5A District 5-6: New coaches, new QBs, new teams, but same state championship goal

EASTERN IDAHO — It might look like there’s been a changing of the guard in the 5A High Country Conference over the past three years as Hillcrest has advanced to three straight championship games and won a title in 2024.

Perennial power Skyline, which won three consecutive titles from 2020-2022, and has nine titles overall, hasn’t fallen on hard times, it’s just that the Grizzlies now have more competition.

And not just from Hillcrest.

The 2026 season features new coaches, new starting quarterbacks, and two new teams.

Hillcrest, Skyline and Blackfoot were all ranked in the top 5 in this week’s preseason state media poll.

So who’s the team to beat?

“Hillcrest is still the team to beat,” Blackfoot coach Josh Stewart said, even though the Broncos were picked as favorites in the coaches’ preseason poll.

The conference champion will be determined in the coming months. One sure thing is that the conference, which has a reputation as one of the most competitive in the state, won’t be boring.

Hillcrest, despite graduating 30 seniors, including one of the top quarterbacks in the state in Tyson Sweetwood, is still the team to beat until someone actually beats them.

“I think what’s important is we have a winning culture established,” coach Brennon Mossholder said. “We have some guys that have done it on Thursday nights (at the JV level) and now need to do it on Friday nights.”

The High Country Conference welcomes two new teams as Pocatello and Century join and up the number of conference teams to eight.

That means every Friday is a potential playoff-caliber game as the state bracket goes from 16 teams down to 12, with MaxPreps rankings being the deciding factor on who’s in and who’s out of the postseason.

As for one of the new quarterbacks, Hillcrest junior Logan Taylor said he’s ready to get the season rolling.

“It’s an honor to be part of this program,” he said.

Over at Skyline, senior John Giannini gets the nod at quarterback after splitting time early on last season.

“There’s a little bit more pressure, but I’m ready to take it on,” he said. “I’m exited for the opportunity.”

“We’re a really hungry team this year,” Skyline tight end Dax Clinger said. “I think we have a very even conference right now.”

HILLCREST KNIGHTS

Coach: Brennon Mossholder, sixth year

Last season: 11-2, 5-0, state runner-up

Impact players: Logan Taylor, jr., QB; Bodie Stepp, sr., OL; Gavin Allen, sr., OL.

Notes: How do you replace 30 seniors? “You can’t truly replace that group that we lost that accomplished so much,” coach Brennon Mossholder said. After reaching the state championship game the past three seasons and winning a title in 2024, the Knights are far from rebuilding. Junior Logan Taylor steps into the QB role. The offensive line returns with experience and Mossholder said the running game should bolster the offense while Taylor gets comfortable in the varsity role after playing JV. While Sweetwood was a dual-threat QB, Mossholder said Taylor has “the biggest arm I’ve seen on a high school quarterback in a long time … We’re really excited about his future.”

BONNEVILLE BEES

Coach: Shane Stephenson, third season

Last season: 3-7, 1-4, first round of playoffs

Impact Players: Kaine Rodriquez, sr., WR; Dallas Jacobsen, sr., LB; Rider Petersen, sr., OL/DL.

Notes: The Bees averaged a respectable 23.5 points last season, and may be better this year with eight core players back on offense. “We have some experience coming back,” coach Shane Stephenson said, noting that varsity players understand the system after two years as head coach. Kaine Rodriguez returns as an All-Conference receiver, and QB Jaxton Briggs and RB Cooper Stephenson return. The defense also has a core of returners, including LB Dallas Jacobsen. Stephenson said the defensive line will likely be the team’s strength heading into the season.

BLACKFOOT BRONCOS

Coach: Josh Stewart, third season

Last season: 7-4, 3-2, state quarterfinals

Impact players: Carter Ethington, sr., OL; Zeke Mickelsen, sr., OL; Parker Wright, sr., QB.

Notes: The Broncos were picked No. 1 in the IdahoSports.com coaches’ poll. The team returns four offensive linemen, including All-Conference players Carter Ethington, Zeke Mickelsen, and Lawrence Cousineau. Parker Wright steps in the QB role, replacing All-Conference standout Austin Arave. Look for WR Briggs Esplin to have an impact, as well as incoming players RB Mason Taylor, Ryker Woods and Zade Larkin. Defensively, Kai Brooks and Kaleo Brooks anchor the line. “We want to be fast and physical,” coach Josh Stewart said. “It’s the same philosophy as offense, be physical.”

CENTURY DIAMONDBACKS

Coach: Ryan Fleischmann, fifth season (second stint)

Record: 9-1, 2-0, state quarterfinals

Impact players: Tito Villano, sr., RB; Xen Fleischmann, sr., TE; Justus Mangum, sr., QB

Notes: Century comes off a huge turnaround season, marching into the playoffs unbeaten after finishing without a win the previous two seasons. The Diamondback move into the 5A High Country Conference, which is arguably the toughest in the state. “This is a good conference and the guys are excited,” coach Ryan Fleischmann said. “They’re mentally well suited to compete in this conference.” The bulk of last year’s team were juniors, so that experience carries over to the new conference, Fleischmann said. All-Conference QB Justus Mangum returns, as does RB Tito Villano and TE Xen Fleischmann. Coach Fleischmann said junior QB Teague Wheatley may also see some action at QB, depending on the situation. The defense is led by LB Braxton Jablonski.

POCATELLO THUNDER

Coach: Dave Spillett, 12th season

Record: 1-7, 0-2

Impact players: Sam Braunersrither, jr., OL; Spencer Kent, jr., DL; Cowen Gummersal, sr., DB.

Notes: Pocatello also moves into the High Country Conference. The Thunder struggled on offense last season, averaging 13.75 points, but returns four offensive linemen in All-Conference OL Sam Braunersrither, Kaison Garza and Chico Sio. Defense might be the team’s strong suit to start the season. LB Bear Spillett and DB Cowen Gummersall are back, along with first-team All-Conference pick Spencer Kent. How the team adjusts to tougher competition in the new conference is yet to be seen. “Every game is going to matter,” Spillett said, noting the team’s non-conference games at Nampa and at Highland.

IDAHO FALLS TIGERS

Coach: Dustin Medellin, first season

Last year: 0-9, 0-5

Impact players: Will Thompson, sr., QB; Griffin Pearson, sr., WR; Aden Murdoch, sr., DL.

Notes: Medellin, who has 18 years of coaching experience, the last five as defensive coordinator at Hillcrest, looks to get the Tigers program turned around after a winless season a year ago. Seven All-Conference players return, including QB Will Thompson and receivers Griffin Pearson and James Richeson. The line is anchored by Uziel Sanchez and Drake Wilcox. Medellin said the defensive secondary could be a strength, with Griffin Pearson and Griffin Pearson returning. Aden Murdoch also returns. “We have great athletes and we want to focus on details,” Medellin said. “We expect to be competitive in every game … and play sound. fundamental football.”

SHELLEY RUSSETS

Coach: Mike Messick, first season

Last year: 2-8, 2-3, state first round

Impact players: Ryker Balmforth, jr., DB; Alex Beck, sr., QB; Kyrev Hawker, sr., DB.

Notes: The Russets return an experienced QB in Alex Beck and are strong in the defensive backfield with All-Conference Dbs Ryker Balmforth and Kyrev Hawker returning. Jason Blakely and Aiden Carlson double-up as linebackers and running backs. Shelley’s offense averaged 22.6 points last year, but the defense gave up 31.4 points, which kept the Russets out of the top half of the conference standings.

SKYLINE GRIZZLIES

Coach: Scott Berger, 18th season

Last year: 9-3, 4-1. State semifinals

Impact players: John Giannini, sr., QB; Dax Clinger, sr., TE; Wyatt Cox, jr., OL/DL

Notes: The Grizzlies had the top defense in the conference a year ago, giving up just 19.83 points. That’s a good place to start, as Skyline returns All-State linemen JJ Andersen and Preston Allen, along with linebacker Ernesto Molina and DB Sam DeMott. The Grizzlies played a two-QB system for part of last season waiting for someone to break out, but this year it’s senior John Giannini’s position from the start. Caden Cruz is back at RB after scoring four TDs last season. “I see our offense being effective with the players we have,” coach Scott Berger said, noting no individual player is going to replace the speedy, do-everything Zyan Crockett. The Grizzlies get a good test early as they open the season with four road games, three of them conference matchups.