Preseason Coaches Poll:
1. Eagle
2. Middleton
3. Boise
4. Owyhee
5. Borah
Written by: Lucas Gebhart
With two schools making the state quarterfinals in 2025, the 6A Southern Idaho Conference’s River Pod features several state playoff contenders and state championship contender, Eagle.
The Mustangs have dominated the pod for the past several seasons but lose their multi-year starting running back and quarterback.
With Centennial moving to 5A, the SIC reshuffled the pods a bit entering the new season. Mountain View and Kuna move from the River Pod to the Foothills pod while Middleton moves from the Foothills pod to the River Pod.
EAGLE
Eagle loses five three-year starters, including all-state running back Noah Burnham and the league’s Offensive Player of the Year, quarterback Austin Ramsey.
This leaves Eagle’s offense with a lot of production to replace with Burnham finishing his senior year with over 1,400 rushing yards and finishing as the state’s second leading rusher.
“For the past three season, Eagle football has had the household names,” head coach James Cluphf said. “I’m excited to see new names emerge on Friday nights.”
Eagle returns three starters to one of the biggest offensive lines in the state, one that’s averaging over 275 pounds and has two starting tackles over 290 pounds.
While Eagle hasn’t settled on its new starting quarterback, whoever they end up choosing will have plenty of targets to throw to. The group is headlined by the 6-foot-5 tight end Landon Bult, who holds offers from Nevada, Montana, Utah Tech and Delaware.
“He is the next guy up as a big-time tight end at Eagle High,” Cluphf said.
Three-year starter and all-conference linebacker Luke Mikita anchors Eagle’s defense.
MIDDLETON
Without former running back Jake Perez, Middleton will have to reinvent its offensive strategy.
Perez averaged nearly 25 carries per game last fall, carrying the ball over 270 times, by far the most of any running back in the state. He totaled over 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns, leading the state in both categories.
His 271 carries were 103 more carries than the next top ball carrier in 6A.
His offensive production helped lead Middleton to the state quarterfinals.
Middleton does return their starting quarterback, senior Briar Baughman. Senior wide receiver/defensive back Isaac Lowe will also be a critical player for Middleton in 2026.
BOISE
Boise is returning one of the SIC’s best running backs in Logan McDonald, who rushed for 870 yards as a junior. The senior also doubles as a starting linebacker for the Brave where he picked up a second all-conference honor as a two-way starter.
Boise also returns sophomore quarterback Wayne Bower, who shared time with Trevor Schoolfield at the position last year. The senior-freshman combo combined nearly 2,000 passing yards, helping Boise rank as one of the top passing offenses in the state.
Without Schoolfield, Bower takes over the Brave offense full-time.
OWYHEE
Four offensive linemen are back, but the Storm lost six players with multi-year experience, including Idaho’s best tight end and Boise State commit Ryan Brekke.
The new season comes with plenty of unknowns, especially at the skill positions, presenting Owyhee’s football program and fourth-year head coach Jason Burton with a new opportunity to shake up its identity.
“This team is ready to prove itself,” Burton said. “Over the past three years, our teams have worked hard to build a strong foundation. Now, it’s time for this group to take the next step.”
Freshman quarterback Tyriq Reese, along with senior running back Nick Burton, are just two of several players being asked to step into big roles without much varsity playing experience.
“Our skilled guys needs to be ready to make plays when their number is called,” Burton said. “We may not have many experienced players or recognizable names, but that is what makes this season so exciting. These athletes now have an opportunity to step into the spotlight, establish their own identity, and show everyone what they are capable of.”
BORAH
Borah brings in a new head coach, hiring Daniel Jenkins from 3A Nampa Christian following the Trojans’ second state football championship.
Jenkins led the Trojans to five winning records in his six seasons and finished his tenure at Nampa Christian with a 41-18 record. He now takes over a Borah program whose last winning season came in 2019.
“I am most excited to see how we will grow and progress together this season,” Jenkins said. “Our players have embraced a new culture, new standards and a new mindset throughout the offseason.”
The Lions return senior quarterback Dayton Wolverton, making Borah the only team in the pod to return a senior to the position. Wolverton finished with over 1,100 passing yards as a junior and will lead Jenkins’ air raid offense.