Can Middleton upset Pocatello?

After three teams from District 3 were left in the quarterfinal round of the 4A playoffs, one would suspect there was a pretty good chance that two of them would advance to this weekend, but that has not been the case. 

The Middleton Vikings had the longest road trip of the three schools, but were the only one that came out on top defeating Lakeland 42-20 last weekend.  The Vikings used a superior rushing attack that has been their strength all season long.  Victor Dias scampered for 123 yards on the ground and Hyder Jessup added 132 more.  Although the game was within one possession at halftime, Middleton put themselves ahead for good in the 3rd quarter.  Their opponent this week will be the Pocatello Indians.  Head Coach Tom Harrison has built a dynasty at Pocatello and it is no surprise they are sitting in the semifinals.  What may turn out to be a sign of trouble for his squad is this will only be the third game all season where they will play away from Holt Arena.  Kickoff is set for 7:00 at Middleton tomorrow night.

The other semifinal showdown is between two teams that are very familiar with each other.  The top ranked Blackfoot Broncos were tested on the road at Skyview last weekend, but were victorious 35-25.  The Hawks staged a comeback in the second half, but it wasn't enough to stop Blackfoot QB Trey Pilster from racking up 300 yards in the win.  The other side of this semifinal matchup may come as a surprise to some, but not to Hillcrest head coach Darren Owens.  Although his team took third in District 6, they beat previously unbeaten Minico on the road before dismantling Columbia last Friday in winter conditions.  These two went toe-to-toe on October 21st and Blackfoot won 38-22.  Expect this game to be a lot closer and I wouldn't be surprised if the Knights knock off the #1 team in the state.