. They know how much work it takes to get there and are doing some things differently so we can make it to the top this time.”

Declo beat Grangeville and Melba by a combined score of 75-30, but lost to West Side 41-13 in the title game.

The Hornets beat them 27-26 earlier in the season.

Delco returns nine seniors in 2024, including leaders Gavin Rasmussen and Keston Koyle.

The two know that last year’s title game left a bitter taste in this team’s mouth and will use that as motivation throughout the season.

“Last year’s state championship loss will give us the mentality we need to get through anything,” said wide receiver/defensive back Gavin Rasmussen. “We may lose some games, but our goal is to win the state championship this year.”

Running back/linebacker Keston Koyle repeated the statement.

“All of us seniors this year are coming back to do it,” Koyle said. “We always talk to each other, support each other and don’t fight on the field. We’re going to keep it simple and win this year.”

Senior Hayden Thaxton will play quarterback for the Hornets in 2024.

“He’s taken it upon himself to step up and establish himself as a starter,” Jones said. “It’s nice to see a senior step up and take it.”

Declo faces its first challenge for the title on Friday night when the team travels to Teton to compete at 7 p.m.

All rights reserved.