Gridiron Guesses Nov. 13, 2026: State semifinal time for Coeur d'Alene, Lakeland and Coeur du Christ

Two of the most storied programs in Idaho high school football history will meet Saturday for a trip to the state championship game.

The Highland Rams (6-5) of Pocatello, winners of 12 state championships, will play at Coeur d'Alene (10-0), winners of five state titles, in a state 6A semifinal Saturday at 1 p.m. at Viking Field in Coeur d'Alene.

Highland, seeded fifth, is in the playoffs for the 37th straight season, and is bidding for its 22nd trip to the state championship game since 1984.

Top-seeded Coeur d'Alene is in the playoffs for the 17th time in the last 18 seasons, and is looking to reach the state title game for the ninth time under coach Shawn Amos, in his 30th season.

The last time each school reached the state title game was in 2023, when Highland beat  the Vikings 35-28 at the ICCU Dome in Pocatello.

This year, Highland lost its first three games before winning six of its final eight, including two victories over Lake City, both by shutout.

The second came in the Round of 12 of the state playoffs, 31-0. Last week Highland won at No. 4 Eagle 28-14 in the quarterfinals.

Highland features a balanced offense. Senior Cedric Mitchell has rushed for 1,115 yards and 13 touchdowns on 182 carries, an average of 6.1 yards per carry.

Senior Jacob Vincent has thrown for 1,616 yards and 15 touchdowns, with nine interceptions.

The Rams' top five pass-catchers have between 19 and 39 receptions. Senior Steele Hoopes has five TD catches, senior Kellan Tingey four.

"Highland is on a roll," Amos said. "They have looked really good the back part of the season. They are solid on both sides of the ball. They are big up front, especially on the defensive line."

Coeur d'Alene is in the semifinals for the fourth straight year. Under the old playoff format in 6A, Coeur d'Alene would have hosted a semifinal game this year anyway, because the North champion is bracketed to host every other year. This year, MaxPreps rankings are used to determine who hosts.

The other two state semifinals involving local teams take place tonight.

In 5A, No. 4 Lakeland (6-4) travels to No. 1 and defending state champion Bishop Kelly (10-0) of Boise at 6 p.m. PST.

In 1A, No. 4 Coeur du Christ plays No. 1 and five-time defending champion Kendrick at 7 p.m. at Lewiston High's P1FCU Sports Complex.

Lakeland is in the semifinals for the second time in three seasons. The Hawks have won six straight after an 0-4 start. 

“0-4 kept us really humble for a long time,” Lakeland coach Mike Schroeder said. “They’re confident they can play and compete each and every week. It’s our job as a coaching staff to make sure we’re prepared on Friday night. And if their heads aren’t right, it’s our fault.”

Bishop Kelly has won nine state titles, including two in the last three years. The Knights defeated No. 8 Blackfoot 42-28 in the quarterfinals last week.

“I really like the style of ball we can display,” said Schroeder, who coached Emmett to the state 3A title in 2015. “We had a player banged up (last Friday), and we’re going to have to be pretty healthy going into BK. I’ve coached against them several times and they’re a great program. They might be one of the best ones in the state.”

BK senior Eli Lynes has rushed for 1,102 yards and 17 touchdowns. Senior quarterback Jaxson Brady has run for 809 yards and nine TDs, and passed for 1,291 yards and 20 touchdowns, with four interceptions.

Kendrick won the first three years in 1A, then won the last two years in 2A before dropping back down a division this year, the first of the new two-year classification cycle. 

“We’ve tried to keep it one game at a time this season,” Coeur du Christ coach Kellen Clemens said after Saturday's 22-16 win over Council in a quarterfinal game. “They’re a great program with what they’ve done over the last several years. I haven’t dove into a ton of tape on them, but we’ll take a look for sure.”

Kendrick has outscored its opponents 586-106 this season.

Of common opponents, Kendrick beat Council 50-0 in the season opener, Lewis County 54-14 and Deary 80-14 and 80-16 last week in the quarterfinals.

Coeur du Christ beat Lewis-County 44-16 in the season opener and won at Deary 58-22 three weeks later.

Kendrick's offense is balanced. Senior Orion Stewart has rushed for 1,003 yards and 14 touchdowns, senior quarterback Maddox Kirkland has passed for 1,764 yards and 31 touchdowns with three interceptions, and junior Hudson Kirkland has 42 catches for 808 yards and 14 TDs. 

Coeur du Christ will be without senior running back/linebacker Jon Denke, who broke his collarbone on the second play from scrimmage against Council.

“The guys are tired, and I’m tired at this point,” Clemens said. “We’re fortunate to be in this situation. We need to get guys as healthy as we can. Denke is going to be a big loss obviously. And we’ll figure out how we’ll adjust from there, and go down and play Kendrick.”

As for the picks, Mark Nelke and Jason Elliott each went 4-0 last week, Josh McDonald 3-1. 

For the season, Mark, Jason and Josh are all 62-17.

SATURDAY'S GAME

Highland (6-4) at Coeur d'Alene (10-0), 1 p.m.

NELKE: The Vikings have contained other good offenses this season. Other than Rigby (a 34-27 Cd'A win), no one has scored more than 14 on the Vikings.

Coeur d'Alene, 28-14

ELLIOTT: Coeur d'Alene has been on another level this season. 

Coeur d'Alene, 34-14

McDONALD: The Rams are playing some good ball right now and could get the distinction of eliminating the entire city of Coeur d'Alene from the playoffs. But I think the Vikings are better.

Coeur d'Alene, 28-24

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Lakeland (6-4) at Bishop Kelly (10-0), 6 p.m. PST

NELKE: Lakeland's strong running game gives it a chance. Can the Hawks slow a BK offense averaging 41.4 points per game?

Bishop Kelly, 42-14

ELLIOTT: If Lakeland's offense can keep it close in the fourth quarter ... 

Bishop Kelly, 34-20

McDONALD: The Hawks are absolutely one of the most battle-tested teams in Idaho. But this test might be a little too steep.

Bishop Kelly, 35-21

Coeur du Christ (10-0) vs. Kendrick (10-0), 7 p.m. at Lewiston High

NELKE: Was kinda hoping this would be the state title game, but MaxPreps disagreed. Last year, Lakeside beat Kendrick in the boys basketball state title game, so there's precedent. It will be harder for the Saints this year, missing one of their main weapons.

Kendrick, 58-42

ELLIOTT: Kendrick has been on another level for years now. Coeur du Christ might have the talent to compete, but without a key cog on defense.

Kendrick, 44-22

McDONALD: In my opinion, this is the de facto state 1A championship. My heart and my head are on two different pages here.

Kendrick, 48-38