Mitchell Twins Have Powered Highland Football

Seniors Cedric and Malakai Mitchell are finishing their final season with the Rams before heading to Idaho State.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration showing two football players in navy and gold jerseys moving through a play during an autumn afternoon.
Highland High School seniors Cedric and Malakai Mitchell have anchored the Rams football program, driving the team's recent success before their transition to Idaho State University. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Pocatello standouts Cedric and Malakai Mitchell have anchored Highland High School football since their sophomore year. As the duo enters the final stretch of their high school careers, they have solidified their commitments to Idaho State University.

Why it matters

The twins have served as the emotional and tactical leaders of the Rams, with their on-field production driving the team's performance. Their impending departure marks a significant transition for the Highland football program.

Cedric Mitchell has accumulated 1,890 rushing yards with 20 touchdowns, alongside 1,009 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. Malakai Mitchell has recorded 229 career tackles, leaving him within reach of the 301-tackle school record.

The players

Cedric Mitchell

He is a senior starter for the Highland High School football team who has committed to play at Idaho State University.

Malakai Mitchell

He is a senior defensive leader for the Rams who is nearing the school's all-time career tackle record and has committed to Idaho State University.

Jordan Hill

He is the former Highland High School athlete who currently holds the school's all-time record of 301 career tackles.

The details

Cedric Mitchell serves as a dynamic offensive weapon, while Malakai Mitchell coordinates the defense by calling out adjustments. In their recent 36-0 victory over Lake City, Cedric tallied 161 rushing yards and one touchdown, while Malakai recorded 10 tackles.

Timeline

  1. Week 0, 2026: Highland lost to Eagle 33-28.

  2. September 18, 2026: Highland defeated Lake City 36-0.

  3. October 2026: Highland prepares for conference play against Madison.

Season Trajectory

Malakai Mitchell sits within striking distance of the program's all-time tackle record, a milestone that would cement his legacy in the school's history. Meanwhile, the team's success in upcoming conference play against Madison is critical to their playoff positioning.

The Rams must secure a nearly perfect performance against Madison to maintain their standing as they head deeper into conference play. Readers should monitor Malakai Mitchell's defensive totals in upcoming games to see if he surpasses the 301-tackle career threshold.

The takeaway

The Mitchell twins exemplify the impact of multi-year starters on high school athletic programs. Their transition to the collegiate level serves as a reminder of the cycle of talent that constantly reshapes local team dynamics.

Further reading

For more updates on local sports, visit the Football section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by East Idaho News.

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