Gridiron Guesses Aug. 21, 2026: A rumble in Rathdrum, and other interesting matchups as the local high school football season opens

It’s still hot, the fair is underway ... so naturally it’s time for another season of high school football. 

Usually, most teams don’t start until next week. 

But this year, six teams — an unusually high number — get a head start on the season. 

(In high school football around here, you take the games when you can get them.) 

Two of them collide tonight in Rathdrum, with 6A Coeur d’Alene visiting 5A Lakeland for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Corbit Field. 

Also tonight, Lake City opens against Boise High at 6 p.m. PDT at Dona Larsen Park in Boise. 

As for the Silver Valley teams, Kellogg begins the Sam Mailou era at home against Bonners Ferry at 7 p.m. at Teeters Field. 

And Wallace, now a 2A team in football after reaching the state 1A semifinals last year, opens tonight at 7 at Potlatch. 

On Saturday, Coeur du Christ plays host to Lewis County at 2 p.m. at the Marimn Health Coeur Center in Worley. 

Despite being less than 12 miles apart, Coeur d’Alene and Lakeland have met just three times since 2009. In Coeur d’Alene’s last trip to Rathdrum, the Vikings escaped with a 14-13 victory in 2022.  

The following year, the last time the teams met, Coeur d’Alene won 54-0 at home. 

Coeur d’Alene will be without head coach Shawn Amos on the sidelines for the Vikings’ first two games this season. 

Amos, in his 30th year as Coeur d’Alene head coach, is serving a two-game suspension after the Vikings were found to have used a JV-only-eligible player in their two state playoff games last year. 

"There was a miscommunication,” Amos said. “We own up to the mistake; it wasn't to try to gain a competitive advantage. The player that was involved played maybe 16-18 snaps, but as the head coach I'm responsible.  

“Do we agree with the extent of the consequences?” Amos added. “We don't, but it's beyond our control.” 

Coeur d’Alene travels to Silverton (Ore.) next Friday, then plays host to Lewis and Clark of Spokane on Sept. 4. 

Vinny Lupinacci, a longtime Viking assistant whom Amos named associate head coach recently, will be Coeur d’Alene’s acting head coach for the first two games. 

Lake City begins Year 4 under head coach Byron Hout, a Timberwolf alum. 

Boise quarterback Wayne Bower returns after going 3-3 as a freshman starter late last season to help the Brave make the state 6A playoffs. Boise lost to Madison of Rexburg 17-14 in the first round and finished 4-6. 

Also, this week marks the return of the popular (or something like that) Gridiron Guesses, with Mark Nelke and Jason Elliott from The Press, and Josh McDonald from the Shoshone News-Press picking games involving local high school football teams.

Last year, Josh won the competition for the first time, going 59-23. 

Mark finished 58-24, Jason 56-26. 

“Last year, it came down to the final week – but I’m ready to defend my title,” Josh said. 

FRIDAY’S GAMES 

Coeur d'Alene at Lakeland, 7 p.m. 

NELKE: Even without Amos, the Vikings still have a combined century or two of coaching experience on their sideline. 

Coeur d’Alene, 33-14 

ELLIOTT: If Lakeland can run the ball behind Griffin Tamagni, this should be a fun one to watch.

Coeur d'Alene, 28-20

McDONALD: Don't get me wrong, this may be a good game for a half — but after that the Vikings should roll.  

Coeur d'Alene, 42-21

Lake City at Boise, 6 p.m. 

NELKE: Seeking its first winning season since 2014, and first playoff berth since 2019, the Timberwolves could use a strong start to their season. 

Lake City, 18-14 

ELLIOTT: Lake City gets things going in the right direction tonight.

Lake City, 22-18

McDONALD: Lake City has made a tradition of playing quality opponents tough during early season games. The Brave might have Idaho's best offense this year. Smart money says we see both things on Friday night.  

Boise, 21-17

Bonners Ferry at Kellogg, 7 p.m. 

NELKE: The Badgers finished 7-3 and made the state 4A playoffs last year, but must replace two guys who combined for more than 2,200 rushing yards last season. The Wildcats are looking to turn things around after a 2-6 season. 

Bonners Ferry, 28-22 

ELLIOTT: Kellogg might be tougher than last year, but the Badgers might have a little too much in the opener.

Bonners Ferry, 30-16

McDONALD: Head coach Sam Mailou made it his mission to reset the culture at Kellogg, and I'm a sucker for a culture change story.  

Kellogg, 35-27

Wallace at Potlatch, 7 p.m. 

NELKE: Wallace had hoped to remain in 1A in football, but with most of its firepower back from last year, might turn out being one of the better 2A teams in the state. Potlatch went 4-5 and made the 2A playoffs last year. 

Wallace, 54-24 

ELLIOTT: One of the last Wallace games I covered at the Shoshone News-Press was a Miner-Logger game at Sather Field in Silverton. So many points scored, I missed my deadline by at least a half hour.

Wallace, 66-48

McDONALD: This should be a great contest between two talented 2A teams, but the Miners have something that nobody else does ... quarterback Cooper Miller. And on most nights, that's probably enough. 

Wallace, 55-45

SATURDAY’S GAME 

Lewis County vs. Coeur du Christ at Marimn Health Coeur Center, Worley, 2 p.m. 

NELKE: Coeur du Christ brings back most of its squad that gave eventual champion Carey all it could handle in the first round of the state 1A playoffs last year. Lewis County, a co-op of Highland and Nezperce high schools, finished 3-5 last year, including a 44-14 loss to Coeur du Christ in the opener. 

Coeur du Christ, 48-28 

ELLIOTT: Coeur du Christ might be the best team in the state this year. Here's where the Saints start their march.

Coeur du Christ, 50-22

McDONALD: The Saints and Eagles are among the most experienced 8-man rosters in the state. The Saints returned starters at every skill position. Lewis County only graduated one guy from a year ago. But with Grant Clemens steering the ship, Coeur du Christ is going to be a tough draw on any night.  

Coeur du Christ, 50-35