5A State Champions

Photo: Pam Hall Pam Hall Photos

Christian McAlvain

November 19, 2023 @ 02:06 PM

Highland Rams completed their season on Saturday with their 35-28 over Coeur D'Alene in Holt Arena and we crowned champions of the 5A in its last iteration before the new classifications next year. The Rams were a team of destiny after a fire burned down half of the school earlier this year and put doubts into what the season would look like with so much damage. After practicing at middle schools and lifting at local gyms the Rams were able to put together one heck of a season and finished it all with a state championship. Led by their do it all quarterbacks Drew Hymas Drew Hymas 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Highland | 2024 State ID , who may have had one of the best games in state championship history throwing for 298 yards with a touchdown and 131 yards rushing with two touchdowns to go with players like Rhidge Barela Rhidge Barela 5'8" | 170 lbs | WR Highland - Craigmont | 2024 State ID , Jackson Riddle Jackson Riddle 5'11" | 190 lbs | ATH Highland | 2024 State ID and offensive lineman like Bruce Galo Bruce Galo 6'2" | 300 lbs | OL Highland | 2024 State ID , these Rams were able to score on one of the best defenses in the state. Dominating defensive performances by players like Colton George Colton George 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB Highland | 2024 State ID , Zerek Younis Zerek Younis 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Highland - Craigmont | 2024 State ID , Kai Callen Kai Callen 5'11" | 170 lbs | ATH Highland | 2025 State GA , and Brennen Carlson showed why this team was able to lean on their talent against a really good Viking team. It takes a lot to win a state championship but this team really cemented their place in Idaho high school football history especially with all the setbacks they had leading up to the season. The first state title for Head Coach Nick Sorrell when it comes to leading this historic program must feel good and he was even quoted say that he might take the trophy home with him after the game. We wont be surprised to see a lot of players from Highland on the all state team this year.