Coeur d’Alene in a state semifinal football game — where have we seen that before? 

Quite a bit, recently. 

When Coeur d’Alene (8-2) plays host to Eagle (8-2) tonight in a state 6A semifinal game at 7 p.m. at Viking Field, the Vikings will be playing in their 11th state semifinal in the past 16 seasons.  

The previous 10 times, Coeur d’Alene won that semifinal game seven times to advance to the state title game, where they won three of those. 

Last year, Coeur d’Alene traveled to Eagle and beat the Mustangs 7-6 in a game many folks thought the home team would prevail. 

“They can run the ball,” Coeur d’Alene coach Shawn Amos said. “That running back (Noah Burnham) was a stud last year as a sophomore, he’s still a stud as a junior. They’re physical; they like to use their size. They’ll run the ball all day on you if you let them.” 

Middleton tried to run the ball on Coeur d’Alene last week, without success. 

Eagle rallied to beat Madison of Rexburg 22-16 at home last week in the quarterfinals, as Burnham rushed for 175 yards and two touchdowns. The Mustangs’ only losses were to West Linn (Ore.) in Week 2, and 38-0 to Rocky Mountain of Meridian in the conference championship game three weeks ago. 

“They left a bitter taste in our mouth last year, especially at home,” Eagle junior defensive back Zayah Wright told The Idaho Stateman newspaper of Boise. “We had to say goodbye to a lot of seniors. This year, we don’t really want that. Roles are reversed, we’ve gotta go to them. So we’ve gotta make the other thing happen. We gotta go beat them this time around.” 

Rocky (10-0) plays host to Rigby (9-1) in the other 6A semi tonight at 6 PST. 

Also tonight, Lakeland (9-2), in its first state semifinal since 2007, travels to Hillcrest (8-2) of Ammon in a 5A semi tonight at 6 p.m. PST at Westmark Stadium. 

Lakeland last won a semifinal game in 2001, when the Hawks were in 3A. 

Two of Hillcrest’s losses have been to 6A teams — Madison (41-24) and Rigby (49-39). The Knights also fell to Skyline of Idaho Falls, the top-seeded team in 5A, 28-16. 

Hillcrest junior Tyson Sweetwood has thrown for 2,250 yards and 19 touchdowns, with 10 interceptions. He’s also the Knights’ leading rusher, with 749 yards and 12 touchdowns. Jace Judy has 11 TD receptions. 

"We run a power, spread offense and they're a little more finesse," fourth-year Lakeland coach Mike Schroeder said. "They might have a few more athletes than us. If we're not better than them up front, it might be a long night. We're going to have to control the line of scrimmage if we want to be successful."

Schroeder coached Emmett to a state 3A title in 2015. 

"At Emmett, we played each game at home and it's a huge advantage in this state," Schroeder said. "But our kids are aware and ready for the challenge. We're looking forward to it."

And for those thinking Coeur d’Alene’s run might end soon ... the Viking junior varsity and freshman teams were a combined 18-0 this season. 

As for the picks, Mark Nelke and Josh McDonald each went 3-0, and Jason Elliott was 2-1. For the season, Mark is 60-15, Jason 54-21, Josh 53-22.

FRIDAY’S GAMES 

Eagle (8-2) at Coeur d’Alene (8-2), 7 p.m. 

NELKE: Eagle might have revenge on its mind, but we haven’t seen too many teams that can stop Coeur d’Alene’s screen-heavy offense. 

Coeur d’Alene, 24-14 

ELLIOTT: There's just something about this Coeur d'Alene team that reminds me of some of the great ones that have hoisted that blue trophy. Another step closer to that goal with a close win tonight.

Coeur d'Alene, 23-20

McDONALD:  Goodness, this one is loaded with sticky sweet drama. A year ago, it was a missed field goal that gave the Vikings a 7-6 win in this same game. That Eagle team was LOADED with college talent. A year later, it’s the Mustangs coming to Coeur d’Alene. Kai Wheeler is a superhuman. There is no player more vital to the Vikings' success. Cd’A needs to feed Wheeler and stop Eagle’s ground attack. Do these two things and it’s another shot at the state title.

Coeur d'Alene, 17-10

Lakeland (9-2) at Hillcrest (8-3), 6 p.m. PST 

NELKE: Most signs point to Lakeland’s impressive run coming to an end tonight, likely in a hard-fought effort. But what’s the fun in that? Every program needs a breakthrough win; perhaps tonight’s that night for the Hawks. 

Lakeland, 35-28 

ELLIOTT: In the last two weeks, I've watched as Lakeland grinded out home wins over Shelley in a monsoon and Vallivue in thrilling fashion at Corbit Field in Rathdrum. On the turf at Hillcrest, the Hawks might be even tougher.

Lakeland, 18-14

McDONALD:  These teams feel so equally matched, it’s hard to imagine this game won’t come down to the final possession. Hillcrest is at its best when they throw, Lakeland has one of the best defenses in the state. The Hawks have shown they can score against quality defenses; will the Knights be able to score on a great one?

Lakeland, 28-22