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We are halfway done with the 2013 High School Football season. It seems like Friday night comes around rather quickly with each passing week... before we know it, we will be starting up our state playoff coverage!
Before I get to my Week Four observations, I'd like to list off teams that have surprised us all this year, both for their great performances or not quite meeting expectations:
SURPRISES
Idaho Falls: I think it's safe to say that hardly ANYONE picked the Tigers after the offseason they had. A 5-0 record plus an Emotion Bowl win have brought the orange and black back from the ashes and into contention for surpremacy in the 5A High Country Conference.
Rigby: After winning four games in four YEARS, the Trojans have won FIVE STRAIGHT GAMES. Think about that for a second. In the process, Rigby is 3-0 in conference play and vying for a state playoff berth.
Aberdeen: The Tigers of District 5 lost their coach WEEKS before the season started. They are now 4-1, with their only loss to North Fremont on the road during a weather-delayed game. Coach Jeff Duffin has Aberdeen in a good spot as they head into the ever-important conference schedule.
MISSING EXPECTATIONS
Skyline: I think it's fair to say that the Grizz haven't found their groove. They've collected narrow wins over Blackfoot and Century, but were blown out by Rigby, Bonneville, and Idaho Falls. Their offense (and offensive line) have struggled, leading to the defense being on the field more than they would like.
Blackfoot: We knew that the Broncos would be down this year... but not THIS down. Blackfoot has an 0-4 record for what seems like the first time in a decade. Inconsistent play and falling behind early have hurt the two-time defending 4A state champions.
Century: The Diamondbacks are 1-3. They easily could be 4-0 however. Last second losses to Highland, Skyline, and Rigby by a grand total of SEVEN points give them the less-than-stellar-looking record. Can they still compete for a berth in the state playoffs? You bet. In fact, I fully expect them to be there at the end. But that loss to Rigby means they will have to work much harder and get some outside help to make that dream a reality.
I could go on about teams in either category, but those are the ones that stuck out in my mind right off the bat.
With that, let's now get to Week Four Observations:
Idaho Falls 44, Skyline 24: The Emotion Bowl was a good one as always. Idaho Falls jumped out to a 22-point lead before Skyline knew what hit them. But the Grizz battled back and wrested all the momentum away from the Tigers heading into halftime, trailing by only six points. Idaho Falls got their groove back in the second half, thanks to some stellar plays from Clayton Powell in the receiving corps. Powell may be a smaller football player, but he works extremely hard and can outrun anyone. Skyline's offensive line needs help. Zak Bennett was pressured on literally every play.
To read Part 2 of Week Four Observations, click HERE.
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