The Idaho high school football quarterfinals are set to ignite excitement this weekend with several high-stakes matchups featuring top-ranked teams. Following a relatively subdued opening weekend of the postseason, the competition intensifies as teams vie for a chance to compete for the coveted Milk Bowl. Here are five crucial quarterfinal matchups to watch on October 20, 2023.
High-Powered Showdowns Await
No. 4 Rocky Mountain (9-1) faces No. 6 Eagle (8-1) in a highly anticipated clash on Friday. Originally scheduled for the SIC 6A championship game, the matchup was altered when Timberline upset Rocky Mountain in their regular-season finale. The Grizzlies advanced to the quarterfinals with a decisive 38-8 victory over Owyhee, marking their 14th consecutive appearance in this round. Their formidable rushing attack, averaging 299.8 yards per game, is led by juniors Kaelan Custer (895 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Oakley Baxter (770 yards, 11 touchdowns). In contrast, Eagle boasts a more balanced offensive strategy directed by senior quarterback Austin Ramsey, who has accumulated 1,531 passing yards and 24 touchdowns.
Another interesting matchup features No. 9 Madison (7-3) at No. 12 Coeur d’Alene (6-3). The Vikings secured a first-round bye after winning the 6A Inland Empire League championship, while Madison edged past Boise to progress. The last time Madison reached the semifinals was in 2015. They will need to contain junior quarterback Tannar Stern, who has completed 48 of 69 passes for 630 yards and eight touchdowns since stepping in for the injured senior Caden Symons.
Defending Champions and Rising Stars
No. 13 Mountain View (7-3) travels to face the defending 6A champions, No. 2 Rigby (8-1). The Mavericks earned their place in the quarterfinals with a commanding 45-7 victory over former top 10 team Highland. Mountain View’s defense, which has allowed a league-leading 12.3 points per game during their current five-game win streak, features standout players like senior defensive end Riggins Stoor (14 sacks) and edge rusher Bill Matua (11.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks). Rigby, known for its potent offensive unit averaging 37.3 points per game, will test Mountain View’s defensive capabilities.
In another key matchup, No. 15 Lakeland (9-1) squares off against No. 5 Hillcrest (9-1). The Knights, last year’s 5A champions, made a smooth transition to the quarterfinals by defeating Shelley last week. They will face a Hawks team that narrowly defeated Lewiston in overtime to advance. Hillcrest’s strategy will revolve around containing Lakeland’s senior quarterback Peyton Hillman, who has thrown for 1,898 yards and 22 touchdowns, and junior running back Griffin Tamagni, who has rushed for 1,094 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Finally, No. 14 Sandpoint (8-2) will visit No. 10 Skyline (8-2) in a battle of teams looking to maintain momentum. The Bulldogs advanced by narrowly escaping their first-round game against Minico, while Skyline eliminated Bonneville. Skyline’s senior Zyan Crockett, last year’s MaxPreps Idaho Player of the Year, poses a dual-threat with 654 rushing yards and 766 receiving yards this season. Sandpoint counters with junior running back Jensen Sheetz, who has accumulated 1,088 yards and 12 touchdowns.
As these matchups unfold, fans will be eager to see which teams advance toward the ultimate prize. The competition promises thrilling moments and standout performances, showcasing the best of Idaho high school football.
