LC eyes peak vs. Highland

It’s almost as if it’s a rite of passage.

Seemingly every third Friday in November, for more than a decade, the Highland High football team has played in the State 5A championship game. It’s as if the Rams put that date on their schedule just as if it were a regularly scheduled game.

There’s no truer modern definition in Idaho of a traditional power than Highland. When the No. 2-ranked Rams (10-1) of Pocatello square off with top-rated Lake City (11-0) tonight in the IHSAA/United Dairymen of Idaho State 5A championship game at the University of Idaho’s Kibbie Dome, it will mark the 11th time in 12 years that a Highland team has played for the state title. Kickoff is at 7.

“We have certain expectations when we come into a new season,” Highland coach Gino Mariani said. “The kids really believe in it and put the time in in the summer and the weight room. They do all the right things to get there. It’s just a tradition that’s passed down.”

Highland has captured eight championships since the IHSAA started overseeing state playoffs in 1979. The Rams have played in every state title game since 1995 except 2004. That year, Twin Falls topped Coeur d’Alene.

“If we want to claim to be the best, we’ve got to beat the best and Highland has been the best for the last 20 years,” Lake City coach Van Troxel said.

It’s the first meeting between the teams from opposite corners of the state.

Like LC, Highland is undefeated against Idaho teams. The Rams’ lone loss (28-14) was to Sky View of Smithfield, Utah.

The team’s offenses are similar, at least in production. Highland uses a pro-style attack that emphasizes establishing the run while doing an assortment of screens and draw plays. The Rams are led by 6-foot-4 senior Mike Davenport at quarterback. A three-year starter, he’s thrown for 2,350 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Nico Castenada, a 5-10, 250-pound senior, has led a running game that has produced more than 1,500 yards. Castenada had to sit out the Rams’ 19-14 win over Centennial last week because of a team rules violation. Sophomore Jerry Castillo ably replaced him, rushing for 120 yards. Mariani said Castenada will start tonight.

Senior two-year starter Garren Hammons quarterbacks LC’s multidimensional option offense. He rushed for a season-high 181 yards on 25 carries in the T-Wolves’ 31-7 win over Meridian last week. He’s rushed for 1,076 yards and 13 TDs and thrown for 1,489 yards and 14 TDs. Complementing Hammons in the backfield is junior running back B.J. Palmer, who has gained 1,168 yards and 15 TDs.

The defenses are probably the strengths of both teams. They’re similar in base 4-3 schemes. Both defenses are speedy, but LC might have a size advantage.

“Our defensive line is the strength of our team,” Mariani said. “We have great quickness up front.”

Highland is accustomed to playing indoors. The Rams’ home field is Idaho State University’s Holt Arena. Tonight will be Highland’s eighth game inside.

Troxel said his team’s two best games of the season have been the last two weeks. Those victories came in wet, chilly conditions on a sloppy field. So he’s excited to see what his swift team can do in a climate-controlled arena and on a fast surface.

“We’re looking forward to being on a fast field and letting these guys play and run and do the things they can do,” Troxel said. “I don’t think going indoors and playing on turf is a disadvantage. Maybe being inside is a slight advantage for them because they’ve been indoors all year. We’re a very athletic, fast football team on grass. We’re just going to be faster on turf.”

Troxel said Highland will present the stiffest test yet for his team.

“They’re the best team we’ve played,” Troxel said.

Before Highland developed its tradition, Borah of Boise was the big-school powerhouse. That was established by the late Ed Troxel, Van’s father.

So the son is more than familiar with traditions. He has his program on a roll in North Idaho, as LC is in the state playoffs for a 10th consecutive year.

LC doesn’t have the state tradition to match Highland, but the T-Wolves have made a reputation for themselves in recent years. They’re in the state playoffs for a 10th consecutive year and they’re in their fourth title game in eight years. It’s LC’s first state final in 5A since moving up four years ago. LC’s lone championship came in 2004, its final year in 4A.

Twice LC has finished with an 11-1 record – both losses coming in state finals in 1999 and ‘01.

Prediction: Lake City 26, Highland 16