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1. Gage Crow, Lewis County

The senior got Friday's Homecoming game off to a good start by returning the opening kickoff against Lakeside 72 yards for a touchdown.  All he did after that was carry the ball 28 times for 375 yards and six touchdowns - he scored all seven touchdowns for the Eagles - in his team's impressive 48-0 victory.  Lewis County is off this week before traveling to Tri-Valley on October 6th.

2. Grayson Benitez, Notus

The Pirate senior had his number called 18 times on Friday night in a Western Idaho Conference showdown with Rimrock.  Those carries turned into 343 yards and seven touchdowns in a 60-26 Notus victory, a win that put the team in the driver's seat for a 1A Division 1 playoff spot.  The Pirates host rival Wilder on Friday.

3. Jack Clark, Potlatch

A few weeks ago, Clark was one of the weekly stars after posting about 350 total yards.  His numbers were a bit better on Friday against Troy.  Clark had 461 total yards and had a hand in five touchdowns - two rushing and three passing - to help his team move to 4-0 overall (3-0 Whitepine League) with Friday's clash of the unbeatens against Logos looming.

Honorable Mention:

Razor Duke (Butte County)
Tristan Smith (Camas County)
Nik Versis (Carey)
Chase Sanroman (Clark Fork)
Garrison Zelinsky (Council)
Tucker Ashmead (Deary)
Josiah Valencia (Glenns Ferry)
Martin Gonzalez (Hagerman)
Trey Bauer (Horseshoe Bend)
David Kludt (Kamiah)
Ahlius Yearout (Lapwai)
Jack Driskill (Logos)
Graisyn Chandler (Mackay)
John Pruitt (Mullan/St. Regis)
Soyer Young (Murtaugh)
Isaac Cranney (Oakley)
Noah Behler (Prairie)
Ronaldo Gomez (Rimrock)
Abe Held (Rockland)
Korbin Christopherson (Timberline)
Braddock Buchanan (Troy)
Pedro Robles (Valley)
Julian Davis (Wallace)
Julian Neri (Wilder)

Jockeying for Position

As the end of September nears, eyes begin to shift toward the playoffs.  1A Division 1 has a number of automatic qualifiers, but also a number of at-large berths to be awarded.  In Division 2, it's a pre-determined bracket and the race is on for those spots.  Among the critical games on Friday in Division 2 - Castleford (2-2, 1-0 Sawtooth Conference) hosts Dietrich (2-2, 0-1 Sawtooth Conference).  A Wolves win puts the home team in the driver's seat for one of the three automatic bids from the Sawtooth Conference, while the visitors need a win to keep pace after a loss to Hagerman last week.  A second Sawtooth loss could be devastating for the Blue Devils' playoff hopes because both losses would have come to teams ahead of them in the standings.  Tri-Valley at Council (District 3), and Mullan/St. Regis at Lakeside up north have similar long-term ramifications in Division 2.

Big Matchup Week in Division 1

In Division 1, it's a little more nuanced with the inclusion of at-large berths, MaxPreps rankings, and the like.  However, there are games that will have a ripple effect.  Potlatch (4-0 overall, 3-0 Whitepine League) hosts Logos (5-0 overall, 4-0 Whitepine) in a massive game.  But, not to be overlooked from the same league, Kamiah (3-1 overall, 2-1 Whitepine) hosts Prairie (3-1 overall, 2-1 Whitepine).  The winner gives themselves a big leg up in the race for a potential at-large berth while the loser joins a crowded field of teams hoping not to be the odd team out when the classification's playoff bracket is determined.

Another Crossover Biggie

D1 Kamiah traveled to D2 Council two weeks ago.  Last week, Council played a neutral-site game against D1 Butte County.  Earlier this season, D2 Kendrick won a much-hyped matchup over D1 Oakley.  That's a long way of saying there are some great crossover matchups featuring the top of 1A Division 1 and 1A Division 2.  Another such game will be played this week - undefeated Butte County (5-0) and undefeated Kendrick (3-0) will meet in the middle and play at Middleton High School, just outside of Caldwell.