If you look at this week's high school media polls, you'll notice that both Nampa and Middleton have returned to the top 5 in the 4A. Both teams are tied at No. 5 this week, with four votes apiece. Along with Bishop Kelly, which is ranked at No. 3, that makes three teams from the 4A SIC who are currently ranked.

For the Bulldogs, it's the first time since week four that they cracked the top 5. Middleton climbs back in for the first time since losing to Sandpoint in the second week of the season.

In my polls this week, I voted Middleton at No. 5, while leaving the Bulldogs out. My reasoning for this was simple. The Viking beat the Bulldogs 28-26 back on Oct. 2.

Another interesting fact to note about Middleton is how close their games have been. Last week's 10 point win against Kuna was the Vikings largest margin of victory of their five wins. In the three weeks prior, Middleton had one games against Mountain Home, Nampa and Columbia by two points or less. This fact may have cost Middleton a few votes, but good teams find a way to win close games, and that's just what Middleton is doing.

As for Nampa, they have a chance to impress the voters again this week as they take on the Knights in Boise. As I mentioned here a couple of days ago, should Nampa pick up the road win, and Middleton beat Kuna at home, it would create an interesting scenario. All three teams would have identical overall and conference records and be 1-1 against each other heading into the final week of the season.

If that were to happen, it will be interesting to see how the votes play out next week.