Game of the Week

There are a lot of great matchups across the state of Idaho this week but the one that stands out the most is the battle between two 5A powers. Hillcrest is coming off a state championship game where they finished 2nd but have continued to show why they are one of the best programs in the state. Where Skyline is a known commodity in the 5A ranks as they have been dominant in the last 5 years with multiple state championships. This is going to be a big game as both teams have major talent and experience on both sides of the ball.   Hillcrest Vs Skyline   Hillcrest Top Players:    Jeudy was a star for Hillcrest last season and the senior has picked up right where he left off last season. A player with the ability to go get the 50/50 ball and take the top off the defense. He has strong hands and a really good feel on how to create separation in his route running.     McCartney is a three-year starter for Hillcrest and the anchor of the offensive line. He shows great bend and ability to use his strong strike to create knockback. He runs his feet on his blocks and is able to get to the next level. Quick feet allow him to mirror and move with pass rushers with a solid base to stop the bull rush.     Larson is another three-year starter for Hillcrest who plays on both sides of the football. A strong downhill runner at running back with real power behind his pads. On defense he is the leader where he roams the middle of the field and can make plays from sideline to sideline.     Saunders is another weapon for Hillcrest where he is able to really get in and out of his breaks with fluidity. He has quickness to go with his straightline speed and the ability to really track the football. He is a threat anywhere on the field whether in the slot or on the outside.    Skyline Top Returners:    Garcia is a strong well framed quarterback that has the ability to put the football anywhere on the field. He has a quick release and the ability to anticipate when his receivers are getting out of their breaks. He throws a really catchable football that leads to yards after the catch.     Smith is a game wrecker on the edge of the defense. His ability to get into the backfield makes him a threat to offenses every week. He has a strong base and punch that allows him to set the edge of the defense. He is great in pass rush with his ability to get off the ball quickly and bend around the edge.     Southwick is a very instinctual player who is able to read blocking schemes and fit in the right spot. Shows quickness in his first step to beat offensive lineman's angles and a strong punch to shed blockers. He is one of the top tacklers on his team for a reason and his ability to get runningbacks down is what makes him so good.     Lancaster is a long rangy linebacker who can really run sideline to sideline. He is able to drop into coverage and play with tight ends in the passing game. He's an excellent blitzer and can create pressure on the quarterback when he is sent.

There are a lot of great matchups across the state of Idaho this week but the one that stands out the most is the battle between two 5A powers. Hillcrest is coming off a state championship game where they finished 2nd but have continued to show why they are one of the best programs in the state. Where Skyline is a known commodity in the 5A ranks as they have been dominant in the last 5 years with multiple state championships. This is going to be a big game as both teams have major talent and experience on both sides of the ball.