|
|
Written by: Matt Harris
Follow Matt on Twitter: @IdahoSportsMatt
We are three weeks into the season now and I think it's fair to say that we are starting to see who the contenders are in East Idaho. Are there dark-horses that still may be able to surprise? Probably. But we won't see who those teams are until Week Four or Five.
As for this last week's action, here's a brief breakdown of games involving teams from the eastern side of the state:
Skyline 35, Bonneville 21
The Grizzlies hit the win column thanks to their defense collecting three turnovers, including two in the fourth quarter, to seal up the victory. Skyline has played well this year despite their 1-2 record. Benton Mitchell was efficient, going 12-of-18 for 230 yards. As for Bonneville, an 0-3 start was probably not in their plans. A bright spot for the Bees has been WR Teagan Handy, who collected 6 receptions for 161 yards and 3 TD's. Bonneville will need to win out in their conference schedule to make the playoffs.
Hillcrest 35, Rigby 7
I don't know what Hillcrest head coach Jeff Marshall said to his team at halftime, but whatever it was, it CLEARLY worked. The Knights pummeled Rigby in almost every aspect of the game, scoring all 35 of their points in the second half. Hillcrest could TRIPLE their win total from last season if they knock off Twin Falls at home this week. The Trojans meanwhile will visit Ravsten Stadium to take on Skyline in this week's 'East Idaho Game Night' with Local News 8's SportsLine, IdahoSports.com, and Z103.
Blackfoot 36, Idaho Falls 7
These are the Broncos we are used to seeing. With last year's 3-6 record looking more and more like an aberration than a trend, Blackfoot has already matched their win total from 2013. Sophomore Pacen Hayes looks like a senior under center, while the defense is looking a lot more like physical, bruising Bronco defense we've been accustomed to. Idaho Falls, meanwhile, is really struggling to find their groove and identity. The Tigers are 0-3 and desperately need to find themselves during this week's final non-conference game at Pocatello.
Highland 42, Century 0
Poor Century. It just doesn't seem to be getting any better for the Diamondbacks, who lost practically everyone to graduation from last year and then their new starting QB three plays into the season. Highland sweeps the Gate City series and now opens up their conference schedule against a resurgent Madison team. The Rams better not be looking ahead of the Bobcats to their game on Sept. 27 at Coeur d'Alene.
Madison 29, Skyview 7
In my 'Hurricane Harris Hot 5' last week, I wrote that if Skyview could stop the Madison passing attack, they would most likely win. That did not happen and Madison rolled to a big homecoming victory. These aren't the same Skyview Hawks as last year... nor are these the same Madison Bobcats. By the way, opposing defenses may want to cover Madison WR Josh Crane. He is a lightning bolt in a bottle.
Pocatello 58, Jerome 14
Well, that's one way to make a statement coming off of a 62-0 beatdown at the hands of your archrival. Pocatello has already matched their win total from last season and could get some needed momentum heading into conference play this week against struggling 5A Idaho Falls. Can the Indians contend for a playoff spot? There are three of them up for grabs in 4A District 5-6, so it's anyone's guess.
Preston 63, Marsh Valley 7
The Indians turned up the heat on Marsh Valley, dealing the Eagles their worst loss of the season thus far. But, a team like Marsh Valley with a new coach, a brand new offense, and a now 17-game losing streak should not be a measuring stick. What should be one? How about a game vs. 3A power Snake River this week?
Shelley 13, Manti, UT 12
At this point, you have to believe that EVERYONE is circling 'The Shelley Game' on their calendars. Does Shelley get to circle anyone on their proverbial calendar? I'd like to think this week's game vs. Manti was that game, as the Templars were the only team to beat Shelley in the last two years. The Russets came away with a low-scoring, slobberknocker of a game against a perennial Utah contender. Will anyone prevent the Russets from posting a perfect 8-0 regular season record? The Oct. 3 matchup at Snake River is looking bigger and better each week.
Snake River 56, Sugar-Salem 6
It started out slowly, but you could almost feel the Snake River engine begin to turn over and rev-up late in the first half. In the space of three minutes, Snake River increased a 6-0 lead to a 22-0 advantage. The Panthers continued to increase the pressure in the second half on their way to a big win. As one coach said following the game, "Snake River is big, they are fast, they block incredibly well. This may be the best team in the State."
Bear Lake 26, Teton 21
The Bears get a good win against a 3A school and Teton drops to 0-3. It could be a long season for the Redskins, who are mixing up their offense with more I-formation and spread options. They REALLY need to get a win this week vs. 2A Salmon. Oddly enough, this is Teton's final home game of the season. Also, can they stop the big play? Three of the four TD's were receptions or rushes of 60 yards plus. As for Bear Lake, with only three playoff berths up for grabs and four teams in the 2A South East Idaho Conference seemingly in the hunt, the Bears need to find some consistency in their play overall.
South Fremont 50, Ririe 0
After getting manhandled during Zero Week at Snake River, the Cougars have ran off two straight victories (albeit against 2A competition). South Fremont's line played a big factor against Ririe, both on offense and defense. They will need another solid performance vs. Firth this week. As for Ririe, it seems to be the mistakes in the most crucial of moments that malign the Bulldogs. It doesn't get any easier this week for Ririe when they travel to play a hot Aberdeen team.
American Falls 28, Filer 6
The Beavers should play Filer EVERY week. American Falls has won 5 straight against the Wildcats dating back to 2010. Hopefully this is a confidence boost for a program that has been down-and-out for a little while now. There are three teams in the 3A South East Idaho Conference and two go to the playoffs. That American Falls/Marsh Valley matchup will be pivotal in seeing who moves forward.
Firth 20, Malad 14
Malad seemingly ran out of steam down the stretch, as their defense was unable to hold the Cougars out of the end zone. While I have yet to see the offensive prowess of Firth, it doesn't mean it's not there. Malad, meanwhile, looks a LOT better than last season. Better defense, balanced offense. Look for the Dragons to compete for a playoff berth.
Aberdeen 43, North Fremont 12
Jeff Duffin has his team ROLLING early on. The Tigers allow an average of 7.3 points per game, a very solid number. Aberdeen looks excellent through the first three weeks. North Fremont has some re-tooling to do, especially on defense. The Huskies give up an average of 48.0 points per game... which won't win you a whole lot of football games.
West Side 46, West Jefferson 20
Pirates head coach Tyson Moser told me during an interview for the fall football preview that his team normally takes 3-4 weeks to gel before the offense starts humming. Looks like West Side did that a little early this time around by nearing posting 50 on West Jefferson after scoring only 22 points through the first two games. West Jefferson fans need not worry, however. The Panthers are in the middle of a culture change... something which takes time in most cases. They've already broken the 3-year losing streak, the only place to go now is up.
Salmon 33, Cole Valley 28
The Savages snag their first victory of the post Jedd Tibbitts era. Salmon led 33-14 late in the second half before Cole Valley made things interesting. Coach Ken Miner told the Post Register that it was the defense that played exceptionally well against the Chargers' athletes. Can that play continue into the conference portion of the schedule?
Rich County 20, Soda Springs 7
The Cardinals are flat out struggling right now. They've posted only 13 points so far this season. In their last matchup vs. Rich County, UT, Soda Springs managed only 105 yards of offense, including 65 on the ground. The defense has played rather well according to some I've talked to, but the defense can only do so much. If the offense finally finds their groove, Soda Springs may be a dark horse to make the playoffs. Maybe.
Horseshoe Bend 40, Grace 38
This was an entertaining game overall. The Grizzlies can certainly chalk up the yardage through the air, including 328 yards passing from Kade Jorgenson and 358 yards overall. The defense certainly has to be a concern... the offense won't always be able to outscore the opponent. Grace opens up the first of two games against conference opponent Challis this week at home. They HAVE to win this game.
Richfield 38, North Gem 32
The Cowboys are off to an 0-3 start, tying them with Watersprings Christian for last place in the Sawtooth East Division. The conference schedule starts this week with a trip to Dubois vs. the 2-0 Clark County Bobcats. If I'm North Gem, I'm completely forgetting about the non-conference schedule and mentally wiping the slate clean. After all, the conference games are what matter.
Carey 68, Rockland 24
The Bulldogs started out 2-0 before being brought back down to earth by Carey. The Panthers look to be out to terrorize the Sawtooth West Division and make a deep run in the playoffs. Rex Permann and Justin Lowder have played well for Rockland, but they need a boost from the team.
Lighthouse Christian 55, Watersprings Christian 20
Watersprings (formerly Calvary Chapel) has battled in every game they've played so far. Their opponents have been seasoned 8-man football units... Watersprings is only in it's second year of varsity football. The Warriors do need to cut down on turnovers. Head coach John Yadon told the Post Register that Lighthouse's defense had scored 28 points before the offense did anything. Yep... turnovers are a killer.
Mackay 84, Camas County 32
Ouch. Don't mess with Mackay, especially after losing to arch-rival Butte County. Camas County was the Miners' first 1AD2 opponent this season. Mackay coach Jack McKelvey told the Post Register that this game was to save their season. He should use that speech every week.
Teams that didn't play last week: Butte County, Challis
The Sho-Ban Chiefs have decided to forego playing the remainder of the season as there was not enough interest to field a football team. This marks the second straight year that Sho-Ban has opted not to play football.
|