CLASS 1A: Versatile Reinke has Thunderbirds looking to rebound
It’s not often a team with the league’s Most Valuable Player at quarterback finishes in the bottom two in the standings.
But that’s exactly what happened to Indian Springs senior Adam Reinke last year. And because of it, he says he has a blueprint for the Thunderbirds’ success in the final season of his prolific high school career.
“Last year, we didn’t focus on the little things,” he said. “This year, we’re going to focus more on the details and make sure we get the little things correct.”
The 6-foot-2-inch signal caller was named Class 1A Southern League MVP last season by league coaches, after he threw for 1,479 yards and 17 touchdowns with only two interceptions.
Reinke also led the Thunderbirds with 401 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, had two TD receptions and notched a team-high 48 tackles as an inside linebacker.
But Indian Springs closed the season on a four-game losing streak, finished 2-6 and missed the playoffs. The Thunderbirds were 1-5 in league play, with the only victory coming against last-place Beatty.
A return to competitiveness starts with Reinke.
“It’s amazing to watch his progress,” coach Sope Faga said of Reinke. “You’re talking about a kid dedicated in the weight room (and) in the classroom. He’s got a big-time arm and upper body.”
Though it’s an uphill climb for quarterbacks in eight-man football to reach the college level, Reinke might have a chance. He has been drawing recruiting interest from Colorado State, Navy, San Diego State and several Ivy League schools, Faga said.
Reinke said he feels even more confident running the Thunderbirds’ spread offense after hours in the weight room and at various combines and passing camps over the summer.
Reinke vows he won’t be the only one improved from last season.
“This team, we’re bigger, faster, stronger at every spot on the field,” he said.
The Thunderbirds also must get better on defense after allowing at least 46 points in six games last season.
Indian Springs returns seven starters on both sides of the ball, including second-team all-league defensive tackle Brandon Pierce, a senior, and playmaking junior receiver Xavier Pena.
A few newcomers could also make a statement for the Thunderbirds, including senior linebacker Josh Swisher, a transfer from Georgia, and freshman two-way lineman Junior Faga.
“We reloaded,” Sope Faga said. “This has been one of the happier times for me going into camp.”
Sope Faga was quick to point out that two-time defending state champion Pahranagat Valley remains the team to beat in 1A, but he feels his team is poised to make a postseason run.
So does his senior leader.
“If we focus on the little things, anything to do with little details, we can compete,” Reinke said.
