NAMPA — The 2017 4A state quarterfinalists make the jump to the 5A classification this fall.
"We've been waiting for this challenge," head coach David Young said. "We're ready for this challenge."
The Hawks (10-1) went undefeated in regular season play, making it to the 4A state quarterfinals before falling to Minico 28-29.
"(this season), we get to go compete against those teams that have always been dissing on us," senior quarterback Wyatt Storer said.
The three-year starter and first-team all-state quarterback owns nearly all of the Hawks' school passing records.
"When he steps on the field, he just takes over," Young said. "He just becomes the general."
The Hawks will look to senior wide receiver Wade Carpenter to fill the giant hole left by current Idaho State Bengal Demonte Horton.
"Skyview's always produced some good wide receivers," senior running back Tyler Crowe added.
Even with several key players returning this fall, Storer says they are still looked at as the "small town football team."
"There's always haters out there," Storer said. "You know, 'you're 4A, you're nothing, it doesn't mean anything,' and it's going to be so great to be able to go out there and be able to play them for real."
"I see where they're coming from. We're 4A, we're small-town football," Crowe said. "But we put our pants on the same way and we're ready to roll."
The Hawks open their season at home against Borah on Friday, August 24 at 7 p.m.