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Tag: Idaho Football

  • College of Idaho Football: Ready to Compete in New Divisional Era

    College of Idaho Football: Ready to Compete in New Divisional Era

    College of Idaho Yotes Enter 2025 with High Expectations and Fresh Conference Format

    The Yotes football program is gearing up for what promises to be one of their most exciting seasons yet as they prepare for the 2025 campaign under the leadership of veteran head coach Mike Moroski. With a new divisional format in the Frontier Conference and momentum from recent success, the Yotes are positioned to make another strong run at championship glory.

    Graphic by Boknowcreative, Collaborated via Instagram – 3 MORE SATURDAYS (as of Sat, Aug. 9th)

    A Program Rebuilt to Excellence

    Since reinstating football in 2014 after a 37-year hiatus, the College of Idaho has transformed into a consistent contender under Mike Moroski, who has posted a record of 53-38 since taking over the program and was voted the 2019 Frontier Conference Coach of the Year. Moroski, a former NFL quarterback who played for the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Oilers, and San Francisco 49ers, was announced as head coach on January 9, 2013.

    The program’s recent trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. From 2019 to 2022, the Yotes posted a record of 29–7 and won at least a share of the Frontier Conference each year. Most notably, Moroski’s 2019 team completed a perfect 10-0 league record, winning the Frontier Conference title, reaching the NAIA Football Championship Series quarterfinals, ending the season 11-1 and ranked No. 5.

    2024: Building on Semifinal Success

    The 2024 season served as a launching pad for even greater ambitions. The Yotes were named preseason favorites to win the Frontier Conference in 2024, garnering 7 out of 9 first-place votes in the Coaches’ Poll, following their historic run to the NAIA semifinals for the first time in program history during the 2023 season.

    The Yotes opened the 2024 season in style, defeating Lincoln 45-7 in the first-ever prime-time game at Simplot Stadium, with the offense capitalizing on early opportunities and the defense holding the Oaks to just 110 yards of total offense. However, despite another winning season in 2024, the Yotes narrowly missed out on the playoffs, fueling their determination for the upcoming campaign.

    New Conference Format Brings Fresh Opportunities

    The 2025 season introduces a significant change to the competitive landscape. The Frontier Conference has unveiled a divisional format for the 14 football-playing schools, featuring East and West Divisions with seven teams each, aimed at enhancing competition and postseason opportunities within the NAIA.

    The College of Idaho will compete in the West Division alongside familiar rivals Eastern Oregon, Southern Oregon, Carroll College, Montana Western, Simpson University, and Arizona Christian. This new structure promises intense divisional battles, with the top team in each division based on its best six-game record securing an automatic berth to the NAIA Football Championship Series, with additional at-large berths also in play.

    2025 Schedule: A Test of Championship Mettle

    The Yotes have assembled a challenging schedule designed to prepare them for postseason success. College of Idaho will kick off the 2025 season at home on Saturday, Aug. 30 against Eastern Oregon, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal divisional matchup right from the start.

    Key games on the schedule include:

    • September 6: at Rocky Mountain
    • September 20: MSU-Northern at home
    • September 27: at Montana Tech
    • October 4: at Simpson University (West Division)
    • October 18: Montana Western at home (West Division)
    • October 25: at Eastern Oregon (West Division)
    • November 1: Arizona Christian at home (West Division)
    • November 8: at Carroll College (West Division)
    • November 15: Southern Oregon at home (West Division)

    The slate culminates with a Nov. 15 showdown against Southern Oregon in Caldwell to close out the regular season, potentially serving as a division-deciding contest.

    What to Expect in 2025

    Under Moroski’s experienced leadership, the Yotes have established themselves as a program that consistently competes at the highest level of NAIA football. Since 2014, the Yotes have produced 8 All-Americans, 56 all-conference selections, and 26 NAIA All-Academic selections, demonstrating excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

    The program’s offensive philosophy has evolved to become increasingly potent, with the 2024 team showing glimpses of explosive potential. Defensively, the Yotes have built a reputation for aggressive, swarming defense that can control games against quality opponents.

    Championship Aspirations

    With a strong returning core and a determined mindset, the Yotes are already looking ahead to training and preparation for a pivotal 2025 campaign. The new divisional format provides a clearer path to the playoffs while maintaining the competitive intensity that has defined Frontier Conference football.

    For a program that has already reached unprecedented heights in recent years, 2025 represents an opportunity to take the next step toward a national championship. With Moroski’s proven leadership, a challenging schedule that will prepare them for postseason play, and the motivation of narrowly missing the 2024 playoffs, the College of Idaho Yotes are positioned to make 2025 a memorable season.

    As FLOWW Network begins its coverage of College of Idaho athletics, football fans can expect compelling storylines throughout the season as the Yotes pursue their championship goals in an increasingly competitive and restructured conference landscape. The stage is set for what could be one of the most exciting seasons in program history.

    The College of Idaho Yotes will open their 2025 season on Saturday, August 30, when they host Eastern Oregon at Simplot Stadium in Caldwell. For the latest updates and coverage, follow the team’s progress throughout the season.

  • Veteran Idaho Football Coach Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

    Veteran Idaho Football Coach Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

    Kip Erik Crofts, 59, taken into custody by Nampa Police Department

    A longtime Idaho high school football coach with more than three decades of experience was arrested Wednesday on charges of sexual abuse of a child under 16, according to local reports.

    Kip Erik Crofts, 59, was taken into custody by the Nampa Police Department and is currently being held on charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. Crofts had been coaching at Caldwell High School since 2023, according to a Facebook post from the Caldwell School District that welcomed him to the program.

    Extensive Coaching Background

    From Idaho Statesman

    Crofts built a notable coaching career spanning 32 years across multiple Idaho high schools, including several championship-winning programs:

    Meridian High School (2007-2012): Crofts led the Warriors to their most successful period, capturing a 5A state championship in 2007 with a perfect 12-0 record. This marked Meridian’s second state title in three years. However, the program struggled in his later years, finishing 1-8 in his final season before he resigned in December 2012.

    Bishop Kelly High School (2013-2015): After leaving Meridian, Crofts served as junior varsity defensive coordinator at Bishop Kelly, where he was part of the coaching staff during the Knights’ historic run of three consecutive 4A state championships from 2013-2015.

    Payette High School (2016-2021): Crofts took over a struggling Payette program that had endured decades of futility, including an infamous 80-game losing streak that ended in 1992. Under his leadership, the Pirates showed gradual improvement, achieving their first Snake River Valley Conference victory since 2014 during the 2020 season. Despite the challenges, Crofts called a key victory that season one of his “top-five moments in 32 years of coaching.”

    Caldwell High School (2023-present): Crofts joined the Caldwell program in 2023, according to district social media posts welcoming him to the school.

    Current Status Unclear

    As of Wednesday evening, Crofts remained listed on Caldwell High School’s staff directory, though it’s unclear whether he is currently serving as the team’s head coach. The Caldwell School District has not yet responded to requests for clarification about his employment status.

    Unconfirmed reports circulating on social media suggest Crofts may have been placed on administrative leave from Caldwell High School prior to his arrest due to alleged inappropriate behavior within the school, though these claims have not been officially verified by school district officials.

    Investigation Ongoing

    The Nampa Police Department has not released additional details about the investigation or the specific circumstances surrounding the charges. This remains a developing story as authorities continue their investigation.

    The arrest represents a stunning fall for a coach who had been a fixture in Idaho high school football for more than three decades, working with student-athletes across multiple school districts in the Treasure Valley region.

    This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.