Idaho high school football enters its first full week of the 2026 season with marquee matchups across the Treasure Valley and surrounding regions. Week 1 features several games with championship implications, breakout individual performances, and rematches that will test early-season depth and execution for programs throughout Canyon County and beyond.
Eagle, Boise Square Off in Spotlight Games
Eagle continues its 2026 campaign Friday night against Timberline, a rematch of last year’s Southern Idaho Conference Championship. Timberline claimed that contest 35-33 on a last-second field goal to capture the school’s first conference title, setting the stage for a rivalry renewal with high stakes early in the season.
Eagle made a strong statement in Week 0, defeating Highland 33-28 on the road. Quarterback Jace Dahlgren impressed in his first varsity start, completing passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Devin Ramsey caught 8 passes for 119 yards, while running back Bowen Blackburn rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns, signaling the Eagles have multiple offensive weapons ready for conference play.
Meanwhile, Boise hosts Capital on Thursday night at Dona Larsen Park after opening with a 14-13 home victory over Lake City. The Broncos aim to build momentum with another home contest before navigating what figures to be a competitive schedule.
Strong Week 0 Performances Set Tone Across 4A
Four of five 4A Snake River Valley teams that played in Week 0 came away victorious, indicating competitive depth in the region. Homedale’s offensive output proved particularly dominant, with the Trojans defeating Sugar-Salem 33-14 and outscoring them 20-7 in the second half to establish control.
Homedale quarterback Kreece Powell completed 15 of 21 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns in his first varsity start, while running back Tyce Fisher carried 126 yards and three touchdowns. The Trojans face Central Catholic of Modesto, California, this week in a non-conference test.
Cole Valley Christian routed New Plymouth 44-0, and Emmett dominated Moscow 55-0. Melba defeated Ririe 26-0, while Marsing posted an impressive road win against Orofino with a 64-0 scoreline. Weiser’s overtime loss to Spring Creek of Nevada was the only setback for SRV teams in action, falling 42-41.
Canyon County and Nampa Area Slate
Canyon County schools see significant Week 1 action. Middleton travels to Mountain View on Friday, while Owyhee hosts Rocky Mountain the same evening. Nampa welcomes Burley to town after the Burley Bobcats defeated Ridgevue last week. Ridgevue, meanwhile, visits Minico on the road.
Vallivue takes on Twin Falls at home Friday. In the Mountain Crest area, Borah plays Meridian at Dona Larsen Park, and Kuna hosts Sandpoint, a 5A opponent, as the Kavemen test themselves against larger classification competition.
Centennial begins its inaugural 5A season this week, traveling to Canyon Ridge for what marks a significant step up in classification for the program.
Bishop Kelly Eyes Back-to-Back Titles
Bishop Kelly, one of the state’s premier programs, eyes its second consecutive state title and third in four years. The Knights host Aquinas High School of San Bernardino, California, in a notable non-conference matchup. Aquinas finished 9-2 last season and made the California playoffs, providing a quality test for Kelly’s championship ambitions.
Nampa Christian hosts Declo, while New Plymouth welcomes Buhl to open conference play. Cole Valley Christian travels to Filer, Emmett hosts Preston, and Weiser plays Burns of Oregon on the road as teams continue non-conference schedules or regional matchups.
What Comes Next
With Week 1 in full swing across Idaho’s high school ranks, conference races will begin to take shape. Eagle’s test against Timberline provides an early measure of SIC contenders, while Bishop Kelly’s non-conference schedule continues to position the Knights among the state’s elite. Canyon County teams across all classifications will be competing for playoff positioning over the coming weeks, with several squads already showing the offensive firepower and execution necessary for deep postseason runs.