3A District 6: 3A Nuclear Conference a wide-open race following the year of Ririe dominance

EASTERN IDAHO — The Ririe Bulldogs won their first conference title in nearly 80 years last year. Repeating that run will be tough, though, with the sheer number of losses.

All-State Player of the Year Kolter Lewis graduated last year after rushing for 2004 yards and 30 touchdowns. Ririe’s second- and third-most productive ball carriers last season were also seniors, leaving senior Bryce Barber, who averaged 16.8 yards per game, as the top returning rusher. Quarterback Breylon Moon was also a senior. In fact, of the 20 All-Conference selections from a year ago, only five will be back this year.

Both North Fremont and West Jefferson are in a similar boat, losing numerous key contributors after a state quarterfinal appearance. Salmon, who won just two games last year, returns six All-Conference selections. Firth, who won two games as well, lost several seniors but bring back All-Conference players Grant Vasquez.

All of that means, the 3A Nuclear Conference could be the most open race in eastern Idaho.

Firth Cougars

Coach: Rigo Vasquez, fifth season

Last season: 2-8 overall, 1-3 conference

Impact players: Grant Vasquez, sr., RB/LB; Brycen Andersen, sr., QB/WR/DB

NOTES: The Cougars struggled last season and were outscored 66 to 139 in four conference games, including a 36-6 victory over Salmon. … Grant Vasquez returns for his senior season, coming off a junior year in which he led Firth in total touchdowns (12) and rushing yards per game (91.3). Vasquez was also one of the Cougars’ top pass rushers and tacklers on defense. … Firth will open its season at home against the West Side Pirates on Aug. 28.

North Fremont Huskies

Coach: Jason Wright, second season

Last season: 8-3, 3-1

Impact players: Reuger Lenz, jr., QB/DB; Dodge Wynn, sr., RB/DL; Scott Taylor, jr., OL/DL; Beckett Cikaitoga, jr., RB/LB

NOTES: The Huskies qualified for the state tournament last year, beating Firth in the opening round before they were eliminated by Nampa Christian in the quarterfinals. … All three returning All-Conference performers enter their junior year. Quarterback Reuger Lenz leads that group, looking to shoulder more of the load after an All-Conference Honorable Mention selection as a sophomore. … Senior Dodge Wynn was third on the team in rushing last season with 320 yards (29.1 per game), while also serving as its top pass rusher. … Beckett Cikaitoga will look to impact the offense more this season at running back after earning an All-Conference Honorable Mention as a linebacker last year. … Firth will open its season Friday on the road against South Fremont.

Ririe Bulldogs

Coach: Josh Huntsman, fifth season

Last season: 11-1, 4-0

Impact players: Bryce Barber, sr., RB/LB; Robbie Humphrey, sr., OL/DL; DC Turner, sr., LB; Camden Stosich, sr., WR/DB

NOTES: Ririe used a run-heavy attack last year, relying largely on senior Kolter Lewis, to win its first conference championship since 1947, but fell just short of its first-ever state title. Leading rushers Lewis and Garret Van Noy — who combined for more than 250 yards and over three touchdowns per game — were both seniors. … Senior Bryce Barber, who was fourth on the team with 151 rushing yards last season, is its leading returner. He and junior Kyler Lewis (who finished with 40 yards in 2025) will lead the option attack this year. … Barber will also spearhead the Bulldog defense, which led the conference a year ago, joined by seniors DC Turner and Camden Stosich. … Ririe will open its season at home on Saturday, against Melba.

Salmon Savages

Coach: Keith Director, second season

Last season: 2-7, 0-4

Impact players: Tanner Howell, jr., OL/DL/P; Brock Jarvis, so., OL; Gabe Platz, sr., WR/DB; Maddox Thimmons, jr., RB/LB

NOTES: Junior Maddox Thimmons was the Savages’ primary ball carrier as a sophomore last year, earning All-Conference Honorable Mention at both running back and linebacker. … Salmon last won more than two games in 2019, when they went 5-4. They will look to turn that around when they open their 2026 season at Aberdeen on Friday.

West Jefferson Panthers

Coach: Cory Hall, third season

Last season: 8-3, 2-2

Impact players:

NOTES: West Jefferson qualified for the state tournament last, beating Malad in the opening round before they were eliminated by West Side in the quarterfinals. … The Panthers are returning a pair of All-Conference offensive linemen, junior Hobbs and senior Isaac Hall, and two All-Conference defensive backs, seniors Canon Calder and Justin Perkins. The Halls were also among the team leaders in tackles and sacks, while Calder was third on the team in rushing last season. … The Panthers will open their season on the road against Grangeville on Saturday.