Week 2 recap and notes: Idaho Falls back in the win column, Sugar-Salem defense shines, Madison now 3-0

EASTERN IDAHO – Perhaps the biggest win last week belonged to the Idaho Falls Tigers, who snapped a 16-game losing streak dating back to 2024 with a 39-7 victory at Teton.

The Tigers were 0-9 last season and 1-8 in 2024, with the last win coming Sept. 13, 2024 at Century.

The 39 points is the most scored by the Tigers since a 41-16 win over Century in 2023.

First-year head coach Dustin Medellin noted that most of the varsity roster had yet to celebrate a win so there was a time to celebrate and also a chance to focus on the future.

“What we told them is this can’t be the highlight of our season,” Medellin said. “We want to carry that forward so it’s not a one time thing.”

Quarterback Will Thompson finished 20 of 27 for 237 yards and a touchdown and also ran for 84 yards and three scores. Daniel Hillam caught six passes for 94 yards. Johnny Pyper caught the touchdown pass.

“I was pleased with the efficiency of our offensive guys,” Medellin said. “They were able to move the chains and keep control of the clock and that’s a recipe for success. That’s what we’d like to do every week.”

Defensively, Everett Erickson and Max Baldwin led the team with six and five tackles, respectively.

Idaho Falls will host Thunder Ridge on Friday.

Speaking of first wins

Thunder Ridge snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 28-6 win over Bonneville.

Mackay picked up its first win of the season, downing ranked Hansen 28-14.

North Fremont beat Marsh Valley 19-14.

Watersprings downed Sho-Ban 50-26.

Sugar-Salem riding a new streak

Sugar-Salem beat former rival Shelley 41-0 and put up nearly 400 yards of offense with Frank Fillmore tossing two touchdown passes and Walt Fillmore rushing for two scores.

The Diggers’ defense has recorded two straight shutouts since the season-opening loss to Homedale.

That could be a good sign come playoff time as most of the top 4A teams excel on the defensive side.

Bonners Ferry (8.67 points per game), Wood River (3.0), Emmett (8.0), Homedale (14.0), Cole Valley Christian (7.0), have all been stout on defense.

Madison remains unbeaten

The Bobcats had yet to be tested or even scored upon over their first two games, but they got a good test last week in 10-9 win over Middleton.

Middleton’s Briar Baughman threw for 187 yards and a touchdown while completing 87.5% of his passes in the loss.

Overall, it was a good week for the 6A High Country Conference as all three teams came away with wins.

Highland had a bye and looks for its first win this week against Capital.

More stats

North Fremont’s Dodge Wynnn leads the state with 36 total tackles and teammate Carter Stegelmeier is right behind with 35.