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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.

This week’s winners all had massive performances, not just statistically, in crucial games for their respective teams:

1. Marcus Staley, Camas County
The junior scored three touchdowns, including the game-winner with 31 seconds left in the game, as the Mushers pulled an impressive upset in the opening round of the 1A Division 2 playoffs by defeating North Gem, the District 5/6 champ.

2. Cy Wareham, Genesee
The versatile senior had a big game in a tough win over Murtaugh in the 1A Division 1 playoffs.  He had nine receptions for 202 yards and two scores, added a third score via interception return, and also posted 11 tackles.

3. Titus Yearout, Lapwai
The senior was his typical dynamic self in Lapwai's 1A Division 1 win over Clearwater Valley.  He threw for 269 yards and four scores, ran for 73 yards and another touchdown, and added an interception on defense as the Wildcats advanced.

"Honorable" Honorable Mention
Cody Power (Dietrich, five touchdowns) and Tyler Howard (Potlatch, four touchdowns)

Honorable Mention
Houston Bingham (Oakley), Gavin Permann (Rockland), Eric Taylor (Castleford), Carsn Perkes (Carey), Junior Benites (Murtaugh), Bass Myers (Clearwater Valley), Bridger Hatch (North Gem), Sam Barnett (Clark Fork), Brady McGann (Kootenai)

DIVISION 1 NOTES
As expected, the Genesee/Murtaugh game provided a lot of big plays and perhaps gave the classification a bit of a peek into what's to come - Murtaugh's Junior Benites tallied over 200 yards rushing and receiving and Genesee's Angus Jordan threw for over 300 yards.   Both players will be back next season.

The seeding matchups have been determined for the quarterfinals.  Saturday's doubleheader at Holt Arena - Raft River/Potlatch at 1:00 (Mtn) and Butte County/Notus at 4:00 - features two really interesting contests for 8-man fans.  Lapwai gets another shot at Prairie (the Pirates won the regular season matchup 58-26) and Oakley will face Genesee.

DIVISION 2 NOTES
Not surprisingly, a lot of chatter surrounded the Camas County upset win over North Gem.  The game highlighted exactly why every 8-man coach preaches the importance of depth.  North Gem suffered two injuries leading up to the game and Camas County was able to take advantage.  But before you think the Cowboys are using that as an excuse, here are the words (via Twitter) of North Gem standout Bridger Hatch: "They (Camas County) deserved it man, let them know they played awesome."

Crazy thing about the 1A Division 2 bracket - Of the five district champions, exactly two will reach the classification's semifinals.  North Gem (District 5/6) was upset, Kendrick (District 2) and Horseshoe Bend (District 3) face each other as district champs next week, as does Carey (District 4) and Mullan/St. Regis (District 1).

It wasn't a playoff game, but Clark Fork ended its season with a win on Friday when the Wampus Cats defeated Kootenai.  It's not easy logistically or financially but the Idaho8Man folks didn't hate this.  So what if you didn't make the playoffs?  If you can find an opponent who wants to play, who not let the kids put on the gear one more time?

Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments!