Bulldogs face Trojans

SANDPOINT — Hungry for their first win of the year and eager to improve upon a solid performance last week against Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint heads down to Post Falls tonight for an Inland Empire League showdown with the Trojans.

It's the second of five games this season against 5A competition for the 4A Bulldogs (0-1), and head coach Mike Mitchell said before the season they were looking to get a couple of wins against the bigger schools this year.

"This is one we think we can win, we'll get after it," said Mitchell of tonight's game. "They're (Post Falls) mostly back from last year and rumor has it they're pretty good."

After watching film of the 17-10 close loss to Coeur d'Alene last week, Mitchell said what stood out most was how well the defense tackled, a great sign considering they were without two starting linebackers in Mat Lawrence and Ethan Vest. Neither will play again tonight, but Mitchell expects them both back for week three against Boise High School.

"We've got a defense we can build on," said Mitchell, noting new defensive coordinator Doug Semones has done a great job with the group. "The offense will come."

Ryan Armbruster will get the start at quarterback, with Jake Semones expected to spell him for a series here and there. Sione Puailoa will start again at running back after a solid first game.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Post Falls High School.