Bulldogs seek bye, home field advantage tonight
SANDPOINT — The formula is simple for the Bulldogs when they travel south to face Moscow in a 4A Inland Empire League football tilt tonight: Handle their business, and they get a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Bulldogs (2-6, 1-0 4A IEL) were sharp in all three phases of last week’s 35-21 win over Lakeland, gaining confidence and setting up a chance to win the league title tonight. Head coach George Yarno said the win gave his team some much-needed momentum.
“Our sea of red got to see us send our seniors out the right way. That’s a big deal to me,” he said. “If we can take care of business (tonight), we’ll have great momentum heading into the playoffs.”
Last week marked yet another big game from Dustin Norris, whose second quarter interception was a huge turning point in the game. The quick, do-everything senior has made impact plays all season in all three phases of the game, earning the respect of Yarno in the process.
“He does anything you ask him to; returns kicks and punts, plays running back, plays safety,” claimed Yarno. “He gives 100 percent effort every second on the field, a good kid to have on your side.”
As far as common opponents, Moscow lost 38-7 to Lewiston and 37-14 to Lakeland, while the Bulldogs lost 33-26 to Lewiston and beat the Hawks 35-21.
Last week the Bulldog defense held an opponent under 30 points for the first time all season, which is due in large part to a salty nonleague slate of games. Defensive tackles Hayden Emmerson and Chris Jones continue to create havoc and eat up blockers in the trenches, allowing Payton Cox and the linebacking crew to make tackles.
Dillan Mitton was a one-man wrecking crew at running back last week, accounting for more than 340 yards from scrimmage, as the Bulldogs finally got to pick on someone their own size. A revamped offensive line of Tyrone Larson, Trey Flint, Alex Christensen, Cole Ducken and Kerry Johnson played a big role in the success of the running and screen game.
Sophomore Jaxon Pettit will get the start at quarterback, as Robbie Johnson was injured last week and backup Declan Plummer was already out with injury. All three could be healthy for the playoffs, which makes earning that first round bye key, as Johnson can also play safety.
Standing in the way is Moscow (2-5, 0-1 4A IEL), who owns wins over Grangeville and Timberlake but has also played some tough opponents.
“You can’t judge them by their record, they’re better than their record. They’ve got some kids that can run,” said Yarno. “It’s easy to see a team with two wins and overlook them, and we don’t want to overlook them.”
Kickoff was moved up one hour to 6 p.m. in Moscow.
Bob Witte and Chris Chatburn will call the game live on AM 1400, 103 FM, with the Yoke’s Kickoff Show starting things off at 5:40 p.m.
IdahoSports.com will webcast the game live as well.
n Wampus Cats host Lewis County
CLARK FORK — After consecutive losses against state-ranked White Star League powers Kendrick and Deary, the Wampus Cats will be hungry for a home win against Lewis County tonight in a game that looks pretty even on paper.
It’s the final home game for a strong senior class, which includes Wade Stevens, Bryant Moore, Jake Allen and Noah Bova.
Sophomore running back Josh Constantin has been a bright spot for the Cats this season, scoring a touchdown in every game so far while also carrying the rushing load. Junior Theo Icardo, a dual threat running back, and the versatile Stevens bring a physical identity to the Cats’ defense.
The early kickoff is 6 p.m. in Clark Fork.