The 2024 Idaho high school football season opens with a slate of six preseason games that blend historic rivalries and fresh storylines, setting the stage for a year many expect to be among the most competitive in recent memory.
At the center of the action, the No. 3‑ranked Eagle will host the No. 4‑ranked Highland in a clash that could reshape statewide power dynamics, with analysts projecting a narrow 27‑21 victory for Highland.
Meanwhile, Boise, led by sophomore quarterbacks Wayne Bower and Brock Haskett, enters its matchup against Lake City as the clear favorite, with expectations of a 33‑22 win that could cement its early‑season momentum.
Columbia, sitting fifth in the preseason state media poll, is slated to defeat Lewiston 22‑14, a projection that benefits from the return of 16 starters and a deep‑seated belief in the team’s continuity.
Skyview, another team boasting 16 returning starters, is favored to overcome Mountain Home 36‑22 in a rematch of a 2017 contest that still resonates with fans.
Sugar‑Salem, ranked fourth, aims to end a seven‑year drought against Homedale with a 28‑22 triumph, a victory that would mark the Trojans’ first state title in 28 years after a 30‑20 semifinal win last year.
Fruitland, powered by Montana State‑bound quarterback Titus Vidlak, is expected to pull off an upset over No. 4‑ranked Kimberly, with a predicted 34‑20 outcome despite Kimberly’s potent returning offensive weapons.
Storylines to Watch
The early games will not only determine opening‑week results but also reveal which teams can translate preseason hype into sustained success, making each contest a potential bellwether for the remainder of the season.