Preseason Coaches Poll:
1. Coeur d’Alene
T-2. Lake City
T-2. Post Falls
Written by: Brandon Baney
After starting the 2025 season with two losses in two game, Coeur d’Alene rebounded to earn it’s third consecutive 6A Inland Empire League title.
Like so many outstanding Viking squads over the years, Coeur d’Alene leaned into a defense that allowed less than 16 points per game. Coupled with an offense that averaged 30 points per game, Coeur d’Alene cruised into the 6A semifinals, where the ride came to an abrupt halt with a 23-17 loss to Timberline.
The Vikings were the only IEL team to qualify for the 6A postseason a year ago as Lake City and Post Falls each finished 3-6. Lake City endured growing pains with a younger group of players, while the Trojans were decimated by injuries. Both are aiming for a spot in the 6A bracket this season.
COEUR D’ALENE
Last year, when senior quarterback Caden Symons, a three-year starter, broke his collarbone in early October, veteran Coeur d’Alene coach Shawn Amos didn’t panic. He had slowly been preparing backup QB Tannar Stern by inserting Stern into certain offensive packages.
Stern flourished, completing 63.5% of his passes for 1,136 yards, 21 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He rushed for 575 yards and five scores, and even chipped in at linebacker on defense, finishing with 31 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Now with a full offseason to prepare, expectations are high for Stern and his Viking teammates. Coeur d’Alene’s top four wideouts from last year (Ben Murray, Gibson Comstock, Maddox Lindquist and Hudson Gray) return. All four are seniors.
“With Stern at QB, the offense returns experience and speed,” said Amos, now in his 29th season as Coeur d’Alene’s head coach. “Comstock, Murray, Lindquist, (senior H-back) Jackson Hackett, and (senior) Ean McClelland have the ability to make big plays, but some new juniors and experienced seniors will push for time.”
Among those newcomers looking to break through are Juniors Prentice Palmgren, Josh Sampson, and Jaxon Schillinger. The running back position is also wide-open, with senior Trey McCoey, and juniors Drake Speelman, Elias Golis and Cruz Paulin all fighting for playing time.
Up front, the Vikings welcome back juniors Brady Thompson and Ty Ball, while seniors Dawson Riley and Reid Ramsay also show promise.
The graduation losses are more pronounced on defense, as All-State performers Mateo Rhea (defensive end), Ian Dahlin(linebacker) and George Mitchell (cornerback) have graduated. Experienced safety Daniel Shoup also is gone.
But Ben Murray, a three-year starter returns. Murray can play both safety and linebacker, and is a true rover for the Vikings. Riley and Hackett started at linebacker last season, while Ramsay returns to the defensive line.
“Team speed should be a strength on defense,” said Amos. “Along the defensive line, we will rotate a group of young players that will need to grow up fast. Hopefully, we can increase our third down percentage and get off the field.”
Amos isn’t afraid to play multiple players both ways, which is fairly uncommon in 6A football. But that requires good luck with injury. “Health will be our x-factor to the season,” said Amos. “But I’m excited to see how this year’s seniors leave their mark on the program and establish leadership.”
LAKE CITY
Lake City started slowly in 2025, with an 0-4 record out of the gate. That winless start required Lake City to perform well over the back half of their schedule, and although the Timberwolves went 3-2, it wasn’t enough to qualify for a spot in the 6A playoffs.
But former Lake City standout Byron Hout has quietly been building the foundation of his program, and as he enters his fourth season as the head coach at his alma mater, optimism is high.
“One of our biggest strengths on offense if the talent and experience we have at our skill positions. We return five of our six skill-position starters, including three players who earned All-League honors as juniors.”
Those returning All-IEL performers are quarterback Britton Johnston, running back Brayden Van Leuven and wide receiver Landon Leveque. Senior wide receiver Paxton Grant and senior tight end Ryan Salsbury also return as starters.
“We’re also excited about the speed throughout our offense,” Hout added. “Caden Tony and Chase Young add another dynamic element, with both athletes running sub-11 second times in the 100 meters last season. That etam speed gives us the ability to create explosive plays and stretch defenses.”
That explosiveness hinges on a young offensive line gelling. Senior Benedict Koziol, a three-year starter, is the anchor, but the rest of the group is unproven.
Lake City lost more talent on the defensive side of the ball, and will lean on senior cornerback Karter Engebretsen, an All-IEL selection last year. “Defensively, we’ll be a young group, but one that’s filled with speed, athleticism and talent,” said Hout. “While we have some new faces stepping into larger roles, we’re excited about the potential this unit has and the way they’ve developed throughout the offseason.”
Paxton Grant is a three-year starter at linebacker, and Paul Karvonen returns to the defensive line. Breckin Jolley is a name to watch at linebacker, and Liam McWilliams can play on the line or at linebacker.
Overall, Hout believes his team has put in the necessary work in the weight room, and he said team chemistry is at an all-time high.
“We’re fortunate to have a talented group of returning players, but what stands out even more is how motivated and committed they are to improving every day,” Hout said. “Our focus has been on building our program one day at a time. We talk about laying a new brick every day to strengthen the foundation we’re building as we prepare for the season.”
POST FALLS
The Trojans limped through an injury-plagued 3-6 campaign a year ago, missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
Senior running back Marshall Tomlinson and senior wide receiver Cody Matthews both saw valuable playing time last season, and senior Ryan Makley is back to lead the offensive line.
“Our x-factor to this season is finding a quarterback that can throw the ball efficiently,” said head coach Blaine Bennett.
On defense, Bennett anticipates a strong secondary led by Matthews, senior Kash Kreaman and junior Judah Brazle.
The Trojans will need to start well, as eight of the nine teams on Post Fall’s schedule were playoff squads a year ago.