Highland’s Mitchells will leave a lasting mark on Rams football. How big a mark is yet to be determined

POCATELLO — Most who watch Idaho high school football are familiar with Cedric Mitchell’s name.

Highland’s senior running back has been a starter and key offensive weapon for the Rams since his sophomore year. Cedric led his team in both rushing and receiving yards each of the last two seasons and is well on his way to doing the same this year.

But few of those fans know that “Ced” has a brother — a fraternal twin brother. Malakai Mitchell has also been a Rams starter since his sophomore year, and is primed to go down as one of Highland’s all-time defensive greats.

Because of what he does and how it affects the scoreboard, Cedric’s exploits are known throughout the state. But “Mal,” while he has accrued a similar level of stature at his linebacker position, is largely unknown to those who do not have to game-plan an offense to face him.

Asked if he ever feels slighted regarding his being overlooked, Malakai offered a very quick, “No.” He explained that he understands that offensive successes usually receive attention while defensive success, for the most part, is just expected.

“That’s just how it is, the offense gets the shine. But I’m fine with that, I’ll just keep doing my job,” he told EastIdahoSports.com.

Cedric, though, had a slightly different take. He wishes his brother got more love for what he has done.

On Sept. 18, the Rams (3-3, 0-0) beat Lake City (4-2) 36-0. Cedric finished that game with 161 yards rushing and one touchdown. He, for obvious reason, received praise for his part in the lopsided win. But Malakai finished the same game with 10 tackles including 2.5 for loss, both game-highs, and went vastly unnoticed.

“I definitely do get a lot of credit,” Cedric told EastIdahoSports.com, “but Mal is doing his thing, too, and people should know that.”

Highland head football coach Nick Sorrell has had the pleasure of coaching both Mitchell boys for the past three years. Both players, he said, serve as the metronome for Highland football, regardless of the circumstances surrounding them or the team.

“You know what you’re going to get out of (Cedric) each and every day … and just the ability for him to do his thing, to break something at any given point,” Sorrell said of what Cedric has brought to the Rams football program.

He described Malakai as having an “off-the-charts” football IQ and the quarterback of the defense, aligning his squad and calling out adjustments.

“By the time this season is over, there is a possibility that he will break the all-time tackle record, which is pretty impressive — if you look at all the greats, defensively, that we’ve had roll through here,” Sorell said.

Malakai finished his sophomore season with 91 tackles, then added 84 more as a junior. Through six games this season, the senior has recorded 54 stops, giving him 229 (8.8 per game) for his career, including 14.5 for loss.

He is currently fifth on the all-time Highland list, needing 73 more to pass the program’s current leader, Jordan Hill (who went on to play at Arizona State), with 301.

Malakai said that he is aware of the career pursuit, but has not even considered chasing the record.

“Whatever happens happens,” he said.

Cedric admitted that he is occasionally in awe at how often his brother is at the bottom of the pile, impressed with Malakai’s nose for the ball.

“Sometimes I wish I were out there with him, playing a little bit of defense. But I definitely love watching him play,” Cedric said.

An even-keeled Malakai was mostly subdued while talking about himself and his chase for history, but lit up while discussing his brother. He said there are lots of “proud moments” he recalls seeing Cedric break long runs or create yardage out of nothing.

And among the highlights of the season thus far as a senior, Malakai said, was playing fullback and leading Cedric into the end zone twice during a 33-28 Week 0 loss to Eagle (5-2).

“That was so fun,” Mal said. “I was so excited that I got to play some offense this year.”

Cedric is working on his own lasting impact. Through two-plus seasons, 26 games, as a Ram, he has rushed for 1,890 yards (72.7 per game) and 20 touchdowns, adding 1,009 yards (38.8) and 10 touchdowns receiving.

Both boys have verbally committed to play at Idaho State University, according to their Twitter/X accounts.

Beyond what can be quantified on a stat sheet, Malakai and Cedric, according to Sorrell, epitomize quiet leadership. Both, the coach said, lead by example, giving their team 100% day in and day out. And while it takes a bit more to coax it from Malakai, they are able to, when the time calls for it, to be vocal.

“There comes a point in time when they say, ‘Alright, enough is enough,'” Sorrell said. “And when they do start to speak, people turn.”

Sorrell hopes that won’t be necessary when Highland opens conference play this week, visiting Madison (5-1, 0-0). The Bobcats’ lone loss came in overtime at Owyhee (3-3). Their success relies heavily on one of the stingiest defenses in the state, with Madison allowing 4.3 points per game.

That means Cedric and the Rams’ offense will have their work cut out for them. It will also mean Malakai and his defense will be asked to give the offense a chance with a strong performance of their own.

Sorrell said the Rams will need to be “nearly perfect” in order to beat Madison.

Cedric said that Highland will need to play “fast and physical,” but is capable of beating all three conference opponents — Madison, Rigby (5-1, 0-0) and Thunder Ridge (4-2, 0-0).

“We need to be locked in the whole time,” Malakai added, “all four quarters, special teams, defense and offense.”