Lets Go Dancing – Playoff Preview 5A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playoffs are here and the best time in the state of Idaho for football is just beginning. The road to the state championship is always winding with plenty of interesting twists. Which teams are going to come out on top this year. As we take a look at who is going to be racing for a ring the teams in this year's tournament all have something unique about them. Let's take a look at the 5A Playoffs and which teams are in it this year:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Seeds (First Round Bye)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">#1A West – Meridian</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Meridian comes into the 5A playoffs as the number one overall seed along with being the number one overall team in the state. The Warriors have been absolutely dominant on defense this season leading all 5A programs. As they say defense wins championships and Meridian has the defense to do just that. Led by the linebacking core of [player_tooltip player_id='336841' first='Nathan' last='Reynolds'], [player_tooltip player_id='485724' first='Ryan' last='Corder'], [player_tooltip player_id='336896' first='Max' last='Gwilliam'], and Carson Gooley this defense makes plays everywhere and some. Up front they have [player_tooltip player_id='396013' first='Corbin' last='Meisner'], Jacob Harstsough, Kai Sivesand, Evan Peart, and Anthony Nack who rotate to cause havoc on offensive lines. In the backend they are led by two of the best safeties in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='395985' first='Ethan' last='Beard'] and Landon Eason. Offensively Meridian looks much different than the majority of teams in 5A with a run heavy under center look using their two terrific running backs Marco Del Rio and [player_tooltip player_id='342488' first='Rylie' last='Byington']. As they say though you can only go as far as the trigger man will take you and the Warriors have an excellent one named [player_tooltip player_id='484672' first='Zeke' last='Martinez']. This is your front runner for the 5A state championship having knocked off perennial powers Highland, Mountain View, Rocky Mountain, and Eagle (2x).</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">#1 North – Post Falls</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Post Falls is another team that is excited about their in the playoffs after just barely missing it last season. Not only are they happy to be back in the dance but they earned themselves a number one seed in the north and will host throughout the playoffs if they continue to win. Post Falls is led on offense by another young signal caller in Isaac McKeown who has really blossomed in his role for the Trojans. Another bright spot this season for the Trojans in their do it all running back Jake Bustamante who is leading their team in rushing. On Defense the Trojans are holding teams by playing solid team defense led by Cole Cripps, Gentry Smith, and Trevor Miller. Playing a tough schedule that consist of teams from Utah, Washington, and Idaho along with beating powers like Coeur d'Alene and Lewiston this Trojan team is prepared for the postseason run.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">#1 East – Highland</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Highland begins their quest to get back to the state championship after their visit last year vs Rigby. The Rams look to change the outcome of that visit this year though as they have not only established as the number one team in the East but also have persevered through the retirement of their long-time coach early in the summer. Highland may have a different man at the helm, but the results have been the same dominating most of the Idaho programs this year behind junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='440467' first='Drew' last='Hymas'] who has done most of his damage this year on the ground but as of late has really started to threaten defenses through the air. With help from [player_tooltip player_id='336863' first='Mason' last='Fullmer'] who also plays linebacker and Kade Jones the Rams run game is tough to stop. On the outside they use flat out speed to beat defenders with receivers [player_tooltip player_id='239243' first='Kai' last='Callen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1135326' first='Rhidge' last='Barela']. Defensively the Rams are as stout as ever with a ton of talent that flies around and makes plays. Gunner Wilhelm leads them in tackling along with [player_tooltip player_id='336940' first='Colton' last='George'], [player_tooltip player_id='336863' first='Mason' last='Fullmer'] and Jonathan Snell. The Rams are always formidable and with them being a number one seed everyone knows that homefield advantage is a real thing when it comes to traveling to Pocatello to play. The tradition of winning is profound for the Rams and this team doesn't plan on changing that.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">#1B West – Eagle</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Eagle has made some of the most improvement over the course of the season as they had to figure out how to replace some major talent on the offensive side due to graduation but as always, the Mustangs figured it out. Jake Longson is a true threat with his legs on every play, [player_tooltip player_id='336867' first='LeRoy' last='Hull'] is a downhill bruiser who makes tacklers pay for standing in his way and no surprise the speedy [player_tooltip player_id='336840' first='Ian' last='Duarte'] is absolutely dangerous. Defensively this Mustangs are led by [player_tooltip player_id='336842' first='Carter' last='Davis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='340803' first='Seth' last='Brock'] who led the state in sacks as a defensive end duo. [player_tooltip player_id='336884' first='Kall' last='Renner'] and Tristan Walker along with [player_tooltip player_id='336935' first='Eli' last='Mikita'] are also dominate on the defensive side of the football. Even though the passing numbers might be lower than in some previous years the Mustangs can really ground and pound teams away but what is most electrifying about this team is their speed, they can flat out fly at all positions and with a tough schedule that saw them play Rocky Mountain, Meridian (2x) and beat Mountain View they are ready for the postseason.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best of the Rest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">#2 East – Rigby</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Rigby has the hardest task of all as a program how to replace some amazing talent that they lost to graduation and what will this team look like with a lot of new starting pieces. Well, it helps when you have another division 1 quarterback waiting in the wings like [player_tooltip player_id='412897' first='Luke' last='Flowers']. The junior quarterback has some division 1 offer already and has used that as fuel to lead the Trojans. Offensively Rigby is always going to be able to run the football behind a big offensive line who enjoys punishing defenses combine that with a quick passing game and a devastating play action attack the Trojans can really score. Defensively the are as stout as ever using crushing hits and players who never back down from anyone. The Trojan's defense is one of the most physical units in the state year in and year out. Playing some tough competition out of state this year in Utah along with a tough division that includes Highland and Madison this team is ready to defend its state championship.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">#2 North – Lewiston</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Lewiston is battle tested and rearing to go this post season after defeating longtime power Coeur d'Alene and securing the number 2 seed in the north and a first-round home game. The Bengals use an offense that is based around misdirection using different motions and handing the ball to plays going all sorts of different directions but what it really is an offense that is ground and pound. The Bengals can run the football not only with three talents running backs Ethan Shaw, Jackson Lathen, and [player_tooltip player_id='336864' first='James' last='White'] who all can tot the rock, but they use the legs of quarterback Drew Hottinger as well. On defense they are thumpers one of the hardest hitting teams I have seen on film this year. This leads to turnover especially fumbles from opposing teams that have to absorb the ferocious contact that comes their way. This team is Northern tough and what I mean by that is they play hard on ever single snap. They will not back down and there is no quit at all in this team. I would not want to see them as they are going to be one of the tougher teams to try and knock out of the dance.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">#3 West – Rocky Mountain</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Rocky Mountain ends up as the 3 seed in the west and it is only because they happen to have Meridian on their side of the division in the 5A SIC. Yet they are considered by many as the number 2 ranked team in the entire state right behind Meridian. The road is a little different this year for the Grizzlies as they will host a first-round game but then will have to travel to continue their championship quest. For a team this talented though it's not going to matter where they play its only going to matter if they can be stopped. This team is an offensive juggernaut led by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='336869' first='Tegan' last='Sweaney'], [player_tooltip player_id='344103' first='Luke' last='Luchini'], [player_tooltip player_id='336826' first='CJ' last='Jacobsen'], Art Williams, with the big boys up front [player_tooltip player_id='336846' first='Zach' last='Penner'], [player_tooltip player_id='336827' first='Jackson' last='Fullmer'], [player_tooltip player_id='485727' first='Trevor' last='Beck'], Isaac Allen and Jax Tanner. This team is built for a post season run but even with all those weapons its two players who may not have gotten the preseason hype that really shine for the Grizzlies in [player_tooltip player_id='485652' first='Jaryn' last='Ikebe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='395988' first='Luke' last='Hanchett']. On Defense the Grizzlies might not have all the names and offers like they do on offense, but they play team defense led by do it all [player_tooltip player_id='336857' first='Troy' last='Wilkey'], a safety who should be a top college recruit if it weren't for his measurable because he plays every bit of a division 1 football player. Along with [player_tooltip player_id='336858' first='Kade' last='Steadman'], Ty Page, Parker Weatherly, and Brody Swearhart this unit is one of the tops in the state. Be very aware of the Grizzlies throughout the playoffs this year.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">#4 West – Nampa</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Nampa is no longer the surprise of the 5A ranks everyone knows that this team is very good and equally as well coached. Led by the best running back in the 5A Daniel Carrillo the Bulldogs have one heck of a run game. Dante Avijan also can do some spectacular things with the football and the calm cool demeanor of Gabe Navarro helps keep it all in together for Nampa. On defense they are the epitome of team defense where it is never one stars night, they just get it done together but it helps to have players like [player_tooltip player_id='336848' first='Payton' last='Gunter'], Ethan Kincheloe, Daniel Almaraz, and Jacob Campbell on the roster. After beating some of the top teams in the SIC along with knocking off Mountain View on the road these Bulldogs have just as big of a bark as they do their bite.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">#5 West – Mountain View</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>The Mavericks have had an unconventional season so far for a program who last year was ranked number one in the state. In Coach Brian Compton first year they have struggled on offense at times but have played excellent defense. Offensively they are led by senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='336850' first='Dawson' last='Wahl'] with help from players like Collin Rogers, Makai Pattwell and a solid offensive line group headlined by [player_tooltip player_id='336871' first='Jameson' last='Perry'], [player_tooltip player_id='336872' first='Kiegan' last='Henson'], Brayden Moore this team has always relied on being able to smash people up front. There up tempo style of play really wears teams down and after a year where the record may not reflect the talent this group has it will be up to those seniors to make the Mavericks dangerous. Defensively the Mavericks have not skipped a beat led by the linebacking crew of [player_tooltip player_id='340765' first='Ivan' last='Perkins'], [player_tooltip player_id='341491' first='Maximus' last='Maile'], and [player_tooltip player_id='396016' first='Mason' last='Chiles'] along with stellar defensive back play from [player_tooltip player_id='485682' first='Wyatt' last='Farnsworth'] and Owen McBride. Up front the defensive line is stout led by [player_tooltip player_id='485686' first='Bryce' last='Mundy'] and Shiloh Jones on the interior. This is a team that has a lot to prove and will be a scary matchup for anyone this post season.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">#6 West – Kuna</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>The Kavemen used some last game trickeration in order to punch their ticket to the big dance with a 2-point conversion that saw them beat Middleton in the 5A crossover game. This Kuna team is a tough as they come and play a brand of football that shows how close they are as a team. Led by quarterback Cole Luekenga who has lit it up this year along with running backs Isaac Garcia and Gus Austin this team can get you through the air or ground. Not to mention [player_tooltip player_id='336943' first='Luke' last='Snarr'] who has been the go-to man all season for the Kavemen. Their defense is able to get stops because of the stellar play from linebackers Gus Austin and [player_tooltip player_id='440992' first='Logan' last='Blades']. Those two make so many plays for Kavemen but also you can see that this defense relies on sound tackling and opportunistic turnovers to make it tough on teams. Kuna has been one of the most disciplined teams in the state this year and will look to carry that over to the postseason.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">#11 – Middleton</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Middleton had to take an at large bid into the playoffs as they battled it out with a good Kuna team in the 5A crossover game but all you have to do is get in. What matters is that they still have one of the top offenses in the state led by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='336859' first='Dekker' last='Hagler'], but it helps to have players like [player_tooltip player_id='336878' first='Tate' last='Johansen'] and Paxti Franks to lean on. Defensively this is a unit that can really cause havoc just purely based on effort. They never take plays off along with being a very sure tackling team. This is a team that has been very good in the 4A ranks but moved up to 5A to continue their success. This team is going to be one to watch out for because they can really light it up on offense.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">#12 West – Owyhee</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>The Storm have made one of the best turnarounds in the state going for a one-win team to a playoff team in one year. They have done it because they are solid up front on both sides of the ball. &nbsp;Led by a really good offensive line that has [player_tooltip player_id='336843' first='Carson' last='Rasmussen'], and Zach Nyland on the left side the Storm as able to really run the football. Cade Walker is a young back who has really been a bright spot for the Storm along with transfer Gabe Alvarado and quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='336936' first='Matt' last='Irwin'] this team is dangerous. Defensively is where they really shine though defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='336856' first='Beau' last='Jaques'], [player_tooltip player_id='336880' first='Dalin' last='Walker'] with linebackers [player_tooltip player_id='1136015' first='Gage' last='Haws'] and Mason Rasmussen this team is stout in the front seven. Do not forget they have [player_tooltip player_id='336947' first='Kaden' last='Newman'] in the backend who is a ball hawk. This offseason will be a tone setter for the Storm as they continue to improve as a program.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->