High school football: Riverton returns an experienced squad

RIVERTON — Realistically, expectations have probably never been higher for a Riverton High football team.

Not only have the Silverwolves recorded three consecutive winning seasons, but 17 starters off last year's 6-5 squad are back.

Yup, 17.

For a program that's looking to win a playoff football game for the first time in school history, many believe this could be the year that sees the Silverwolves break through and make their mark on the rest of the state.

"I lived in Riverton for 14 years, and I know the kids they have. They're gonna be very competitive," said Bingham coach Dave Peck. "I know they think this is probably the best team they've ever had. I think coach (Mike) Miller does a real nice job with the kids."

There are clearly other things in play, but those 17 returning starters have certainly helped engender the lofty expectations at Riverton High. Seniors have typically dominated Riverton's varsity football squads since Miller became the head coach in 2004, but that wasn't the case a season ago.

"It wasn't a conscious effort" to start lots of juniors last year, said Miller. "We did have quite a few seniors — we only ended up starting six of them — but it's because the underclassmen just took their spots. We've still got a long ways to go, but it's gonna be fun for me and interesting to see how this group of kids react to really having two years of varsity experience."

Seeing whether those guys can utilize that experience to help Riverton reach the next level will obviously be fascinating to watch, but regardless of how this season unfolds on the field, Miller says he's extremely happy with the state of his program as he enters his fifth year at Riverton High.

"As a program I think we've progressed and gotten better," said Miller, "and I think we're at a point where I wanted to be in five years . . . I think people are seeing what's happening on the field, but I think good things are happening in this program off the field, too."

To that end, there's probably not a better embodiment of that in one individual player than in senior Matt Aston.

A three-year starter at outside linebacker, Miller has loved everything about Aston's presence in his program — both on and off the field.

"He's a great character kid," said Miller. "He's one of those kids in school that could be an elitist . . . but he's just an extremely humble kid. And he's intense and he's a competitive fool. That's what makes him great.