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We've been waiting for this day all year long.
Aug. 30 has been circled on my calendar since the end of last season. It's kind of hard to believe that we're here now. But I'm glad the wait is finally over, because Idaho High School football officially returns tonight!
Not only are there plenty of games for the fan to choose from this weekend around the state, but there is a regional football showcase called the Rocky Mountain Rumble that will invade ISU's Holt Arena on Friday and Saturday.
It's five Idaho teams vs. five regional teams from Utah and Nevada in this year's edition of the RMR. Normally, the Rumble is held the second week of the season, which makes this year's version all the more special.
There are two games on tap Friday night, followed by three games on Saturday.
Game 1: Madison vs. Riverton, UT
It's the defending 5A Idaho State Champions vs. the current 14th ranked team out of Utah. Madison graduated practically everybody from last season's undefeated squad and there are a lot of unknowns about the team from those outside the program. Inside, however, the Bobcats are confident in their abilities both offensively and defensively to return to the state playoffs. Riverton already has a game under their belts and it was an impressive show. The Silverwolves beat Granger 47-7 in week one of the Utah football season, rushing their way to 476 yards and 5 TD on the ground. Riverton will look to outpace Madison and beat them with their speed. But the Bobcats have quite a but of speed themselves, so it should make for supercharged pace.
To watch Madison vs. Riverton, click here.
Game 2: Shelley vs. West Jordan, UT
The defending 3A State Champions, coming off of a perfect season of their own, look to reload for another run to the state title by kicking off their season against the West Jordan Jaguars. The Russets have lost some notable players from last season, including QB/LB Chad Leckington, WR/DB McKay Cannon, and TE/LB Trevin Swenson. But Shelley has simply filled those open positions with more than capable replacements, all of whom hope to bring another title to the Russet faithful. Like Riverton, West Jordan already has one game checked off the schedule, a 42-15 loss against Herriman. It's a new era for the Jaguars, who finished last season with a record of 2-8 and missed the playoffs. They are led by new coach Danny DuPaix, the son of legendary Skyline (SLC) coach Roger DuPaix. Even with the lopsided loss, West Jordan has the opportunity to really evaluate weaknesses that may exist and correct them, whereas Shelley has not played a game yet. It will be intriguing to see how 3A Shelley battles against 5A West Jordan on Friday night.
To watch Shelley vs. West Jordan, click here.
Game 3: Minico vs. Park City, UT
Another season, another Great Basin West Conference Championship for Minico and 18th year head coach Tim Perrigot. The Spartans championship came courtesy of the 3-Way Kansas City Playoff last year between Jerome, Twin Falls, and themselves. While Minico has won seven of the last eight district titles and is the favorite among coaches to repeat as conference champions, the Spartans will have to overcome youth and relative inexperience. Minico lost 20 of 22 starters from last year, meaning that pretty much everyone on both sides of the ball are new. That's not to say that they can't play however. Coach Perrigot and his staff know how to get the best out of their players and I'm sure we'll see that again on Saturday afternoon. The Park City Miners, meanwhile, are a team in transition. After recording a 1-9 season last year, former coach Mike Shepherd returned to the sidelines to help return Park City to its respectable ways of days gone by. The Miners were, traditionally, perennial contenders in Utah's 3A classification. After slipping for a couple of seasons, Shepherd and his team will look to make their ascent up the proverbial mountain to regain their spot among Utah's football elite. They can take a good-sized step in the right direction on Saturday against Minico.
To watch Minico vs. Park City, click here.
Game 4: Pocatello vs. Spring Valley, NV
If there are two schools out there right now that have the most uncertainty about them, it's Pocatello and Spring Valley. And that's not a bad thing; it's a mixture of youth and just not knowing what the coaches have in store. Pocatello's Tom Harrison is back for his 31st season on the sidelines. Last year, the Indians missed the playoffs for the first time in Harrison's 11 years at the school. This year, Pocatello has only five starters back combined between the offense and defense. There are two quarterbacks vying for the starting spot and will be played in a dual-QB system. Spring Valley is coming off of a 3-6 season in which they missed the Nevada state playoffs. They are a relatively young squad led by a couple of veteran players. The Grizzlies goal is to return to the playoffs, and they can assess where they stand in their progress to that goal after their game against the Indians. Interestingly enough, Spring Valley head coach Marcus Teal played college football at Idaho State. He knows what brand of football he and his team will be facing Saturday afternoon.
To watch Pocatello vs. Spring Valley, click here.
Game 5: Highland vs. Coronado, NV
It's not often you get two state semi-finalists from different states matching up in the first week of the season. But that's exactly what we will see come Saturday night. Highland returns most of their starters from last season, but will have a new man at quarterback. Tommy Jewell, who steps under center for graduated older brother Neil Jewell, takes the reigns of the high-powered Highland offense. The Rams look to rebound from a crushing defeat at the hands of Coeur d'Alene in last year's state semi-finals at Holt Arena. Coronado is also a returning state-semifinalist. The Cougars are coming off of their best season in school history, a 9-3 record overall after several losing seasons. As one player said in the Las Vegas Sun, "Coach Talich has been our turnaround. He has single-handedly turned the entire school around. The feeling (about football) around the school is completely different". Coronado hopes to continue that momentum as they open up with a perennial powerhouse on Saturday night.
To watch Highland vs. Coronado, NV, click here.
As always, come support high school athletics in person if at all possible. But if not, IdahoSports.com has got you covered.
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