So ... what have we learned?

Challis QB/LB Ross Shepeard, one of the top players in 8-man football, also plays in arguably the toughest division in 2018. (Photo Courtesy: Debbie Shepeard)

Let's start by stating the obvious - we're two weeks in to a long season and fortunes can change at the drop of a hat (or twist of an ankle, especially in the 8-man game)

However, there are a few things we can glean from the first two weeks of action in Idaho's 1A Division 1 and 1A Division 2 classifications.

First, two weeks in, the three best teams in 1A Division 1 at this point may all be in the same conference. The Snake River Conference, as a whole, is 11-1 after two weeks. It's not just the volume of wins, it's who some of the wins are over. Valley beat Prairie. Raft River beat Genesee. Glenns Ferry beat a Horseshoe Bend team that was in the 1A Division 1 state playoffs last year. Challis beat a North Gem squad that, one week earlier, had beaten a good Butte County team. The SRC is often loaded (two six-win teams missed the playoffs in 2017) and this season appears to be no exception.

Oakley has two dominating wins. Raft River drilled a Genesee team that returns two All-State players from last fall's state semifinalist. Valley looked explosive against a championship-caliber Prairie team. Are they the three best 1A Division 1 teams right now? You could certainly make that argument. But then there's Challis. Then there's Grace. Then there's Butte County ... and on and on.

Teams better bring their "A" game each week this fall.

Second, the Western Idaho Conference in District 3 might be a little better than many expected. Most eyed Wilder and Idaho City as clear favorites, but let's not close the book on perennial conference power Notus just yet. The Pirates, under new head coach Joe Woodland, have started 2-0.

Before anyone plays the "who have they played" card, consider this: the Pirates two wins have come by 50 points and 46 points, respectively. Isn't that what good teams are supposed to do against teams that they out-talent? It's not like Notus has squeaked its way to two wins. We should learn a lot about Woodland's team this Friday when it hosts 1A Division 2 toughie Salmon River.

Third, in the 1A Division 2 ranks, Kendrick of the White Star League has the look of a legitimate state title contender. The Tigers have started 2-0, scoring 130 points along the way. Also, consider this - five of the eight players who started in the team's week one win over Division 1 Genesee were either sophomores or freshmen. Cooper Hewett, who already has ten total touchdowns, could easily play his way into State Player of the Year consideration if he continues anywhere near his two-week pace.

Plenty of tests await, beginning this Friday on the road against a solid Lewis County team. Carey and Dietrich from District 4 are both off to great starts (Carey's two wins have come by a cumulative score of 94-8) so, if you're the sort who likes to start looking ahead to November on Labor Day, those three teams have made early statements among the 1A Division 2 squads.

But, before we start making travel plans ... let's remember, it is just September 3. Enjoy the ride!

#Idaho8Man