Idaho high school football playoffs: 3 semifinal games you should not have missed (11/10/2023)
Coeur d’Alene’s football gear was already collecting dust during this time last season.
It had missed the playoffs for the first time in 13 years.
But on Friday night in a hostile environment, the Vikings showed why you can never discount the storied program of five state titles.
They stunned No. 1 seed and previously unbeaten Eagle in its own house no less with a 7-6 Class 5A state semifinal win.
Coeur d’Alene (9-2) will play Highland (10-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Holt Arena in the state championship game.
“Incredibly satisfying,” Coeur d’Alene coach Shawn Amos said. “This group of kids believed and put in the work to give them this opportunity. So proud of them and our coaches.
“That is a great accomplishment for our program.”
The Vikings locked up their seventh state title game appearance over the last 13 years after Lucas Bookholdt’s 35-yard potential game-winning field goal for the Mustangs (10-1) sailed wide left with 26 seconds remaining.
But the difference in the game came late in the third quarter. It appeared like Eagle was going to tie the game after quarterback Davis Harsin trotted in for a 16-yard touchdown run with two minutes and 22 seconds remaining. But the ensuing extra point by Bookholdt was partially blocked to keep Coeur d’Alene in front 7-6.
The Vikings were then able to hold on despite being thoroughly outgained 326-148, including allowing Noah Burnham to carve them up on the ground for 158 yards.
“It was a battle,” Amos said. “Eagle was very good and we made just enough stops to survive. Our players did not panic and found a way to win.”
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HIGHLAND BACK IN TITLE GAME FOR SECOND TIME IN THREE YEARS
COVID-19.
A coaching change.
The school burning down.
Not having football pads until right before the start of two-a-days.
And having to play games at its crosstown rival’s field.
That’s what the Highland football team has gone through over the last few years. But even after all of that, the Rams still find themselves in a familiar position - playing for a state championship. They advanced to the state title game for the 21st time since 1984 - second in three years - with a 20-14 payback win over Meridian Friday night at Holt Arena in the Class 5A semifinals.
“You could make a movie out of this,” Highland coach Nicholas Sorrell said. “It’s just a great feeling for these kids just to battle through this and represent Highland and this community and show what they can do.”
Highland (10-1) had only been beaten once all season. And that was a 21-14 loss to this same Warriors’ (7-4) team at home in late September.
The Rams once again jumped out 7-0 on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Drew Hymas to Rhidge Barela in the second quarter. Only this time, they never relinquished it.
Meridian tied the game at 7-7 in the third quarter, but Highland almost immediately answered. Jackson Riddle busted off a 78-yard touchdown run to give his team the lead for good. Hymas connected with Barela again later in the quarter for what proved to be some needed insurance.
Trailing 20-14, Meridian had a chance to tie or win the game with the ball at its own 16-yard line with 4:06 remaining in the game. But the possession was short-lived with the Rams forcing a quick turnover on downs.
The Warriors never got another opportunity.
“Meridian’s o-line is massive compared to our d-line. But our guys don’t care. They’re gonna go out and they’re gonna sacrifice everything that they can and do their job. You can’t ask any more from them than what they’ve done.
“Meridian is a tough animal to stop and holding them to 14 points is pretty impressive.”
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HILLCREST ENDS SKYLINE’S THREE-YEAR 4A TITLE REIGN
Brennon Mossholder heard all the talk.
The Hillcrest coach was well aware of the chatter going around that his team got “lucky” against three-time reigning state champion Skyline the last time around winning on a 'Hail Mary pass.
But the Knights proved otherwise in the highly anticipated rematch in the Class 4A state semifinals Friday. They ended the dynasty - at least temporarily - of the Grizzlies in a 35-31 win.
Hillcrest (12-0) will play Bishop Kelly (12-0) in the final next week.
“I think it makes it extra special, not because of any rivalry or anything else, but because they’ve been so good,” Mossholder said. “All week we heard about all their playoff experience.
The Knights won on a last-second 55-yard pass from Tyson Sweetwood to BYU basketball signee Isaac Davis in the first go-around in mid-September.
Those dramatics were quite needed this time around. Although, they did have to survive a late charge.
Skyline trailed 35-13 in the second half, but crawled its way back in thanks to a turnover and an onside kick recovery in the fourth quarter. CarMyne Garcia’s 23-yard touchdown pass to Amani Morel with under five minutes remaining, brought the Grizzlies all the way to within four at 35-31.
However, they never got the ball back.
Hillcrest was able to run the rest of the clock out after Sweetwood, who’s only a sophomore, converted a fourth-and-six pass to Ben Morris. Sweetwood had to come in after starter Peyton King left the game in the first half.
“Hat’s off to him,” Mossholder said. “He’s an extremely talented kid and it’s extremely special that he was able to lead essentially 30 seniors to victory tonight.”
King had two touchdown runs and a 53-yard bomb to Tayson Pinegar before his untimely exit.
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