Tag: idaho sports

Young Explodes for 349 Yards in Yotes Victory

BILLINGS, Montana – Quarterback Caden Young delivered a masterful performance, accounting for 349 total yards and three touchdown passes as No. 18 College of Idaho defeated Rocky Mountain 37-20 on Saturday afternoon at Herb Klindt Field.

The Yotes improved to 2-0 on the season behind Young’s dual-threat capabilities, as the senior signal-caller completed 23 of 35 passes for 238 yards and three scores while adding a team-high 111 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Fourth Quarter Explosion Seals Victory

After Rocky Mountain’s Darius Haskin hauled in a spectacular 75-yard touchdown reception to cut College of Idaho’s lead to 16-14 in the third quarter, the Yotes responded with authority. Young orchestrated three consecutive touchdown drives in the final frame to put the game away.

The highlight came on a 32-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Morales, who made a circus catch while battling two defenders before tumbling into the end zone. Young also found Torey Watkins for a 5-yard scoring strike earlier in the fourth quarter.

While Young commanded the offense, he received plenty of support from his skill position players. Watkins led all receivers with 10 catches for 71 yards and a touchdown, serving as Young’s most reliable target throughout the contest.

Running back Rylie Byington provided the ground game’s finishing touch, carrying 19 times for 91 yards and capping the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown plunge in the closing minutes. Travis Marieiro also contributed with five receptions for 49 yards and a crucial 4-yard rushing touchdown before halftime.

The Yotes dominated time of possession 40:09 to 19:51 and amassed 484 total yards of offense, including an impressive 246 yards rushing that wore down the Battlin’ Bears defense.

College of Idaho’s defense rose to the occasion when needed most, limiting Rocky Mountain to just 29 rushing yards for the entire game. While Battlin’ Bears quarterback Trent Nobach threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns, the Yotes’ ground control and defensive stops in crucial moments proved decisive.

Haskin was virtually unstoppable through the air for Rocky Mountain, hauling in six catches for 207 yards and two long touchdown receptions, but the Yotes’ ability to control the game on the ground ultimately made the difference.

Looking Ahead

The victory sets up College of Idaho perfectly for their next challenge as they return home to Caldwell for Homecoming weekend. The Yotes will host Montana State-Northern on September 20th at 12:00 PM, looking to maintain their perfect start to the season.

With Young’s dynamic playmaking ability and a balanced offensive attack complemented by opportunistic defense, College of Idaho appears well-positioned for another successful campaign as they climb the national rankings at 2-0.

Team Statistics

Game Stats	COI	ROCKY
Total Yards	484	365
Pass Yards	238	336
Rushing Yards	246	29
Penalty Yards	9-90	6-55
1st Downs	31	14
3rd Downs	8-14	4-11
4th Downs	0-0	0-1
TOP	40:09	19:51

Scoring Play	Visiting Team Score	Home Team Score
1ST QUARTER
11:31 – ROCKY – Tuff Adams 7 yd pass from Trent Nobach (Austin Drake kick) 8 plays, 85 yards, TOP 3:29	0	7
2ND QUARTER
10:19 – COI – Jackson Ames 6 yd pass from Caden Young (Josh Horn kick failed) 13 plays, 91 yards, TOP 6:10	6	7
01:55 – COI – Travis Marieiro 4 yd run (Josh Horn kick), 8 plays, 75 yards, TOP 5:14	13	7
3RD QUARTER
05:20 – COI – Josh Horn 31 yd field goal 9 plays, 53 yards, TOP 4:45	16	7
03:23 – ROCKY – Darius Haskin 75 yd pass from Trent Nobach (Austin Drake kick) 4 plays, 88 yards, TOP 1:52	16	14
4TH QUARTER
12:57 – COI – Torey Watkins 5 yd pass from Caden Young (Josh Horn kick) 11 plays, 81 yards, TOP 5:21	23	14
06:38 – COI – Jacob Morales 32 yd pass from Caden Young (Josh Horn kick) 7 plays, 82 yards, TOP 4:34	30	14
05:55 – ROCKY – Darius Haskin 53 yd pass from Trent Nobach (Trent Nobach pass failed) plays, yards, TOP	30	20
01:47 – COI – Rylie Byington 1 yd run (Josh Horn kick), 9 plays, 55 yards, TOP 4:08	37	20

Next Game: Montana State University-Northern
Date: September 20, 2025 | 12:00 PM
Location: Caldwell, Idaho (Homecoming)

6 September 2025

Snake River Valley Teams Explode in Week 0 Openers

The Snake River Valley Conference made a statement to open the 2025 season, with four dominant performances highlighting the depth and talent across the league. From shutouts to offensive explosions, Week 0 showcased why the SRV remains one of Idaho’s most competitive conferences.

Payette 41, Parma 0

The Pirates opened their 2025 campaign in commanding fashion, shutting out Parma 41-0 while dominating on both sides of the ball. Payette controlled the line of scrimmage, recording 12 first downs and racking up 381 total yards of offense. Senior Darrien Pecunia led a balanced rushing attack with 95 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns, while quarterback Jahzyon Sylva contributed 37 rushing yards and 35 passing yards with a touchdown pass. The Pirates’ defense was suffocating, forcing multiple turnovers and getting strong performances from linebackers like Alex Fugate and the secondary. Gabriel Pelayo handled kickoff duties with authority, averaging 41.6 yards per kick. This complete team victory signals Payette’s potential for a breakthrough season in the 4A SRV.

Player of the Game: Darrien Pecunia – 95 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 6 tackles

Fruitland 49, Kimberly 13

The Grizzlies delivered a dominant offensive showcase, overwhelming Kimberly 49-13 behind the stellar dual-threat performance of quarterback Titus Vidalk. Vidalk was nearly unstoppable, throwing for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding 164 rushing yards and another score on the ground for 365 total yards. His favorite targets were Sawyer Tracy (4 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD) and Jaxon Philpot (4 catches, 48 yards, 2 TDs). The Grizzlies’ balanced attack also featured Kendall Wilson contributing 58 rushing yards and a touchdown. Fruitland controlled the game from start to finish, outscoring Kimberly 35-6 in the first half and cruising to victory. This explosive offensive performance signals the Grizzlies are ready to compete for another SRV title.

Player of the Game: Titus Vidalk – 365 total yards, 5 TDs (201 pass, 164 rush)

Homedale 31, Snake River 6

The defending conference contenders delivered a dominant road performance, overwhelming Snake River 31-6 behind a complete team effort. Quarterback Xavier Uranga was efficient and effective, completing 16 of 23 passes for 268 yards and 4 touchdowns with just one interception. His primary target was Colton Martell, who hauled in 6 catches for 140 yards and 2 touchdowns, showcasing excellent chemistry between the pair. Kade Hall was a versatile weapon with 75 rushing yards and strong contributions in the receiving game (3 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD). The Trojans controlled field position and the clock, holding possession for over 24 minutes while limiting Snake River to just 6 points in the fourth quarter. Homedale’s special teams were outstanding, with Lukas Hall averaging 58.3 yards on kickoffs. The balanced 478-yard offensive attack signals the Trojans are ready to defend their SRV crown.

Player of the Game: Xavier Uranga – 16/23, 268 yards, 4 passing TDs

Cole Valley Christian 35, Marsing 6

The Chargers made an emphatic statement in their second year in 4A, dominating Marsing 35-6 behind a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense. Quarterback Blake Van Boven orchestrated the victory with 221 passing yards and 2 touchdowns while adding 22 rushing yards. His top target was Ethan Epler, who hauled in 5 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown, consistently finding openings in the Marsing secondary. The ground game was led by Ashton Shanks, who powered through for 80 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, providing the physical presence that controlled the line of scrimmage.

Cole Valley’s defense was equally impressive, limiting Marsing to just 6 points while recording multiple sacks and tackles for loss. The Chargers’ special teams unit was outstanding, with Tyler Given booting 6 kickoffs for 352 yards at a 58.7-yard average and converting all 5 PAT attempts. The dominant 35-0 lead through three quarters showcased Cole Valley’s readiness to compete in the 4A classification. This complete performance signals the Chargers could be surprise contenders in the Snake River Valley Conference.

Player of the Game: Blake Van Boven – 12/22, 221 yards, 2 passing TDs + 22 rushing yards

Week 0 proved the SRV Conference is loaded with talent and ready for another exciting season. With performances like these across the board, fans can expect fireworks when these teams start facing each other in conference play.

24 August 2025
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.
9 August 2025