Gridiron Guesses Nov. 10, 2023: ‘Big’ task ahead for Coeur d’Alene defense vs. Eagle in state 5A semifinals

By Press staff

Coeur d’Alene’s defense has been stout all season, allowing an average of just 12.6 points per game.

The Vikings will need a similar effort this week — especially on the ground — when Coeur d’Alene (8-2) plays at Eagle (10-0) tonight at 6 p.m. PST (NFHSNetwork.com, audio only at IdahoSports.com) in a state 5A semifinal matchup at Thunder Stadium.

Eagle is averaging 197 rushing yards per game.

“You don’t win every game of the season without being really good,” Coeur d’Alene coach Shawn Amos said. “Similar to Rocky; a lot of big dudes that load you up and … if you don’t stop their run, they’ll bleed you to death.”

Sophomore Noah Burnham has rushed for 1,292 yards and 18 touchdowns for Eagle. Senior quarterback Davis Harsin, son of former Boise State coach Bryan Harsin, has thrown for 1,266 yards and 12 touchdowns, with two interceptions.

While Eagle was rallying past two-time defending state champion Rigby 17-14 last week in the quarterfinals, Coeur d’Alene was beating Rocky Mountain 24-8 at home.

On Sept. 8, Eagle defeated Rocky Mountain 7-3 at home.

“That’s going to be a good matchup because they’re both really talented teams,” Rocky Mountain coach Scott Criner said of the Coeur d’Alene-Eagle clash. “Eagle’s got some length that will cause Cd’A some problems. And Shawn will do a good job being prepared to attack that defense. That’s going to be a fun game to watch.

“And Eagle’s offensive line is big. I would venture to say the biggest football team they (the Vikings) have seen this season.”

Coeur d’Alene has forced 39 turnovers this season; Eagle has committed just eight turnovers.

Coeur d’Alene has won seven of its last eight games, since sophomore Caden Symons (1,694 yards, 16 TDs, 4 interceptions) has taken over at quarterback.

“That’s a good football team. Amos does a good job. We’ve got a ton of respect for that program,” Criner said. “They’re going to be a tough out … especially with that quarterback, the way he’s playing right now … they’re good.”

Coeur d’Alene and Eagle last met in the 2021 playoffs, Eagle winning 23-14 at Coeur d’Alene in the quarterfinals.

The Vikings are in the semifinals for the first time since 2020, bidding for their first trip to the championship game since 2019.

As for the picks, Jason Elliott, Mark Nelke and Josh McDonald each went 2-1. Overall, Jason is 58-22, Mark 57-23 and Josh 54-26.

FRIDAY’S GAME

State 5A semifinal, Coeur d’Alene (8-2) at Eagle (10-0), 6 p.m. PST

NELKE: The Vikings have the dudes to slow down Eagle’s running game. And foes haven’t been able to keep Coeur d’Alene from moving the ball down the field with its short passing game.

Coeur d’Alene, 28-16

ELLIOTT: Playing on the road in the playoffs is a different animal. That being said, so is the Coeur d'Alene defense.

Coeur d'Alene, 23-20

McDONALD: The Vikings scored 24 points against a very good Rocky Mountain defense last week. That same defense held Eagle to just seven points earlier in the year. Home field advantage might be the only advantage Eagle has. Viks earn a spot in the 5A title game.

Coeur d’Alene, 24-16