POCATELLO -- Silence filled one end of Idaho State's ICCU Dome as Declo relived the same feelings from a year ago.
A somber team picture with a trophy. Only to watch West Side, moments later, grip the coveted blue state championship trophy Declo wanted for more than a year.
West Side's dynasty and Declo's state championship struggles with the Pirates continued.
No. 3 West Side stopped No. 1 Declo, 27-6, in the 2024 Idaho 3A state football championship on Friday night at Idaho State's ICCU Dome.
"They just kept fighting and we never got them uncomfortable," Declo head coach Rhett Jones told the Times-News. "They are just so comfortable in this atmosphere. They just have been here so many times. A lot of coaching experience and a great coaching staff and a well-coached team." People are also reading... 'Blindsided': Brandsma out as Filer head football coach, pending school board decision Death Notices 'I love the place so much': Cooking 'paradise' sold to new owners Retiring Murtaugh superintendent leaves legacy Genesis Spa and Wellness is a one-stop shop in beauty care UPDATE: Gooding shooting suspect apprehended in Arizona Lava Ridge opponents prepare legal battle Twin Falls GOP passes 2 resolutions for state consideration Filer woman involved in Boise hospital attack strikes plea deal Believers bought airplane for dead preacher thinking he'd rise from grave to fly in it Gooding County sheriff investigates after man shot in back Death Notices No. 5 Minico bounced from 5A semifinals as No. 1 Skyline routs Spartans PERKINS 10: Senior QB accounts for 10 TDs, leads Dietrich to state title game Twin Falls historic schools face modern traffic problems
The Pirates won their second straight state title over Declo and became the third program in Idaho history to win five titles in a span of six years.
West Side joined Sugar-Salem and Snake River as teams with that distinction.
Declo, just like in 2023, won the regular season meeting with West Side.
Declo's lengthy, run-heavy drives only led to nothing in the first half and the first score proved critical. And it only led to more.
West Side, after a 7-0 halftime lead, quickly doubled the lead with a 66-yard rushing touchdown from Drake Sage early in the third quarter. West Side's offense appeared on the track for another score before Declo's Gavin Rasmussen intercepted West Side's Jaden Fuller in the end zone for a touchback.
The Hornets' ensuing drive lasted three plays before West Side recovered a fumble on Declo's 13-yard line then scored with a 1-yard rush from Crew Sage in the fourth quarter's opening minutes to make it 20-0.
Crew Sage, the 2024 South East Idaho Conference Player of the Year, finished with 118 rushing yards on 20 carries and the two scores. Crew Sage did not play in the regular season meeting, a 6-0 Declo win, because of injury.
"We knew about what an amazing athlete he is," Jones said. "Obviously he is going to give us problems whether that be in the run game or in the pass. He is a lot like Gavin (Rasmussen). He is a very dynamic player. It doesn't really change your game plan necessarily but you know that you are gonna have to be clean and not make mistakes because if you do, he is going to make it pay for you."
3A All-South East Idaho Conference football teams released
Wendell and Declo combined for 29 selections as the All-South East Idaho Conference football teams were released Thursday.
Rasmussen recorded the Hornets' only touchdown, a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Rasmussen, one of Declo's nine seniors, led the Hornets with 46 rushing yards on five carries.
The Hornets used Rasmussen, primarily a wide receiver, in a reversal rushing situation all season, which added to Declo's running abilities. He also hauled in three receptions for 29 yards.
"He can do so much for us and he is going to be missed, for sure," Jones said.
Declo quarterback Hayden Thaxton, another senior, completed 6-of-10 passes for 72 yards. Junior wideout Landen Silcock snagged two receptions for 43 yards.
The motivation for 2025 started immediately for Declo as Jones said the team will return to work after Thanksgiving break.
Jones' postgame message reiterated what he told his squad throughout the week. Don't put added pressure on yourself. Don't be so hard on yourself.
"Just like tonight," Jones said. "Told them, 'Keep your heads held high because you had a great season and this doesn't take that away from us.'"
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