Bulldogs grind out win

SPOKANE — It might not have been a masterpiece on the field, but any coach will tell you that one in the win column is much prettier than one in the loss column.

Such was the case in Sandpoint’s workmanlike 26-19 road win over West Valley on Friday night, as the Bulldogs (2-1) finished a spate of three consecutive games against Great Northern League schools with a winning record.

Once again the Bulldogs hung their hats on the workhorse legs of Anthony Gold, who rushed 33 times for 118 yards, scoring all four of Sandpoint’s touchdowns in the game. Three of those scores came in the first half, staking the Bulldogs to an 18-13 lead as both teams struggled with extra points.

Dylan Ellsworth scored two touchdowns to lead the Eagles (0-3), who have struggled this season after returning many of the starters off of a team that made the 2A state championship game last season.

Quarterback Brandon Hawkins was efficient, going 4-7 for 77 yards, as the Bulldogs continue to be a decidedly one-dimensional offense, largely eschewing the pass. Eric Nikssarian caught two balls for 29 yards and Gold added a catch for 32 yards.

Fullback Luther Morgan ground out 45 yards on eight carries, while the Bulldogs were out-gained offensively 337-289. Much like last season, the Bulldogs’ defense gave up some yards on occasion, but is a classic bend-but-don’t-break unit, getting the big stops when they need them most. Markus Davis, Nikssarian and Morgan each made plays defensively.

Sandpoint is at 5A powerhouse Coeur d’Alene next Friday.

Sandpoint     6   12   8   0 — 26

West Valley  0   13   0   6 — 19

Spt — Gold 10 run (kick failed)

WV — Ellsworth 3 run (kick failed)

Spt —Gold 8 run (kick failed)

WV — Austin 31 catch from Nelson (Harns kick)

Spt — Gold 5 run (pass failed)

Spt — Gold 11 run (Duarte catch)

WV — Ellsworth 1 run (kick failed)