POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Highland Rams senior Steele Hoopes is our All-American Cleaning & Restoration Athlete of the Week after his performance in the quarterfinal round of the 6A Idaho State Playoffs. Hoopes hauled in 3 catches for 32 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win over the Eagle Mustangs this past weekend.

Highland Head Coach Nick Sorrell speaks highly of Steele Hoopes. “He’ll give 100% effort on every single play,” said Sorrell. “He’s willing to play multiple positions… just really that ‘do-it-all’ guy that every single team needs.”

The entire regular season, according to Maxpreps.com, Hoopes had just 1 touchdown. In the first two playoff wins for Highland, he’s had 4. Coach Sorrell says Hoopes underwent a position change recently and has stepped up in a huge way.

“He’s one of those, you know, like I said, a true team player,” Coach said. “He’s going to do anything that he can to help this team win… and obviously him stepping up and doing that has made a huge difference for us.”

Hoopes gives tons of credit to his teammates around him for his recent success. “I think it just comes from my quarterback and also our O-line for giving him protection,” said Hoopes.

Now the team is 1 more win away from securing a spot in the 6A state title game. Hoopes reflected on where the team started this season, versus where they are now.

“At the beginning [of the season], everybody was looking down at us, and I never stopped believing,” Hoopes said. “I think that’s my biggest thing: I just always believe that we [could] get where we’re at right now.”

Not only has Hoopes been playing at a high level, Sorrell also says that he plays a big part in the strong camaraderie the team has.

“Steele is one of those glue type players for us. He’s a kid that always has a smile on his face,” Sorrell said. “He’s excited to be out here and play with his his friends, his buddies, and you know, we’re always laughing and joking. So he’s kind of the one guy that keeps us loose.”