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 ORDER GAME PHOTOS
What a week it has been for Idaho high school athletics, both on and off the field.
If you have not seen by now, the headlines across the state have been inundated with stories about the shocking decision by our state's superintendents to override the IHSAA's denial of the new classification proposal that had been put forth over the summer.
Just like that, we are getting classification modifications starting next fall after all.
On the field, pitch, course and court, the action has kept going.
This week provides another buffet of incredible games and matches for fans to enjoy, as we have potential playoff previews, league rivalries being renewed and a father-versus-son head coaching competition that you will not want to miss.
Check out all that and more in this week's weekend preview.
And as always, if I missed a big game I should have covered, botched a spelling or maybe even wrote something you appreciated, please let me know. My email is crweaner@liberty.edu and my X (Twitter) handle is @christianweaner. I always appreciate your feedback!
FOOTBALL
5A
Century vs. Highland (Poc.)
7 p.m. Friday
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Century is 0-3 with lopsided losses to Sugar-Salem, Hillcrest and Bonneville in consecutive weeks. The Diamondbacks have only managed one touchdown on the year, which came in their 56-7 defeat against Bonneville last week. Highland is 2-0 with a blowout victory over Skyline (UT) in the Rocky Mountain Rumble and a solid 31-20 win over defending 4A champion Skyline last Thursday. The Rams currently sit at No. 2 in the 5A media rankings and received two first-place votes this week following their stellar performance against the Grizzlies. This game between cross-town foes Century and Highland will take place at Holt Arena.
Emmett vs. Lake City
7 p.m. (Pacific Time) Friday
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Nothing beats some good high school football in the University of Idaho's famous Kibbie Dome, and that is exactly what fans will be treated to Friday night as Lake City (1-1) and Emmett (2-0) meet up for a matchup in Moscow. First-year head coach and former Lake City star Byron Hout picked up his first career victory last week as his Timberwolves rolled to a 34-0 shutout over North Central (WA). After losing a heartbreaker to 4A Lakeland in Week 1, last week's blowout win was a huge confidence booster for Lake City, which rushed for 354 yards in the victory. The Huskies, meanwhile, are off to a fast start in 2023 with victories over a pair of 2022 playoff teams in Blackfoot and Fruitland. Both games have been nailbiters for Head Coach Rich Hargitt and his team, but the Huskies have shown the resilience and fight needed to pull out close games. This week, with a five-hour drive ahead of them and a young but talented 5A squad on the opposing side, Emmett will once again need to show its resilience if it hopes to move to 3-0 on the year.
Thunder Ridge @ Skyline
7 p.m. Friday
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Throw out the team records and history for this one, because if we learned anything from last season's Thunder Ridge-Skyline game it is that anything can happen when a father and son go head-to-head as opposing head coaches. Friday night will mark the second time that Michael Berger and his Titans will face off against his father and stalwart Skyline Head Coach Scott Berger. Thunder Ridge (0-3) enters the game in a tough place after losing consecutive games to Minico, Idaho Falls and Hillcrest. Similarly, the Grizzlies (1-1) are licking their wounds after getting stuffed 31-20 by Highland last Friday. Last year it was Skyline who prevailed 34-27 against Thunder Ridge, but the Titans did not make it easy for the Grizzlies, who went on to win their third straight 4A title. Michael Berger's team will surely put up a fight once again this week as they head to Ravsten Stadium on Friday evening.
Rocky Mountain @ Eagle
7 p.m. Friday
The game of the week in the 5A Southern Idaho Conference (SIC) will go down Friday night at Eagle as the No.1-ranked Mustangs (2-0) host the No. 4 Grizzlies of Rocky Mountain (2-1). After beating Meridian in Week 0, Eagle had a bye in Week 1 before dominating a solid Kuna team 34-6 last Thursday in the Mustangs' River Division opener. Rocky Mountain, meanwhile, started 2-0 with a pair of quality wins over Middleton and Coeur d'Alene, but the Grizzlies could not get much going offensively last week in a 24-14 home loss to Mountain View. The Grizzlies will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their toughest test of the season on the road against the 5A front-runner so far this season.
Middleton @ Meridian
7 p.m. Friday
After a near-perfect 2022 campaign that saw the Warriors come oh-so-close to a 5A title, Meridian is off to a nightmare start to the 2023 season, and it is not going to get any easier this week as Middleton comes to town. Meridian's (0-2) punishing defense was its calling card a season ago, holding opponents to less than nine points per game. But so far this season the Warriors have allowed 36 and 31 points in their first two contests, albeit to the No. 1 and 3 teams in 5A so far this year. This week, Meridian will look to get off the schneid and pick up a crucial first win of the year against Middleton. The Vikings (2-1), who have looked impressive in their three games this season, have other plans. Head Coach Bill Brock's crew lost a Week 0 game at Rocky Mountain, but since then Middleton has outscored its opponents 72-34 in a pair of wins over Nampa and Skyview. Friday night should be a dogfight as both teams look to win their SIC Foothills Division opener.
Rigby @ Bonneville
7 p.m. Friday
Before the season started, if someone said that the Week 3 matchup between the two-time defending 5A champion Rigby and 4A Bonneville would include one undefeated team and one squad looking for its first victory, no one would have guessed that the winless team would be the Trojans. But that is the beauty of sports and that is why we play the games. Speaking of games, East Idaho football fans should be treated to a good one Friday night as Rigby (0-3) travels to take on Bonneville (2-0). The Trojans lost a shocker against Coeur d'Alene in Week 0 and have been in a tailspin ever since. Rigby lost to Lehi (UT) 45-13 in the Rocky Mountain Rumble and then got pounded 50-7 at home last Friday against American Fork (UT). Head Coach Armando Gonzalez and his team need a get-right game Friday as they look to get back on track. The Bees, meanwhile, have taken care of business in their two games so far, upending Preston 34-21 and walloping Century 56-7. Bonneville is going to need to continue to execute Friday if they hope to fend off the desperate Trojans.
4A
Pocatello @ Twin Falls
7 p.m. Friday
One under-the-radar game that 4A fans will want to look out for this week is Pocatello at Twin Falls on Friday night. Neither the Thunder (1-0) nor the Bruins (2-0) have lost yet this season, and both squads can be state playoff contenders come November. Pocatello won a wild game against Mountain Crest (UT) Week 1 in a game played at Utah State's Maverik Stadium but then the Thunder had their Week 2 contest against Ridgevue canceled after the Warhawks bus got stuck in traffic for over four hours along I-84 on the way to the game. Last week was a weird situation for Head Coach Dave Spillett and his team, who will now turn their attention to a talented Twin Falls team. The Bruins have posted a pair of impressive offensive showings so far this year, beating Vallivue 67-19 and taking down Idaho Falls 55-15 on the road last week. Twin Falls will need that kind of offensive execution this week if they want to get revenge on the Thunder, who thumped the Bruins 27-7 last season in Pocatello.
Raymond (Alberta) vs. Sandpoint
6 p.m. (Mountain Time) Friday
After losing to a pair of 5A Inland Empire League (IEL) powers in Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene in consecutive weeks to open the season, Sandpoint (2-0) is hungry for its first win of the season. The Bulldogs will have a chance to earn that first victory this Friday, but it is not going to be easy. Sandpoint will travel to Missoula, Montana, on Friday to take on the Raymond (Alberta) Comets at the University of Montana's Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Friday's game should be a fun experience for Head Coach Ryan Knowles' team, but the Bulldogs will need to be all business if they hope to take down the Comets. Raymond is 2-0 on the season and the No. 1-ranked team in Alberta's Tier 1, which includes all schools with a population of 1,250 or more students. The Comets pounded 3A Marsh Valley 42-14 at the Rocky Mountain Rumble two weeks ago and defeated Spruce Grove (Alberta) 52-7 last week.
3A
Bonners Ferry @ Weiser
6 p.m. (Mountain Time) Friday
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Bonners Ferry will make a familiar trip down to Weiser Friday evening for a rematch of last season's 3A State Quarterfinal showdown. The Wolverines won that contest 35-25, ending what many consider the best season in Badgers football history. Bonners Ferry (1-1) which received its first win of the season last week via a forfeit looks almost nothing like it did in 2022 after losing more than 20 seniors. The Badgers fell 45-0 in their season opener at Eureka (MT), and the young bunch will look to make some strides Friday against a talented Weiser team. The Wolverines (2-0) defeated Buhl in Week 1 and manhandled LaGrande (OR) 37-0 last week.
Fruitland @ Kimberly
7 p.m. Friday
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Fruitland and Kimberly were both 3A state playoff teams a season ago, but the Grizzlies and Bulldogs are off to vastly different starts to their respective 2023 campaigns. The Grizzlies (0-2) got blitzed at home by 4A Columbia in Week 1. Last week, participating in the Battle in Boise at Albertsons Stadium, Fruitland held its own against a talented Emmett squad down to the final minute of action but ultimately fell 27-14. Kimberly (2-0), on the other hand, picked up a big 27-20 win over Snake River to open its season. Last Friday, the Bulldogs pounded Jerome 44-0 to stay undefeated. Despite their opposite record, the Bulldogs should beware that the Grizzlies are not a team to mess around with. Just ask Snake River, who Fruitland picked off in an opening-round upset victory during the playoffs last fall. Friday's game should be intriguing to watch as Kimberly puts its No. 4 ranking on the line at home against Fruitland.
McCall-Donnelly @ Timberlake
7 p.m. Friday
After somewhat down years in 2022, both McCall-Donnelly (2-0) and Timberlake (2-1) seem to have the makings of 3A playoff teams this fall. The Vandals pounded Wood River, a 2022 3A playoff team, 42-7 in Week 1 and ground out a 22-14 road win over Nampa Christian last week. The Tigers, meanwhile, opened the year 2-0 with wins over Grangeville and South Fremont before losing a close game against Shadle Park (WA) last Friday. This week's game in Spirit Lake could easily be a 3A playoff preview, making it an important test for both teams as they look to continue to build this season.
Declo @ Buhl
7 p.m. Friday
A pair of 2022 playoff teams will play Friday evening as the Declo Hornets face the Buhl Indians. Declo (2-0) has looked strong offensively so far this year, accumulating 94 total points in their two wins over Nampa Christian and Aberdeen. The Hornets' hot play has them sitting at No. 2 in the 2A state media poll. Buhl gave Weiser a tough game in Week 1 but ultimately came up short 42-21. The Indians bounced back to beat Mountain View 39-14 last week and look to be contenders in the 3A Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference again this fall. The Hornets and Indians met last year in Declo in a game that Buhl won 20-8.
2A
Bear Lake @ Firth
7 p.m. Friday
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After winning its first state title in school history last fall, few would have predicted that Bear Lake would be 0-2 to start the 2023 season. But here we are. The Bears have lost two straight lopsided games to North Fremont and Lyman (WY) to open the year, and their next test is a trip to Firth for a rematch of the 2022 2A State Championship Game. Much like the Bears, the Cougars (1-1) got off to a tough start this year, losing to West Side 48-6 in Week 1 before grinding out a 19-14 victory over Soda Springs last Friday. Despite their slow starts, both Bear Lake and Firth have the potential to be state contenders once again this fall, making Friday's contest a true must-win for both teams as they look to build some momentum before league play starts.
1AD1
Camas County @ Butte County
7 p.m. Friday
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After pounding Rockland to open the season and thrashing Garden Valley 50-12 last week, Camas County (2-0) will face its toughest test yet as it travels to Arco on Friday for a matchup against perennial 1AD1 playoff contender Butte County. Last week it was Troy Smith who powered the Mushers' offense, which is averaging 56 points per game, with 185 yards and three touchdowns. Smith also added a pick-six and 11 tackles on defense. Camas County will need that type of performance again if they want to keep pace with the Pirates (2-0). Butte County beat Valley 64-36 and Carey 42-8 in its two games so far this year. Pirates quarterback Razor Duke has knifed through opposing defenses in both games this season, and he will look to keep up the hot play Friday with a talented Mushers team coming to town.
Raft River @ Lighthouse Christian
7 p.m. Friday
Conference play is underway in the loaded 1AD1 Snake River Conference and possibly no game is bigger this weekend than Raft River (1-0) at Lighthouse Christian (2-0) on Friday evening. The Trojans opened their season Week 1 with a 44-30 win over Tri-Valley before enjoying a bye last week. Head Coach Chad Evans' group will be raring to go as they look to open conference play strong and continue the consistent success that Raft River has enjoyed for the past decade. The Lions, meanwhile, are coming off a 2022 campaign in which they lost their first five games of the year but rebounded nicely to win three of their last five games, including an upset win over conference rival Murtaugh in the opening round of the playoffs. This season, Lighthouse Christian has come out firing, shutting out Well (NV) 76-0 in Week 1 and notching a statement win over 2022 1AD1 runner-up Grace last week. The Lions are currently ranked No. 3 in 1AD1 and will look to avenge a narrow 30-26 loss to Raft River from last season.
Logos @ Kamiah
7 p.m. Friday
Two of the 1AD1 Whitepine League front-runners will face off Friday night in Kamiah as the Kubs host the Logos Knights. Led by dual-threat quarterback Jack Driskill, the Knights (2-0) picked up a solid 34-20 win over Clearwater Valley last Friday and look like one of the best contenders to knock Kamiah from its spot atop the Whitepine League. Kamiah (1-0), which opened its season with a 52-8 rout of Lapwai last week, will have something to say about that. The Kubs are once again led by quarterback David Kludt, who accounted for four scores in the season opener, this season and look to be the team to beat in the league after a stellar 9-2 season last fall.
1AD2
Castleford @ Garden Valley
3:30 p.m. Friday
The No. 3 and No. 5 teams in 1AD2 football will do battle Friday afternoon in Garden Valley as the Castleford Wolves (1-0) take on the Garden Valley Wolverines (1-1). The Wolves and Wolverines were both 1AD2 semifinalists a season ago and both squads appear to be playoff contenders once again in 2023. Castleford opened its season with a Week 1 win over North Gem before having a bye last week. Garden Valley, meanwhile, opened its season with a 37-14 statement win over Dietrich but got pounded last week 50-12 by Camas County. The Wolverines will look to rebound at home this Friday, but their biggest question mark will be quarterback Tacoma Kelly, the heart and soul of their offense who left last week's game in the first half and did not return. Without Kelly, it could be a long night on Friday as Garden Valley goes up against the vaunted Castleford defense.
BOYS SOCCER
5A
Mountain View @ Rocky Mountain
5:30 p.m. Friday
Picked No. 3 and No. 4, respectively in the preseason 5A SIC Media Poll, Rocky Mountain and Mountain View have both gotten off to up-and-down starts to the 2023 season. The Grizzlies (4-2) lost their first two matches of the year to Boise and Centennial but have since rebounded to win four straight, all in shutout fashion. The Mavericks, meanwhile, have posted wins over Ridgevue, Middleton and Nampa and draws against Columbia and Owyhee. Mountain View's lone defeat came in its second game of the season against Meridian. Both the Grizzlies and Mavericks fell in state play-in games last fall, but both teams return a solid core of talent and are hoping to compete for an SIC title this season. Friday night's match will go a long way in deciding playoff seeding come district tournament time.
Meridian @ Boise
11:30 a.m. Saturday
Speaking of Meridian, the Warriors (4-2), who were tied for 10th place in the preseason 5A SIC Media Poll, have turned a lot of heads already this year, starting the season 4-0 and proving they can hang with some of the best teams in the Treasure Valley. Meridian opened the year with consecutive wins over Kuna, Mountain View, Nampa and Owyhee, outscoring those opponents 12-1. The Warriors have dropped two straight to SIC front-runners Rocky Mountain and Timberline but both matches were hard-fought. Next up for Meridian is the 7-0-1 Boise Brave, who are just doing what Boise teams do year in and year out. The Brave are scoring nearly 3.5 goals per contest so far this year while allowing only one goal a game. Boise's lone blemish was a 3-3 draw against Borah in the second match of the year. The Brave are going to need to stay sharp on Saturday if they want to take down the upstart Warriors and remain undefeated.
4A
Canyon Ridge @ Wood River
11 a.m. Saturday
It seems like every weekend Wood River is playing a huge match, and every time the Wolverines are coming out on top. Wood River (6-0-1) picked up a huge 1-0 home win over Thunder Ridge last Thursday, and this week the Wolverines will welcome the defending 4A Great Basin League regular season champion Canyon Ridge Riverhawks to town. Canyon Ridge (5-1) has not played since last Wednesday, when they carved up Twin Falls for a 4-0 shutout win. The Riverhawks have allowed only five goals in their six games this season, three of which came in a 3-1 loss to Thunder Ridge in their season opener. The Wolverines and Riverhawks split their season series at 2-2 last year, with Wood River taking the District 4 title game but Canyon Ridge getting the last laugh in a penalty shootout win at the 4A State Tournament. Both squads look like state playoff contenders again this fall, and Saturday's match in Hailey will be a good test for both teams to see where they stand at this point in the season.
3A
Bonners Ferry @ Timberlake
4 p.m. Friday
Bonners Ferry @ Coeur d'Alene Charter
7 p.m. Saturday
The apparent top three 3A Intermountain League (IML) teams this season will face off against one another as Bonners Ferry (2-2) makes road trips to Spirit Lake on Friday and Post Falls on Saturday for games against Timberlake (5-1-1) and Coeur d'Alene Charter (2-0-1). The Badgers, who lost a bevy of senior talent, including all-state forward Nick Eastman, are off to an up-and-down start to the 2023 campaign with shutout wins over Priest River and Grangeville and losses to Stillwater Christian (MT) and Immaculate Conception Academy. After a pair of strange results early in the season for defending IML champion Timberlake that included a 2-2 draw against Orofino and a 5-0 shutout loss to McCall-Donnelly, the Tigers have responded nicely, winning four straight games, including a 3-2 victory over 4A Lakeland. Despite only playing three matches, CDA Charter has looked like the team to beat so far this year. The Panthers have only three seniors on their roster, yet they have yet to give up a goal on the year. CDA Charter earned a 0-0 draw against McCall-Donnelly in its opener and the Panthers also have a pair of blowout victories over St. Maries and Priest River as well. By the end of the weekend, we will have a much clearer picture of what the IML standing will look like this season.
GIRLS SOCCER
5A
Rocky Mountain @ Mountain View
11:30 a.m. Saturday
Just like on the boys' side, this weekend's rivalry matchup between Rocky Mountain and Mountain View pits two 5A SIC contenders against one another for what should be an exciting match. After opening the season with two losses in their first three matches, the Grizzlies (4-2-2) are 4-0-1 in their last five matches, allowing just three goals over that stretch. Mountain View (4-1), meanwhile, opened the year 4-0 and entered the week ranked No. 2 in the 5A Coaches Poll. The Mavericks dropped their first match of the season Tuesday 1-0 against Owyhee, but Head Coach Gene Corson's squad will look to rebound quickly as they prepare for a challenging home contest against Rocky Mountain on Saturday.
4A
Caldwell @ Bishop Kelly
10 a.m. Saturday
Both Caldwell and defending 4A champion Bishop Kelly have looked strong out of the gates this season, making Saturday morning's 4A SIC match a must-win for both teams as they look to continue their momentum. After a disappointing 2022 season, the Cougars (3-0-2) have gotten off to a hot start this fall, allowing less than a goal per game in their five matches so far. The Knights (5-1) lost a tight match to 5A Owyhee on the first weekend of the season, but have looked solid ever since, winning their last four matches in a row and scoring 7.5 goals per game during that stretch. Saturday's game will be a good matchup of Caldwell's stellar defense against the potent Bishop Kelly attack with the winner claiming sole possession of first place in the 4A SIC standings.
Marsh Valley @ Pocatello
3 p.m. Saturday
Marsh Valley will travel to Pocatello on Saturday afternoon for an intriguing 4A-3A crossover match at Lookout Credit Union Field. The Eagles (5-1) have been putting the ball in the back of the net at an alarmingly high rate this season, as they averaged eight goals per match during their 5-0 start to the year. Marsh Valley's lone loss was a 2-0 defeat against Sugar-Salem last Saturday. The Thunder, meanwhile, has gotten off to a 5-0 start of their own, allowing just three goals during that stretch and picking up big wins over 5A Highland and 2022 4A state runner-up Twin Falls. Saturday's match should be a great battle between two playoff-caliber squads.
3A
Bonners Ferry @ Timberlake
6 p.m. Friday
Bonners Ferry @ Coeur d'Alene Charter
7 p.m. Saturday
Bonners Ferry, Timberlake and Coeur d'Alene Charter are a combined 10-0 on the season so far, and the three squads have allowed only three total goals in those 10 matches. This weekend, all three teams will put those records to the test. The Badgers (3-0) have benefited from some of the school's top female athletes coming out for soccer this year. Bonners Ferry has posted blowout wins over Priest River, Stillwater Christian (MT) and Grangeville so far. Timberlake, who shocked the Idaho soccer world by defeating then-undefeated CDA Charter in the opening round of the 3A State Tournament last fall has picked up right where it left off. The Tigers (5-0) are scoring seven goals per game and picked up a signature win over McCall-Donnelly earlier in the year. Last, but certainly not least, CDA Charter has returned with a vengeance in 2023 after earning a disappointing consolation championship at the state tournament last year. Currently No. 3 in the 3A Coaches Poll, the Panthers have played just two matches so far, winning both in shutouts over McCall-Donnelly and St. Maries.
Sugar-Salem @ Kimberly
1 p.m. Saturday
A pair of undefeated squads will put their perfect records to the test Saturday afternoon as Kimberly hosts Sugar-Salem in an epic 3A soccer showdown. After narrowly missing the state playoffs in 2022, the Bulldogs (6-0) have come out strong this season, averaging nearly six goals per game in their first six contest. Kimberly's only goal allowed on the year came Tuesday in a 7-1 statement win over defending 3A champion Sun Valley Community School. The Diggers (6-0), who also devastating missed out on the state playoffs a season ago, are also looking like title contenders so far this year. Sugar-Salem has not allowed a goal in its past three matches and the Diggers are scoring 6.5 goals per game so far this year. Saturday's match in Sugar City could certainly be a 3A State Tournament preview, as the Bulldogs and Diggers appear to be two of the teams to beat this fall.
VOLLEYBALL
Triple Threat Tournament
Many of East Idaho's best volleyball teams will be in Idaho Falls on Friday and Saturday for the annual Triple Threat Tournament. This year's field includes 5A District 5-6 powers Madison, Thunder Ridge and Rigby, as well as the Owyhee Storm, who will make the trek over from the Treasure Valley. In the 4A ranks, Hillcrest, Wood River, Burley, Century, Preston, Blackfoot and Idaho Falls will all participate. Last, but not least, 3A Snake River and 2A Bear Lake will round out what should be a very competitive field.
Burns Invitational
After facing off in a head-to-head match a couple of weeks ago, defending state champions Melba and Horseshoe Bend will both travel to Burns, Oregon, this weekend to compete in the Burns Invitational. The Burns Hilanders, who are hosting the tournament this weekend, were the 2022 3A state runners-up and should provide great competition for the Mustangs (x2).
Star Valley Invitational
Malad, Sugar-Salem and South Fremont are all off to strong starts this season, and all three squads will head to Afton, Wyoming over the weekend to compete in the Star Valley Invitational.
West Jefferson Invitational
West Jefferson will host West Side, Challis and Ririe in Terreton this weekend as part of its West Jefferson Invitational Tournament.
Jerome Invitational
Lighthouse Christian, Nampa Christian, Buhl and host Jerome will compete this weekend at the Tigers' home tournament.
Council @ Horseshoe Bend
6 p.m. Friday
Before Horseshoe Bend hits the road Saturday, it will first host 2022 1AD2 third-place finisher and Long Pin Conference rival Council at home Friday night. The Lumberjacks' season has gotten off to a late start, but the Mustangs have been busy already, sweeping Salmon River and defending 2A champion Melba 3-0 and edging Cole Valley Christian 3-2. After completely dominating the competition a season ago, Horseshoe Bend looked a bit susceptible last week in its narrow win over the Chargers. Council will look to start its 2023 campaign strong and prove that it has what it takes to compete with the best in 1AD2 volleyball.
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