Idaho high school football back at Boise State University with inaugural 'Battle in Boise'

A high school football extravaganza is coming back to the blue turf at Boise State University in September.

Organized by the recently-formed Idaho high school football coaches association, the inaugural "Battle in Boise" is set for Sept. 1, bringing together six in-state programs for games at Albertsons Stadium.

Highlighting the launch will be the opportunity to showcase the state's top recruit - four-star wide receiver Gatlin Bair, who will be with Burley High School to close out the three-game show.

The slate kicks off with an eight-man football blockbuster - reigning 1A (D1) champion Oakley taking on two-time defending 1A (D2) champion Kendrick at 3 p.m. Then it is Emmett and Fruitland going at it at 5:30 p.m. - followed by the Burley-Vallivue nightcap.

Cameron Anderson, the coach at Burley - and vice president of the Idaho football coaches association - said he hopes this event gets the ball rolling on two things: A bigger "Battle in Boise" showcase in the future, and cementing the return of IHSAA championships to the state's biggest stage.

"If (a state championship) is in the Treasure Valley, it should not be at Middleton High School," Anderson said. "It should be on the 'Blue.'"

Anderson noted that third-year BSU coach Andy Avalos has been a big proponent of returning high school football to the college campus.

As far as this inaugural showcase, Anderson said the aim was to put on a "special but manageable" event. The next-time goal, he said, is to expand it to six games over two days where all classifications are represented.

Tickets are expected to go on sale July 10 through the college ticket office.