ORDER GAME PHOTOS

Written by: Christian Weaner

FOOTBALL

Rocky Mountain Rumble Games

South Summit (Utah) vs. Marsh Valley

11 a.m. Friday

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The opening game of the 2022 Rocky Mountain Rumble will feature 2021 Idaho 3A state qualifier Marsh Valley and 2021 Utah 2A state semifinalist South Summit. The Eagles will have their hands full with the Wildcats, who went a perfect 10-0 last year in the regular season and is already off to a 2-0 start in 2022. South Summit has won both its games so far this season by scores of 40-8 and 37-7. The Eagles are no slouch either though, as they won the 3A South East Idaho Conference (SEIC) last season and came within six points of upsetting Sugar-Salem in last year’s 3A state quarterfinals.

Layton (Utah) vs. Lewiston

2 p.m. Friday

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The Lewiston Bengals will kick off their 2022 campaign with a tough matchup against Utah’s Class 6A Layton Lancers. Both Lewiston and Layton hosted home playoff games in 2021. The Bengals lost their matchup with Capital, while the Lancers won in the first round, before losing in round two. This season, both teams have their hopes set on not only making it back to their respective state tournaments, but also making a deep run once they get there. Layton is off to a strong start already, winners of their first two games this season — including a 16-9 win over Alta, who faces Sandpoint in the Rocky Mountain Rumble. This will be Lewiston’s first game, so the Bengals will need to overcome any early-season jitters, in addition to adjusting after a 9-hour bus ride to Rexburg.

Beaver (Utah) vs. Minico

5 p.m. Friday

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Minico kicked this off in style last week with a commanding 40-21 victory over 5A Thunder Ridge. Now, they turn their sights to their Rocky Mountain Rumble against Beaver, a perennial state contender in Utah’s 2A ranks. Despite the Beavers dominance in recent years — including a second place finish last season — Beaver enters the game 0-2 after losing on a last-second Hail Mary two weeks ago to rival Kanab and falling again 35-14 at home in the following week. The Spartans will look to stay hot to start the season, while the Beavers hope to end their losing skid.

Stansbury (Utah) vs. Skyline

8 p.m. Friday

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The night cap for Friday’s Rocky Mountain Rumble action will be a showdown between the two-time defending Idaho 4A state champions Skyline and 2021 Utah 5A state semifinalists Stansbury. Last season the Grizzlies overcame a 1-3 start to the season, rebounding to win eight of their last nine games en route to their second 4A state title in as many years. Skyline lost some significant contributors from last season’s team, but the talented Grizzlies will reload at a number of positions and push for a three-peat in 2022. Their season opener will be a good test, as Stansbury looks to be a state championship contender in the Utah 5A ranks. The Stallions have bolted out of the gate this season, winning their first two games by a combined score of 115-33.

Alta (Utah) vs. Sandpoint

11 a.m. Saturday

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For the past two seasons, Sandpoint has made deep playoff runs — to the 4A semifinals in 2020 and finals last year. Both years, the Bulldogs lost to Skyline, the 2020 and 2021 4A state champions. Sandpoint already has November 2022 and a potential rematch with the Grizzlies in mind, but head coach Ryan Knowles knows his team has to take it one game at a time. So, the first game up on the schedule is a matchup with a talented Alta team that made it to the second round of the 5A playoffs last season in Utah. Saturday’s game will mark Sandpoint’s first time competing in the Rocky Mountain Rumble. The Bulldogs are excited for the opportunity and locked in as they begin their 2022 campaign.

Morgan (Utah) vs. Pocatello

2 p.m. Saturday

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The Pocatello Thunder kick off their 2022 season against Morgan Saturday afternoon in an intriguing matchup between two teams that made deep playoff runs last season. Pocatello lost a lot of talent from a team that fell 36-31 in the 4A state semifinals to Skyline last year, but the Thunder will reload with some younger players that will make an impact right away. The Thunder will have their hands full to open the season against a Morgan squad that was the 2021 3A state runner-up in the state of Utah. The Trojans look to have a formidable team again this season, as they have easily won their first two games season.

Lehi (Utah) vs Highland (Pocatello)

5 p.m. Saturday

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Possibly the most high-profile matchup of the Rocky Mountain Rumble will be played Saturday evening when 2021 5A runner-up Highland takes on Utah’s defending 5A state champion Lehi. The Rams graduated a number of key contributors from last season, including 2021 Top High School Placekicker of the Year Ian Hershey and quarterback Jack Whitmer. Highland will reload with a solid group of juniors and seniors, returning six defensive starters from last season. The Pioneers will be a tough test for Highland, though. Lehi made a magical run through the Utah 5A playoffs last year, and the Pioneers are off to a blazing start in 2022. The Pioneers won each their first two games by identical scores of 48-0.

Tooele (Utah) vs. Madison

8 p.m. Saturday

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A pair of 2021 5A state qualifiers from their respective states will face off when the Tooele Buffaloes take on the Rocky Mountain Rumble host Madison Bobcats. Both Madison and Tooele will be seeking their first win of the season Saturday. The Bobcats lost 13-7 at Owyhee last Friday, while the Buffaloes were shut out 25-0 Aug. 12 and fell 48-13 the following week. Tooele has been dealing with the effects of losing all but two starters from last season. Madison, on the other hand, has brought back a lot of talent from the 2021 squad that finished 6-4.

Regular In-State Competition

Post Falls vs. Skyline (Utah)

2 p.m. Friday

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One point was the difference between a playoff berth and going home early last season for Post Falls, and unfortunately the Trojans ended up on the wrong side of things. First, Post Falls lost 30-29 at Lewiston in the regular season — had the Trojans won that game, they would have won the 5A Inland Empire League (IEL) outright. But Post Falls bounced back to beat Coeur d’Alene and Lake City, forcing a three-way tie for the IEL crown. Only two teams could make the playoffs, so the league championship was decided by a modified Kansas tiebreaker on the Monday after the regular season ended. In that tiebreaker — comparable to college football’s overtime rules, where each team gets an offensive possession starting at their opponent’s 25-yard line — Post Falls lost their first matchup with Lewiston 3-0. Then, against Coeur d’Alene, the Trojans scored a touchdown, went for the two-point conversion and failed, allowing the Vikings to score on the ensuing drive, kick the extra point, and end Post Falls season in the blink of an eye. The Trojans will use the stinging defeat as motivation, as they vie for supremacy in the challenging IEL once again this season. Their 2022 season will kick off with a neutral site game again Skyline (Utah) at Middleton High School Friday afternoon. Skyline was a playoff team in Utah last season and should give Post Falls a good test to begin the year.

Blackfoot @ Emmett

6 p.m. Friday

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Blackfoot will make the four-hour trip to Emmett to take on the Huskies in a showdown between two 2021 4A state qualifiers Friday night. Last season, Blackfoot finished 6-6 — but do not let that record deceive you. The Broncos beat 4A state champions Skyline on the road, played the 5A state champion Rigby Trojans tight and lost five games by a single point, including a heartbreaking 29-28 loss at Sandpoint in the state semifinals. Emmett, on the other hand, finished win an impressive 7-3 record least season, but their back-to-back losses to end the season cost them an outright SIC Championship and halted their playoff run in the first round. Both the Broncos and Huskies will be hungry for a season-opening in 2022.

Gooding @ Jerome

7 p.m. Friday

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Gooding and Jerome will square off to open the season for the third straight year when the Senators make the short trip down to Jerome to take on the Tigers. Last season, Gooding finished a perfect 8-0 in regular season play, earning the No. 2 seed in the 3A state playoffs. The Senators run came to an end in the state semifinals, however, when they were upset by the eventual state champions Weiser. Jerome had high hopes in 2021, but the injury-plagued Tigers finished with a disappointing 3-6 mark. Gooding has defeated Jerome each of the last two seasons, so the Tigers will have extra motivation this year as they look to defend their home field Friday night.

Skyview @ Kuna

7 p.m. Friday

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Both Skyview and Kuna got their seasons underway last Friday night. The Kavemen dominated Centennial 28-3, meanwhile the Hawks fell 61-35 in a shootout against Kuna High School in Oregon. After winning the 2019 4A State Championship, Kuna moved has struggled since moving to 5A in 2020. Despite a 1-8 finish last season, the Kavemen return a talented roster and hopes to compete in the Southern Idaho Conference (SIC) River Division. Following a four-year stint in the 5A ranks, Skyview will return to 4A in 2022, and the Hawks are looking to improve upon a 5-5 record last season.

Kellogg @ Moscow

7 p.m. Friday

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North Idaho football fans will want to keep an eye on Friday’s matchup between the Moscow Bears and 2A’s newest member, Kellogg. The Wildcats offense will once again be led by twin brothers Riply and Colby Luna, the quarterback-wide receiver duo that connected for more than 1,000 yards through the air last season. Kellogg is coming off a 6-3 season in which they made the 3A state playoffs, and they are looking to make a run at the 2A title in 2022. Moscow, meanwhile, started 3-1 last season, before losing their final four games of the season. The Bears hope to rebound in 2022 under the direction of first-year head coach Rob Bafus.

Bear Lake @ North Fremont

7 p.m. Friday

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North Fremont has not lost a regular season game since October 2017. The Huskies will put their 31-game streak on the line when they host fellow 2021 2A state semifinalist Bear Lake. Incredibly, despite dominating in the regular season over the last four years, North Fremont has not won a state championship since 1989 — a mark head coach Ben Lenz and his Huskies hope to change in 2022. Bear Lake has a golden opportunity in 2022, as conference rival and three-time defending 2A state champions West Side graduated a lot of key players from last year. The Bears hope to build upon their 7-4 record in 2021 and win the 2A SEIC.

Buhl @ Weiser

7 p.m. Friday

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Buhl and 2021 3A state champion Weiser face off Friday evening in a rematch of last season’s opening round state playoff matchup. The Wolverines unsurprisingly dominated the Indians 62-20 in that playoff matchup last season and went on to win their next three straight — including a thrilling 34-33 victory in double overtime in the championship game against three-time defending champions Sugar-Salem — to claim the second state title in school history. Weiser lost a lot of talent from last season to graduation though, so the Wolverine will have a tough road back to the 3A championship this season. Buhl is led by second year head coach Allyn Reynolds, who is hoping to take the Indians back to the 3A playoffs this season.

Coeur d’Alene @ Rocky Mountain

7 p.m. Friday

Coeur d’Alene got shut out 24-0 in their season opener last week against defending 5A champions Rigby in a game played at the University of Montana — and things are not getting any easier this week for the Vikings. Coeur d’Alene will make the seven-hour road trip down to Meridian Friday to face off against the No. 1 ranked team in 5A — Rocky Mountain. The Grizzlies are 1-0 to start the year following their 21-7 victory over Middleton last week. The last time Coeur d’Alene and Rocky Mountain faced off was the 2022 5A state semifinals. The Grizzlies won that game on their home field 36-21 and went on to win the state championship.

South Fremont @ Timberlake

7 p.m. Friday

South Fremont will make the 500-mile journey up to Spirit Lake to play Timberlake Friday night in a game between 2021 3A state qualifiers. Last season, the White Tigers and Cougars squared off to open the season, with South Fremont taking the win 27-12 on their home field. Timberlake bounced back to win six of their final seven regular season games, winning the Intermountain League (IML) and earning a home playoff game. South Fremont opened the 2021 season 3-0, but then things got rocky for the Cougars as they dropped their final five regular season games. Despite the losing streak, the Cougars resume was enough to earn them an at-large state playoff bid. They knocked off former IML member Kellogg in the opening round before losing against top-seeded Homedale in the quarterfinals.

Mountain View @ Meridian

7 p.m. Friday

Mountain View knocked off Meridian 14-13 to open the 2021 season, but the Warriors would have the last laugh. The Mavericks went undefeated throughout the regular season and earned a first-round playoff bye, but Meridian shattered their championship dreams, demolishing them on their home field, 35-6. Meridian also has unfinished business from last season, as the Warriors fell in triple overtime to Rigby in the 5A semifinals. Both teams have state championship aspirations in 2022, making this a key early season matchup that could have playoff seeding ramifications.

Idaho 8-Man Classic Games

Kendrick vs. Notus

11 a.m. Saturday

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Kenrick and Notus will kick off the 2021 Idaho 8-Man Classic Saturday when the Tigers and Pirates face off. Both Kendrick and Notus have high expectations for the 2022 season after impressive performances a year ago. Kendrick outscored its opponents 532-186 last season, finishing the year 9-2 and winning their first 1AD2 state championship since 2002. What is crazy is that the Tigers graduated only one player from their 2021 roster, making them heavy favorites to repeat as state champions this season. Notus similarly dominated the opposition in 2021, winning by an average of nearly 30 points and accumulating an impressive 7-1 regular season record en route to a Western Idaho Conference (WIC) championship. The Pirates playoff run was spoiled in the first round by Butte County, however.

Clearwater Valley vs. Glenns Ferry

2 p.m. Saturday

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Both Clearwater Valley and Glenns Ferry are hoping to put 2021 behind them and move forward this season. Clearwater Valley finished the regular season last year 3-5, but the Rams were able to earn an at-large bid in the 1AD1 state playoffs, falling to Lapwai in the opening round. Glenns Ferry showed promise down the stretch last season, dominating Lighthouse Christian 46-6 to close out the season, but the Pilots struggled overall and ended 2-5 on the year. This season, both teams return a solid core of players and are looking to compete for a state playoff birth once again.

Prairie vs. Oakley

5 p.m. Saturday

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Two of Idaho’s best 8-man football teams will square off Saturday night when Prairie and 2021 1AD1 state champion Oakley go head-to-head. Both the Pirates and Hornets were dominant last season, losing only one game apiece. The difference between their finishes, however, was when those defeats took place. Prairie swept through the regular season, crushing opponents, and averaging nearly 60 points per contest. The Pirates closest game was a 32-point victory over Lapwai. But Prairie’s championship hopes were dashed when Lapwai got revenge, upsetting the Pirates 68-36 in the quarterfinals. Oakley similarly opened its season on fire last year, winning seven straight games, including four shutout victories. Then, the Hornets lost a tight contest on the road at conference rival Raft River 22-16 in the de facto Snake River Conference championship game. Fueled by the loss, Oakley caught fire once again in the state playoffs, rattling off four straight dominating wins — including a 42-14 pummeling of Raft Rive in the championship game — en route to the state title. Both Prairie and Oakley are top-five ranked 1AD1 teams this season, making this Idaho 8-Man Classic matchup a potential state playoff preview.

BOYS SOCCER

Highland (Pocatello) @ Boise

4:30 p.m. Friday

Highland (Pocatello) @ Timberline (Boise)

10 a.m. Saturday

So far this season the Highland Rams are off to a fast start, winners of their first two matches against solid 4A opponents Twin Falls and Preston. This weekend, the Rams will get a real test when they travel to Boise for a game against each of the 2021 5A state finalists. Boise is 2-0-1 this season and sits at No. 3 in the 5A Boys Soccer Coaches Poll. The Brave earned a draw against 2021 5A third place finisher Rocky Mountain in their opening game before dominating Borah and Capital this week. Last season’s state champion Timberline Wolves are 3-0-1 so far and are currently ranked No. 1 in the coaches poll.

Madison @ Timberline (Boise)

4:30 p.m. Friday

Madison @ Boise

10 a.m. Saturday

Timberline and Boise will take turns hosting a second District 5-6 opponent this weekend when the Madison Bobcats also come to town. Madison lost its opening matchup on the road at Hillcrest 1-0, but the Bobcats bounces back Monday evening, dominating Skyline 5-0. Friday night’s matchup between Madison and Timberline will be rematch of the 2021 5A state playoff opening round game which the Wolves narrowly won 1-0 en route to the championship.

Mountain View @ Vallivue

11:30 a.m. Saturday

Mountain View and Vallivue will each put their unbeaten records on the line Saturday in a class between potential state contenders this season. The Mountain View Mavericks have opened the season red hot, winning their two games by a combined 9-1 score and earning the No. 5 coaches poll ranking at the 5A level. The Falcons are ranked No. 1 in 4A right now thanks to victories over Middleton and 2021 4A third place finisher Jerome. Vallivue also earned a draw with last season’s 4A state champion Bishop Kelly Thursday evening.

Eagle @ Caldwell

Noon Saturday

Eagle and Caldwell are both off to strong starts so far this season and Saturday they will go head-to-head. The Mustangs enter the game with a 2-1 record, while the Cougars are 3-0 on the year and are currently ranked No. 2 in the 4A classification. Caldwell picked up an impressive shutout win at Bishop Kelly earlier this week and the Cougars will look to continue that momentum this weekend on their home field.

Lake City @ Coeur d’Alene

Noon Saturday

An important 5A IEL game will take place Saturday afternoon between unbeaten teams Lake City and Coeur d’Alene. The Timberwolves played to a 1-1 draw against 2021 4A runner-up Sandpoint in their season opener. Since then, Lake City cruised to wins over Lewiston and Moscow. The Vikings have looked like unstoppable so far this season, winning all of their games by a combine 22-2 to start the year. Whoever picks up the win Saturday will have a leg up in the highly competitive IEL this year.

American Falls @ Teton

1 p.m. Saturday

American Falls and Teton met last year in the opening round of the 3A state playoffs. Teton won 2-1 and went on to finish third while American Falls rebounded to win the consolation championship. So far this season, the Beavers and Timberwolves look poised to make trips back to the state tournament, making Saturday’s match an important litmus test for both squads. American Falls is 1-1 in 2022, with the lone loss being a 4-3 defeat against defending 3A champion Sugar-Salem. Teton has looked dominate so far this season and the Timberwolves are yet to give up a goal, winning their three contests by a combined score of 13-0.

GIRLS SOCCER

Highland (Pocatello) @ Rocky Mountain

1 p.m. Friday

Highland (Pocatello) @ Timberline (Boise)

11:30 a.m. Saturday

Just like on the boys side, the Highland girls soccer team will also make a trip to Boise to take on two of the 5A SIC frontrunners this weekend. Friday’s contest between the Rams and No. 3-ranked Grizzlies will be a rematch of the 2021 5A state third place game that was won by Rocky Mountain 3-1. Highland will have its hands full with Timberline on Saturday. The Wolves are 2-0-1 on the year and are ranked No. 2 in the state.

Coeur d’Alene @ Lake City

Noon Saturday

The Coeur d’Alene girls soccer team will have its first shot at the defending 5A state champion Lake City Saturday afternoon in an important 5A IEL matchup. The Vikings started the season off red hot, winning their first two contests by final scores of 15-0 and 12-0 before getting tripped up 1-0 at home against Lewiston on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have continued to take care of business so far this year, winning their three games by a combine total of 14-2. The last time Lake City lost a game was more than a year ago.

Sandpoint @ Lewiston

Noon Saturday

The Sandpoint Bulldogs will host Montana school Stillwater Christian Friday evening before hitting the road Saturday to take on Lewiston. Both the Bengals and Bulldogs sit at 1-1 so far this season. Sandpoint got shut out by the Timberwolves to open the season but bounced back to beat Post Falls 6-2 Monday evening, earning them the No. 4 ranking in 4A. Lewiston also lost its season opener to Lake City before notching an impressive 1-0 shutout win on the road at Coeur d'Alene on Thursday. The Bengals will look to carry that momentum into their matchup with the Bulldogs Saturday afternoon.

VOLLEYBALL

Weekend Tournaments

Judy Fong Memorial Tournament

Some of the best volleyball teams from North Idaho will meet Saturday at Lewis-Clark State College for the annual Judy Fong Memorial Tournament. This year’s participants include 5A schools Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston, 4A IEL members Sandpoint, Moscow and Lakeland, 2A Kellogg, Orofino and St. Maries, 1AD2 Whitepine League participants Troy and Genesee and 1AD1 Kendrick. Among the field, Moscow, Kellogg, Orofino, Genesee, Troy and Kendrick all made state tournament appearance last season. Troy is the defending 1AD1 state champion and Genesee finished third in 2021.

Kuna Klassic

Teams from across the state will travel to Kuna Saturday to take part in the Kuna Klassic. The participating teams include Kuna, Nampa, Mountain Home, Council, Salmon and Post Falls. Last season, Post Falls earned the No. 2 seed in the 5A state playoffs, and the Trojans hope to find continued success in 2022. At the 1AD2 level, Council earned a third place finish in 2021.

Regular Competition

Wood River @ Century

5 p.m. Friday

Twin Falls @ Century

6:30 p.m. Friday

The Century Diamondbacks will host a pair of formidable 4A foes Friday night when last season’s third place finisher Wood River and 2021 4A state champion Twin Falls come to town. Century is the Preseason Coaches Poll No. 5-ranked team, while Twin Falls is No. 3 and Wood River is in the “also receiving votes” category. All three teams hope to compete for the 4A championship once again this season.

Cole Valley Christian @ Parma

2 p.m. Saturday

Cole Valley Christian will make the trip over to Parma Saturday afternoon to take on the Panthers in a matchup between two of the top teams in 3A and 2A, respectively. Last season, Cole Valley Christian was a state qualifier, and the Chargers are ranked No. 3 in 2A to start the year. In 2021, Parma finished second in the Snake River Valley Conference behind Fruitland, but the Panthers went on a run through the 3A state tournament, knocking off Fruitland in the loser’s bracket and earning a second-place finish.

Horseshoe Bend @ Murtaugh

4 p.m. Saturday

Horseshoe Bend vs. Liberty Charter

5:30 p.m. Saturday

Liberty Charter @ Murtaugh

7 p.m. Saturday

Southern Idaho volleyball fans will want to keep their eye on this trio of games between some of the best teams at the 1AD1 and 1AD1 levels. All three contests will be hosted by Murtaugh who won the 1AD1 Snake River Conference last season and is ranked No. 2 to begin 2022. Liberty Charter dominated the competition in the 1AD1 Western Idaho Conference last year, finishing 9-0 in conference play and 16-4 overall. Horseshoe Bend may be one of the best teams in the state, regardless of classification. Last season, the Mustangs finished a perfect 21-0 en route to the 1AD2 state title. In fact, Horseshoe Bend only dropped one set the entire season, sweeping the rest of their matches 3-0. Needless to say, the Chargers are ranked No. 1 again this year and are considered heavy favorites to repeat in 2022.