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Something that first-time readers of the Idaho8Man “3 Stars” should know: there’s no magic criteria that automatically means Player X will be honored. It’s a bit of an intentional floating target – the goal is to recognize many kids and teams, not just a few.

1. Bridger Hatch, North Gem
One of the most productive players in 1A Division 2, Hatch totaled 230 rushing yards and six touchdowns on just ten carries on Friday afternoon for the Cowboys (4-1) in a win over Challis.

2. Junior Benites, Murtaugh
After back-to-back tough losses, Murtaugh (4-2) needed to get back on track and Benites delivered with 288 rushing yards, 61 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns in an important win over Lighthouse Christian.

3. Mason Brown, Lapwai
With a matchup against perennial power Prairie looming, Brown and the Wildcats (4-1) avoided a slip-up against a tough Clearwater Valley team. Brown ran for 178 yards and three scores, one of which covered 99 yards.

Honorable Mention
Tyson Tucker (Potlatch)
Alex Murrillo (Raft River)
Kaelun Jones (Horseshoe Bend)
Gus Black (Rimrock)
Carter Sanroman (Clark Fork)
Jaden Pitcher (Grace)
Teague Matthews (Rockland)
Elijah Martin (Notus)
Moises Perez (Wilder)
Cory Gamett (Butte County)
Gabe Zavala (Salmon River)
Lane Schumacher (Prairie)
Willis Williamson (Kamiah)
Ty Koepp (Kendrick)
Jack Johnson (Genesee)
Tacoma Kelly (Garden Valley)
TJ Fetters (Lewis County)

Notes
An honorary star – beyond honorable mention – to Meadows Valley senior Corbin Rivas. The Mountaineers fell on Friday after nearly a month off due to COVID precautions. The program is in its first year back after more than a decade off the field and Rivas delivered a signature effort against Lewis County, rushing for 107 yards and a score, passing for 36, and adding 41 yards receiving.

We’ve said before, there are a handful of guys we could hand a star to virtually every week and it would be 100 percent deserved. Brody Hasselstrom, Connor Simpson, Bridger Hatch, Ty Koepp … any of a few players on Oakley’s roster … but what about standouts on teams outside the top five? 

Dylan Pickering of Clearwater Valley, barring injury, will rush for over 1,000 yards and had a five-sack game earlier this season. Lewis County’s Ty Hambly will likely surpass 1,000 yards as well. R.J. Philps of Challis is averaging seven tackles per game, has picked off two passes, has forced a fumble, and has recovered a fumble to go along with his six touchdowns on offense. Senior Austin Stowell in Shoshone has touchdowns passing (2), receiving (1), rushing (7), and via kickoff return (1). And junior Landon Streeter at Wallace has multiple 200-yard rushing games and is already at 1,000 yards for the Miners. 

That’s just a brief sampling. There are players across the classification (and across the state) having strong seasons that deserve recognition.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments!