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After weather wreaked havoc on football across much of the state last week, here's to hoping that this weekend's weather will be much better.
On last Saturday's edition of the 'Hurricane Harris Hour' on NewsTalk 97.7 FM in East Idaho, the zoo of Lance Taylor, Sven Alskog, Kip Blanchard, and myself made predictions on who would win the matchups in the 'Hot 5'. You'll see our votes below.
Here's the 'Hot 5' games this week:
1. Blackfoot (4-0) at Bonneville (1-3), Friday at 7:00 p.m., Thunder Stadium
Even though the Bees and the Broncos are no longer in the same conference, the rivalry between these two schools still exists. A commonality between the two? Both teams had their games wiped out by inclement weather last week at halftime. I'm sure the players on both sides are raring to go, especially the seniors for Bonneville. It's their senior night and they will want to make a statement by knocking down the #1 team in 4A.
VOTES
Lance Taylor = Blackfoot Sven Alskog = Blackfoot
Kip Blanchard = Blackfoot Matt Harris = Blackfoot (in a close one)
2. Rigby (2-2) at Madison (2-2), Friday at 7:00 p.m., Ferguson Field
Just like Blackfoot and Bonneville, these two teams had their Friday night cut short last week thanks to back-to-back lightning storms. The stands will certainly be packed for this one: it's the Upper Valley Rivalry. Last year, Rigby got the best of a young Madison team, and the Bobcats are looking for payback. One thing is for sure: there will be a TON of passing attempts in this game.
VOTES
Lance Taylor = Rigby Sven Alskog = Madison
Kip Blanchard = Rigby Matt Harris = Madison
3. Shelley (3-1) at Snake River (3-1), Friday at 7:00 p.m., Harrison Field
Arguably the biggest matchup in the 3A classification this season pits the Russets and the Panthers against each other for 'East Idaho Game Night' presented by Z103, IdahoSports.com, and Local News 8's SportsLine. The Russets have had two weeks to regroup after a big 32-7 loss at Bonneville. The Panthers, meanwhile, are coming off of two close games against 4A competition in Preston (L 14-12) and Jerome (W 14-0). Both schools have been on spud harvest break... does that play a factor at all on Friday night? If you can't make it to the game, you can watch online HERE on IdahoSports.com.
VOTES
Lance Taylor = Shelley Sven Alskog = Snake River
Kip Blanchard = Shelley Matt Harris = Shelley (in OT)
4. Hillcrest (4-1) at Skyline (3-2), Friday at 7:00 p.m., Ravsten Stadium
This game ought to be a slobberknocker. Two teams coming off of poor seasons that have made a quick turnaround thus far. The Knights seem to be running on all cylinders right now in their rushing attack, while the passing game has found some solid footing. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, have hardly turned the ball over on offense and are executing at a high level. There is a LOT on the line in this one, with the winner getting the upper-hand in qualifying for the playoffs. You can watch this game on IdahoSports.com.
VOTES
Lance Taylor = Hillcrest Sven Alskog = Hillcrest
Kip Blanchard = Skyline Matt Harris = Skyline
5. Pocatello (3-2) at Century (0-5), Thursday at 7:00 p.m., Holt Arena
While the records of the Indians and Diamondbacks is less than desirable, it doesn't take away the rivalry aspect between these two schools. Pocatello is coming off of a big 26-22 win at Preston in Willie Joe Walker's first game as interim head coach following the indefinite suspension of Tom Harrison. The win catapulted Pocatello into the playoff discussion. But Century could spoil that chatter somewhat should they play a complete game on Thursday night, which is something they have yet to do this season.
VOTES
Lance Taylor = Pocatello Sven Alskog = Pocatello
Kip Blanchard = Pocatello Matt Harris = Pocatello
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