MERIDIAN — Some of Idaho’s top football programs will showcase their talents to schools across state lines.
The first annual Northwest Showdown at Rocky Mountain High School this weekend pits four schools from Idaho and four schools from outside of Idaho against each other on the gridiron.
Rocky Mountain, Eagle, Highland and Rigby are set to participate in the inaugural event, designed to highlight the top teams in the Pacific Northwest. Rocky Mountain head coach Scott Criner said this is something he’s wanted to do for a while.
“It’s been something (I’ve thought about) for a long time,” Criner said. “We never really get to see teams from outside the state unless we went over to the Rocky Mountain Rumble. This gave us an opportunity to do something to spotlight our programs.”
The Rocky Mountain Rumble is another showcase put on in east Idaho, where teams from out of state come to Idaho early in the football season. It’s not only a chance for teams to play against schools they otherwise wouldn’t, but it’s also an opportunity for athletes to face new competition to increase their exposure.
“On a MaxPreps level, it adds credence to the quality of football that we have here in Idaho,” Criner said. “That’s the bottom line, to give our kids an opportunity to showcase their skill sets that are rated high.”
The Grizzlies kick off the weekend Friday, facing Chiawana High School at 5 p.m. The school out of Pasco, Washington, went 9-2 last season, winning the Mid-Columbia Conference. They’re led by linebacker Cooper MacPherson, who was the Defensive Player of the Year in the conference last season. They were picked to win the conference this season in a preseason coaches poll.
Rocky Mountain has big goals for themselves this season and put on a dominating performance in game one last week against Kuna. Pushed to Saturday in Homedale due to wildfire smoke in the area, the Grizzlies beat the Kavemen 53-14. Rocky Mountain outscored Kuna 43-7 in the second half.
Criner was most encouraged by the performance of his quarterback Austin Rovig. The Timberline transfer threw for 313 yards and four touchdowns. After the uncertainty at quarterback last season, which included five different players seeing time at the position, Rovig’s performance was a welcomed sight.
“Once he settled in and started playing, our two receivers did a really nice job of being in places he could throw it to,” Criner said. “We’re very pleased with Rovig and Ausitn did a fantastic job of taking and letting the offense work for him.”
Eagle also has aspirations of a conference and state title this season and faces one of the toughest teams from Oregon. The Mustangs will play West Linn at 11 a.m. Saturday in a game filled with college prospects. The Lions have Oregon’s No. 1 and No. 3 recruits in the state, according to 247Sports. Four-star tight end Baron Naone is committed to Washington and three-star offensive lineman Jack Normoyle is committed to Oregon State. They also have sophomore defensive back Josiah Molden, who is already a four-star recruit and holds offers from Oregon, Colorado and Arizona State.
West Linn finished 11-1 last season and reached the state semifinals. They’re projected to be a state title contender again this season.
The Mustangs got off the mark last week, defeating Meridian 28-13. Saturday’s game is one of premier matchups in the region between two state title contenders.
Following Rocky Mountain vs. Chiawana on Friday, Rigby takes the field against Moses Lake (Wash.) at 8 p.m. Highland takes on Summit (Ore.) at 2 p.m. Saturday. All games take place at Rocky Mountain High School and will be broadcast by KTVB.
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