Seven Boise-area teams remain in state playoff picture

Rocky Mountain Grizzlies face the Rigby Trojans in the 6A Southern Idaho Conference semifinal this Saturday. The matchup marks the third consecutive year the two teams have met in the state playoffs. Rigby, the reigning state champion, defeated Rocky Mountain in both the 2024 and 2025 championships. The Trojans hold a 9-1 record, while the Grizzlies are 8-2. Rigby advanced to the semifinals with a 28-3 victory over Madison in the quarterfinals. If Rocky Mountain wins, the championship game will be played at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow. If Rigby advances, the title game will take place at Albertsons Stadium in Boise.

Bishop Kelly Knights host Lakeland in the 5A semifinal this Friday. The Knights enter the game with a 10-0 record and nine total state titles. Bishop Kelly won its quarterfinal match against Blackfoot, 42-28. Columbia Wildcats host Hillcrest in the other 5A semifinal. Columbia is making its first semifinal appearance in program history. The Wildcats are 8-2 and averaged 40.5 points per game this season. Easton Zickgraf threw for 338 yards and seven touchdowns in a 52-21 win over Sandpoint last week. Hillcrest is 9-1 and defeated Twin Falls, 37-27, in the quarterfinals.

Homedale Trojans play Fruitland Grizzlies in the 4A semifinal. Homedale is 10-0 and has reached the semifinal round for the 10th consecutive year. The defending state champions defeated South Fremont, 63-27, in the quarterfinals. Fruitland is 7-3 and beat Emmett, 45-22, last week. In their regular season meeting, Homedale defeated Fruitland by four points. Weiser Wolverines travel to the ICCU Dome in Pocatello for the other 4A semifinal. Weiser is 8-2 and will face Sugar-Salem, which is 8-1. Sugar-Salem won its last five games, including a 52-27 victory over Kimberly where the team rushed for 467 yards.

Melba Mustangs play Declo in the 3A semifinal at the ICCU Dome this Friday night. Melba is 8-1 and is seeking its first state championship since 2002. The Mustangs defeated Priest River in the quarterfinals. Running back Rhett Franklin rushed for 223 yards and two touchdowns in that game. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in seven of his eight games this season. Declo is 9-1. West Side, ranked No. 1, plays Grangeville in the other 3A semifinal at the ICCU Dome on Saturday. If Melba advances, the championship game will be at the ICCU Dome. If Grangeville advances, the title game will be at the Kibbie Dome.