Published: 8/22/2018 10:29:24 AM

All of the following information, including players to watch, was obtained directly from coaches throughout the state.

5A Inland Empire League

 

1. Coeur d’Alene

2. Lewiston

3. Post Falls

4. Lake City

 

Garrett Hagel, RB/LB, Coeur d’Alene

Kale Edwards, QB/DB, Coeur d’Alene

Ryan Linehan, TE/DE, Coeur d’Alene

Tyson Wallace, QB, Lewiston

Treyce Bradley, RB/LB, Lewiston

Chris Irvin, QB, Lake City

Travis Jerome, WR/DB, Lake City

Zane Lettau, RB/LB, Lake City

Terran Sharbrough, OL, Post Falls

Justin Gies, OL, Post Falls

 

“Coeur d’Alene has been the established power for the last few seasons and all three other teams will be competing to unseat them as the top program,” Lake City head coach Brian Fulp.

 

 

1. Mountain View

2. Rocky Mountain

3. Capital

4. Borah

5. Eagle

6. Skyview 

7. Meridian

8. Timberline

9. Centennial

10. Boise

 

Joey Elwell, TE/LB, Mountain View

Noah Bryant, QB, Mountain View

Jaymon Barrus, RB, Mountain View

Nick Romano, RB, Rocky Mountain

Brayden Hamilton, WR/TE, Rocky Mountain

Ryan Hibbs, QB, Capital

Jack Vering, OL, Capital

Jake Standlee, QB, Borah

Ellis Magnuson, WR/DB, Borah

Dalton Riggs, LS/DL, Eagle

Luke Masters, OL, Eagle

Sam Witte, OL, Eagle

Wyatt Storer, QB, Skyview

Tyler Crowe, RB/LB, Skyview

Javen Woodall, WR/CB, Meridian

Ed Osterberger, RB, Timberline

Dayne Koch, QB, Centennial

Caden Clark, WR/CB, Centennial

Jack Molesworth, RB/S, Boise

Alex Ojukwu, DE, Boise

Carson Bohning, QB, Boise

 

“I think Borah will continue to grow, they have success in their feeder programs and are getting kids out. I think that will be seen more directly moving forward. That is essential for any program success,” Boise head coach Jerry O’Mahony.

 

“I think anyone can beat anyone on any given night,” Centennial head coach David Koch. 

 

 

1. Highland

2. Madison

3. Rigby 

4. Thunder Ridge

 

Kobe Tracy, QB, Highland

Landon Demuzio, RB, Highland

Micah Naumu, LB, Highland

Jordan Porter, QB, Madison

Karson Hastings, RB/WR/DB, Madison

Malachi Valora, RB, Madison

Mason McWhorter, WR/DB, Madison

Tanoa Togiai, DL, Rigby

Nate Franz, DT/OT, Rigby

Trey Howell, WR, Thunder Ridge

 

“Southeast Idaho is laden with talent this coming year,” Thunder Ridge head coach Jeff Marshall.

 

“With a new school in Thunder Ridge come more questions than answers until games are played.  Highland, Madison and Rigby all have varsity experienced groups and were playoff teams from a year ago. Should be a battle royale!” Highland head coach Gino Mariani. 

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1. Sandpoint

2. Lakeland

3. Moscow

 

Derek Rauch-Edwards, QB/RB/DB, Moscow

Alex Stockton, TE/LB, Sandpoint

Jaxon Pettit, QB, Sandpoint

Trey McArthur, WR/DB, Lakeland

 

“The conference is always a tossup. Sandpoint and Lakeland have been tough the last few years. I know Lakeland will be young, but tough. Sandpoint with a new coach, you never know. They are a football school and always have great teams,” Moscow head coach Phil Helbling. 

 

 

1. Bishop Kelly

2. Middleton

3. Kuna

4. Vallivue

5. Columbia

6. Nampa

7. Emmett

8. Ridgevue

9. Caldwell

 

Luke McLaughlin, DE, Bishop Kelly

Gaard Memmelaar, OL, Middleton

Lan Larison, QB, Vallivue

Donnie Estrada, WR, Nampa

Allamar Alexander, RB, Columbia

Hayden Brandon, LB, Kuna

Chase Burfeind, QB, Caldwell

Dylan Bemis, QB, Emmett

Brett Kern, WR, Emmett

Michael Sondermann, RB, Ridgevue

 

“Nampa could surprise some people because they have some explosive playmakers at the speed and skill positions,” Columbia head coach Jon Helmandollar.

 

“From everything we’ve heard and seen the kid from Columbia [Allamar Alexander] is a dude. He’s going to be tough to handle. We know we are going to be a massive underdog that week. We’re on the road. I think everyone with eyeballs is probably picking Columbia to win that game,” Emmett head coach Rich Hargitt. 

 

“Nampa has athletic playmakers on the perimeter. They are getting more comfortable with their program and what Holtry wants the Bulldogs to look like,” Kuna head coach Sherman Blaser.

 

“Vallivue quarterback Lan Larison is very athletic and leads his team. The running back from Columbia Allamar Alexander is a dude and is going to be a problem for defenses. The lineman from Middleton, Gaard Memmelaar, is probably the dominant player in the league,” Ridgevue head coach Tom DeWitz. 

 

 

1. Twin Falls

2. Jerome

3. Canyon Ridge

4. Mountain Home

5. Wood River

 

Hudson Klundt, OL/DL, Twin Falls

Bentley Swensen, RB/LB, Twin Falls

Cy Mahlke, DL/TE, Twin Falls

Jeffrey Ledezma, DB, Jerome

Alan Castaneda, WR, Jerome

Andrew Nelson, QB, Wood River

Klayton Douthit, OL, Wood River

Hunter Geissler, OL, Wood River

Nehemiah Parker, WR, Mountain Home

Johnny Eastman, QB, Canyon Ridge

MJ Brooks, RB/WR, Canyon Ridge

 

“Twin Falls has great size in the trenches with the Hudson Klundt leading the way,” Jerome head coach Sid Gambles.

 

“We are ready to make some noise,” Mountain Home head coach Jim Clark.

 

 

1. Century

2. Minico 

3. Pocatello

4. Burley 

5. Preston

 

Nathan Manning, QB, Century

Deshun Harwell, DB, Century

Titan Fleischmann, TE, Century

Francisco Paz, DB, Minico

Colter May, RB/DB, Minico

Kobee Gunter, QB, Pocatello

Kyler Nichols, RB, Pocatello

Ethan Gibbons, QB, Burley

Riley Stephens, RB/DB, Burley

 

“Century looks strong and returns a great group of athletes,” Burley head coach Tony Cade.

 

“Kobee Gunter is a deadly efficient quarterback across town. He’ll have a lot of eyes on him. Colter May is a very good football player on both sides of the ball for Minico and they’ll need him to make a run for it. I like Burley’s quarterback Ethan Gibbons, who is very athletic,” Century head coach Travis Hobson.

 

 

1. Skyline

2. Hillcrest

3. Blackfoot

4. Idaho Falls

5. Shelley 

6. Bonneville

 

Cruz Taylor, WR, Skyline

Joel Cortez, DL, Skyline

Cameron Conrad, RB, Idaho Falls

Carson Fugleberg, TE, Idaho Falls

Jordan Neuerburg, RB, Hillcrest

Oakley Hussey, WR/CB, Hillcrest

Brandon McBride, RB/DB, Shelley

Wyatt Remington, RB/LB, Shelley

Jake Wray, QB, Shelley

Carter Cooper, WR, Blackfoot

Chase Turner, TE, Blackfoot

Willie Nelson, QB, Bonneville

Jordan Perez, RB/DB, Bonneville

 

“I believe Blackfoot will be much improved from the little I saw last year. The Broncos have a ton of tradition and pride. Skyline is the big dog until someone harnesses them. However, never count out the Russets! We will be in the mix!” Shelley head coach Jake Monahan. 

 

“Jordan Neuerburg of Hillcrest is an outstanding athlete who can take over a game. Cameron Conrad of Idaho Falls is an impact player who is a physical runner,” Skyline head coach Scott Berger.

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1. Timberlake

2. Kellogg

3. Priest River

4. Bonners Ferry

 

Jeremy McLemore, RB/LB, Timberlake

Joey Follini, QB/S, Timberlake

Justin Lehto, OL/LB, Kellogg

Owen Seitz, OL/DL, Kellogg

Brandon Miller, OL/DL, Kellogg

Robbie Anselmo, RB/DB, Priest River

Arron Reyes, OL/DL, Priest River

Keegan Hegel, RB/DB, Priest River

Donovan Varelman, RB, Bonners Ferry

 

“Our league is as close as it has been in a long time. Last year was a perfect example of that. I really think whoever is healthiest coming into league play has as good of a chance as anyone,” Bonners Ferry head coach Cory Kramer. 

 

 

1. Fruitland

2. Homedale

3. Weiser

4. Parma

5. Payette

 

Cole Eiguren, QB/S, Fruitland

Jonathon Fagen, OL/LB, Fruitland

Noah Hattrup, CB/RB, Fruitland

Daniel Uranga, QB, Homedale

Clayton Wolfe, OL/DL, Homedale

Carson Brown, WR/DB, Homedale

Mason Kincheloe, RB/LB, Homedale

Braden Bumgarner, RB/LB, Weiser

Braydon Jensen, WR/DE, Parma

Ryen Duke, OL/LB, Parma

Andy Harmon, QB/LB, Payette

 

“Weiser could be a surprise with a new coach and new philosophy,” Homedale head coach Matt Holtry.

 

 

1. Gooding

2. Kimberly 

3. Filer

4. Buhl

 

Shane Jennings, QB, Gooding

Cayden Loveland, WR, Gooding

Jake McGinnis, DL, Gooding

McKade Huft, RB, Kimberly

Cade Morris, RB/LB, Gooding

Blake Phillips, WR/DB, Kimberly

AJ Garrell, LB, Kimberly

Jade Juker, QB/DB, Buhl

Garrett Bowman, RB/DB, Buhl

Skyler Borrayo, DL/RB, Filer

Bryer Monson, LB/TE, Buhl

 

“Buhl has steadily improved the last few years under Seth Blick. He is doing a good job over there and has some good young talent,” Kimberly head coach Rich Bishop.

 

“McKade Huft from Kimberly is a great running back and looked good at camp. Also at Kimberly, Blake Phillips at wide receiver might be the fastest player in the SCIC. If he gets loose, watch-out. Kimberly also returns a linebacker in AJ Garrell. He was as good of a linebacker as we saw last year,” Gooding head coach Cameron Andersen.

 

“Buhl has a young team, but have a way of getting kids to play hard and together,” Filer head coach Rob Anderson.

 

 

1. Marsh Valley

2. Snake River

3. American Falls

 

Tanner Branson, OL/DL, Marsh Valley

Conn O’Doherty, OL, Marsh Valley

Aaron Marshall, WR/DB, Marsh Valley

Treyton Young, RB, Snake River

Anthony T. Harrison, C, Snake River

Ty Belnap, OL/DL, Snake River

Garrett Burgemeister, FB/LB, American Falls

Wyatt Kearn, OL/LB, American Falls

 

“Coach Armstrong continues to improve that program at Marsh Valley. His youth programs are flourishing. I watched his team in summer camp and I think that is the best team Marsh Valley has had in a while. American Falls hit a home run in hiring Cory Hollingsworth. He will definitely improve that program,” Snake River head coach Jeb Harrison.

 

“Snake River will always be tough. They are the District Champs, and until they are knocked off, we will continue to work towards playing at their level. This year we have to go to Moreland, which is always a tough place to play. American Falls will also be an improved team with Coach Hollingsworth at the helm. Coach Hollingsworth is an intelligent, well-versed coach who always has his teams ready to play,” Marsh Valley head coach Doug Armstrong.

 

 

1. Sugar-Salem

2. South Fremont

3. Teton

 

Kenneth Copley, OL/DL, Sugar-Salem

Kyler Yancey, RB/WR/DB, South Fremont

Jordan Dodge, OL/DL, South Fremont

Kyle Ostermiller, RB/DL, Sugar-Salem

Jeremiah Otto, RB/DL, Teton

 

“Our conference is always tough and any team can beat any team on any given night, so you always have to be on your game,” South Fremont head coach Chad Hill.

 

“I have heard people mention that they [South Fremont] are going to be down because they lost some key skill players from last year’s team. They return nearly everyone from the offensive and defensive lines, including their linebackers. They will be tough. I see them winning a lot of football games this year,” Sugar-Salem head coach Tyler Richins.

 

“This kid is an animal,” South Fremont head coach Chad Hill on Sugar-Salem’s Kenneth Copley.

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1. Grangeville

2. St. Maries

3. Orofino

 

Noah Kaschmitter, RB/DL, Grangeville

Booker Bush, WR/LB, Grangeville

Brandon Stump, TE/LB, Grangeville

Tescher Harris, QB/DB, Grangeville

 

“Orofino has a new coach that will do well. St. Maries has a great coaching staff. These teams will always prepare as good as any staffs in the state at any level,” Grangeville head coach Jeff Adams.

 

“Noah Kaschmitter, Brandon Stump and Booker Bush from Grangeville will be great players in our league,” Orofino head coach Garrett Bretz. 

 

 

1. McCall-Donnelly

2. Cole Valley Christian

3. New Plymouth

4. Melba

5. Nampa Christian

6. Marsing

 

Obi Gee, RB, Cole Valley Christian

Brady Frame, WR/FS, Cole Valley Christian

Roman Conder, QB/CB, Cole Valley Christian

Pete Knudson, QB/DE, McCall-Donnelly

Beau Carr, RB/LB, McCall-Donnelly

Stockton Raines, WR/DB, McCall-Donnelly

Josue Hernandez, DL, McCall-Donnelly

Dwight Sevy, RB/S, Marsing

Wes Ireland, QB/CB, Marsing

Scotty Martinez, LB/RB, Melba

Joe Ihli, QB/DB, Nampa Christian

Michael Miller, WR/DB, Nampa Christian

Nick Woods, OL/DL, New Plymouth

Seth Mowder, RB, New Plymouth

Luke Eames, DL, New Plymouth

 

“Cole Valley Christian has the athletes to beat anybody in the conference this season,” New Plymouth head coach Dallan Rupp. 

 

“Everyone lost their offensive line,” McCall-Donnelly head coach Lee Leslie.

 

“The second year of the wing-t offensive system that can be hard to defend,” Nampa Christian head coach Cassidy Kotte on Melba. 

 

 

1. Declo

2. Wendell

 

Keegan Duncan, RB/LB, Declo

Tyson Matthews, OL/DL, Declo

McKay Breshears, QB/LB, Declo

Tristan Wert, QB, Wendell

Ben Orozco Diaz, LB, Wendell

 

“We are going to be a ton better this year,” Wendell head coach Cody Howerton.

 

 

1. Aberdeen

2. West Side

3. Bear Lake

4. Malad 

5. Soda Springs

 

Hulizes Ortiz, RB/DB, Aberdeen

Spencer Watson, OL/DL, Aberdeen

Matthew Klassen, QB/LB, Aberdeen

Mitchell Spence, OL/DL, Aberdeen

Jake Moser, LB/RB, West Side

Enoch Ward, LB/RB, West Side

Dillon Robison, DB/WR, West Side

Jack Moser, OL/DL, West Side

Trey Shaul, WR/DB, Bear Lake

Logan Mumford, RB/LB, Soda Springs

Thomas Nielsen, WR/DB, Soda Springs

Kolby Driessen, RB, Malad

 

“Soda Springs and Malad both have new head coaches, so it will be interesting to see what they do,” West Side head coach Tyson Moser.

 

“Bear Lake has a tradition of winning and they always seem to compete,” Soda Springs head coach Colter Evans. 

 

 

1. Firth

2. North Fremont

3. West Jefferson

4. Ririe

5. Salmon

 

Garrett Hawkes, QB/DB, North Fremont

Colton Mecham, RB/DB, Firth

Grayson Nelson, QB/TE/DE, Firth

Genio Lemus, DE, West Jefferson

Riggen Cordingley, RB/LB, North Fremont

Stockton Johnson, RB/DB, Ririe

Brax Kauffman, QB/DB, Salmon

 

“North Fremont has a talented group of seniors. It will be difficult to account for all of them,” West Jefferson head coach Jason Taylor.

 

“Hoping we come ready to play Salmon after they put a whooping on us last year,” North Fremont head coach Ben Lenz.

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1. Prairie

2. Genesee

3. Lapwai

4. Clearwater Valley

5. Kamiah

6. Troy

7. Wallace 

8. Potlatch

 

Spencer Schumacher, QB/DL, Prairie

Caleb McWilliams, RB/LB, Prairie

Owen Anderson, RB/LB, Prairie

Kolby Moser, QB/LB, Genesee

Daniel Lindquist, RB/DB, Genesee

Dillon Sperber, OL/LB, Genesee

Kendall Leighton, WR/DB, Lapwai

Tui Moliga Jr., RB/LB, Lapwai

Bubba Summers, RB/LB, Clearwater Valley

Peyton Whipple, DE/OL, Kamiah

Layten Gould, DT/OL, Kamiah

Rhett Sandquist, QB/DE, Troy

Erik Brackebusch, QB, Wallace

Carter Bailey, WR/DB, Wallace

 

“I always worry about Wallace because they are well coached,” Genesee head coach Tim Sperber.

 

“With the return of wide receiver Kendall Leighton, the conference’s most exciting player, Lapwai will always have a chance in any game,” Kamiah head coach Nels Kludt.

 

“Clearwater Valley could surprise some people. They have a good solid group of underclassmen,” Prairie head coach Ryan Hasselstrom.

 

 

1. Wilder

2. Idaho City

3. Rimrock

4. Notus

 

Benji Escutia, RB/S, Wilder

Ismael Cortez, DE/TE, Wilder

Norman Gonzalez, WR/CB, Wilder

Jake Sharp, RB/DB, Idaho City

Juan McFarlane, RB/DB, Idaho City

Kaleb Severns, QB, Idaho City

Garrett Stewart, RB/LB, Notus

Brandon Fogg, RB/LB, Notus

Tyler Carpenter, QB, Notus

Ian Burbank, RB/DB, Rimrock

Nick Lino, OL/DE, Rimrock

Todd Marvin, QB/LB, Rimrock

 

“Rimrock had some young talent last year that I think will produce some conference wins this year,” Wilder head coach Kyle DalSoglio.

 

“Rimrock was well on their way in turning things around last year. Next year should be much better for them. Wilder will always be tough. A new coach in Notus could be interesting,” Idaho City head coach Jason Roeber. 

 

 

1. Oakley

2. Valley

3. Raft River (Tie)

3. Challis (Tie)

5. Butte County

6. Grace

7. Glenns Ferry

 

Keegan Chatburn, QB/LB, Raft River

Rylee Spencer, WR/LB, Raft River

Jason Hardy, QB/DB, Valley

Zane Mussmann, WR/LB, Valley

Collin Tvrdy, OL/DL, Valley

Tanner Martinez, QB, Glenns Ferry

Chandler Jones, WR/DB, Oakley

Austin Bedke, RB/LB, Oakley

Keyan Cummins, RB/LB, Butte County

Ty Twitchell, RB/LB, Butte County

Camm Jorgensen, RB/LB, Grace

Tate Cranney, QB, Oakley

Ross Sheppeard, QB/DE, Challis

Blaine Ammar, NT/OG, Challis

Mitch Cotant, RB/DB, Challis

 

“We have a lot of respect for any team in this conference and know how tough this conference is. Valley will be very tough and Oakley has a good tradition. I am not sure it is much of a surprise that every team in this conference can make a deep playoff run,” Grace head coach Mark Dodge.

 

“Butte County is moving back up. Sam Thorngren is a very good coach and always has his teams prepared,” Challis head coach T.T. Cain. 

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1. Deary

2. Kendrick

3. Lewis County

4. Clark Fork

5. Mullan

6. Kootenai

7. Lakeside

8. Timberline-Weippe

 

Eli Frazier, OL/DL, Deary

Olav Stanton, OL/DL, Deary

Bodee Swanson, QB/DB, Deary

Chase Burke, RB/LB, Kendrick

Cooper Hewett, TE/CB, Kendrick

Jimmy Barnett, FB/LB, Lewis County

Brendan Nelson, RB/LB, Lewis County

Josh Constantin, RB/DE, Clark Fork

Skye Gallaway, WR/DB, Mullan

Gage Maitland, QB/RB/LB, Kootenai

Devin Arroyo, FB/LB, Lakeside

Tucker Sanchez, QB/DB, Lakeside

 

“I think the biggest surprise this year will be Lewis County. After having a couple down years they will be very powerful this year and we have that date marked on our schedule as what should be a great game. They are returning some very good running backs and a senior quarterback. They will be looking to avenge some rough years this season and have the Tigers and the Mustangs in their sights,” Kendrick head coach Zane Hobart.

 

“Clark Fork has good numbers and could be a very tough team to play,” Lakeside head coach Chris Dohrman.

 

“Well it probably does not come as a surprise, per se, but even with Deary and Kendrick graduating a number of seniors last year, both of those teams will still be very good. They both have quality programs developed and as you know just seem to reload every year,” Lewis County head coach Monty Moddrell. 

 

 

1. Salmon River

2. Garden Valley

3. Tri-Valley

4. Horseshoe Bend

5. Council

6. Cascade

 

Canyon Harper, RB/LB, Salmon River

Randy McClure, WR/DB, Salmon River

Gage Peterson, RB/LB, Garden Valley

Covy Kelly, WR/S, Garden Valley

Orion Southwick, LB/TE, Tri-Valley

Jayden Mink, QB/DB, Tri-Valley

Quade Renfro, QB/DB, Horseshoe Bend

Coltyn Smith, WR/DL, Horseshoe Bend

Sam Mahon, QB/CB, Council

Wesley Waddoups, OL/DL, Council

Cody Moosman, QB, Cascade

Michael Onaindia, RB, Cascade

 

“Garden Valley is a playoff team. They should've been in the playoffs last year. But they have a good group of upperclassmen and a solid group of sophomores. They should be good for a few years at least,” Council head coach Randy Nichols.

 

“I think Council could make a quick turnaround from last year. They always have quality, hardworking and tough kids,” Horseshoe Bend head coach Craig Elliott.   

 

 

1. Carey

2. Murtaugh

3. Lighthouse Christian

4. Dietrich

5. Camas County

6. Hagerman

7. Castleford

8. Hansen

 

Porter Mecham, RB/LB, Carey

Carson Simpson, DE, Carey

Graden Dimond, QB/LB, Murtaugh

Gio Zavala, TE, Murtaugh

Remington Kramer, WR/LB, Camas County

Paxton Stimpson, QB/S, Hansen

Derek Herrington, LB/OL, Hagerman

Audie Zimmers, RB/LB, Dietrich

Andrew Power, WR/LB, Dietrich

Brady Power, QB/CB, Dietrich

Carter Schilder, TE/S, Castleford

Brandon Butler, RB/LB, Lighthouse Christian

Cooper Dastrup, OL/DL, Lighthouse Christian

 

“I think Murtaugh will surprise a lot of folks. They didn’t lose many seniors and their new coach has them playing well,” Camas County head coach Rusty Kramer.

 

“We are new to the conference, so we are going into the season with the mindset of one week at a time. Playing Lighthouse Christian in basketball last year we found they have some real good athletes and also Murtaugh has some good athletes coming back from last year. The tape of playing Murtaugh shows that we struggled to keep them out of the end zone, so don’t let the score from that one fool you,” Hagerman head coach Joe Keeney. 

 

 

1. Rockland

2. North Gem

3. Mackay

4. Clark-Watersprings

 

Pratt Matthews, WR/OLB, Rockland

Zane Porath, WR/ILB, Rockland

Bronx Holbrook, WR/CB, North Gem

Dallin Green, QB/LB, Mackay

Caleb Green, WR/LB, Mackay

Brayden Remer, QB, Clark-Watersprings

 

“I think Mackay is the x-factor team. They have some good athletes and good speed. They are an aggressive team and play with intensity,” North Gem head coach Dana Strong.