It’s not the Game of the Century, but it’s close

Is it too much to call it the “Game of the Century,” a moniker that’s perhaps over-the-top, excessive and exaggerated?

But, seriously, Coeur d’Alene at Highland is the one high school football game we’ve all been waiting for, right?

I realize “Game of the Century” naturally implies its importance extends beyond the borders of the state of where the game is being played. But “The Game of Idaho,” or “Game of the Season” just don’t roll of the tongue quite as well.

The first time anyone applied the slogan “Game of the Century” to a matchup was when No. 1 Texas faced No. 2 Arkansas on ABC in 1969. More than anything, it was a marketing stunt, a way to drub up the hype.

Early on, the phrase stuck to games between the nation’s top two college teams, but over time, talking TV heads and the media have expanded its definition. Now, every year has its own version.

In 2013, Alabama at Texas A&M is the closest thing we’ll have (barring unforeseen circumstances) to a “Game of the Century.” The 49-42 shootout even surpassed the buildup the long offseason manufactured.

And, considering the Tide and Aggies had the highest TV rating for a college game on CBS in 23 years, the public was right behind the idea that, yes, No. 1 Alabama at the sixth-ranked Fightin’ Johnny’s was 2013’s “Game of the Century.”

So all of us in Pocatello will just have to live with the idea that Highland versus Coeur d’Alene is the second biggest game of the fall season.

Since 1982, the two have combined to win 13 state championships (undoubtedly, Ram fans would like me to mention nine of those belong to Highland).

Both squads have been ranked either first or second all season. Coeur d’Alene, after a two-year stretch of missing the playoffs, has played in the last three state championships games (winning in 2010 and 2011).

Highland last won a title in 2008, but the Rams have been in the state semifinals three of the past four seasons.

The amount of Division I prospects from both squads is unbelievable.

And if the two program’s histories tell us anything about their ballyhooed past, the present can give us an idea of what the game means for both sides.

Coeur d’Alene is 1-2 overall. The Vikings have lost two-straight games to top-level programs from Washington state.

Last week, four turnovers offset Coeur d’Alene’s 415-289 yards gained advantage as the Vikings came up short to Skyline (Wash.) 38-23, the same team that beat them by 51 points in 2012.

Highland is Cd’A’s first opponent from Idaho, and with Minico, Lewiston, Skyline, Lake City and Post Falls in the regular season, the Rams are the toughest test left.

While Coeur d’Alene has been rolling through a rigorous nonconference slate, Highland battled through a 27-23 win over Century, sandwiched between two double-digit victories against Coronado (Nev.) and Twin Falls.

Highland has Pocatello Sept. 27, and there are road battles at Skyline and at Madison — and I’d be remised not to mention a home date Oct. 25 versus Idaho Falls — but Coeur d’Alene is, easily, the most challenging game left on the Rams’ schedule.

Way back in July, Highland head coach Gino Mariani said, “It’s a measuring stick to see where we’re going to be.”

Yes, the proverbial measuring stick match. It’s an accurate description, better than “Game of the Century,” in fact. Neither the Rams nor Vikings will have their playoff or championship hopes decided this weekend.

So call it what you will, but “The Measuring Stick Game” works fine for me.

Saturday, 8 p.m., get here faster.