Shay, Puailoa spark Bulldogs in rout

MOSCOW — Running back Sione Puailoa did the damage on the ground, and tight end Matt Shay did the damage through the air as Sandpoint employed an efficient mix run and pass in a 40-14 dispatching of Moscow Friday, opening 4A league play with a statement-making win.

Puailoa had 14 carries for 141 yards and a touchdown, and Shay had five catches for 106 yards and two scores, continuously finding a seam down the middle of the field and hurting Moscow's defense.

"That was Sione's biggest game, he ran hard," said coach Mike Mitchell of his senior running back, who continues to get stronger as the season progresses. "Ethan Vest and the offensive line are blocking well when that's happening."

Moscow (1-5, 0-1) came out with an unexpected wrinkle, running an option attack the Bulldogs hadn't seen on film before. Jason Washington scored the first of his two touchdowns on the day to give Moscow an early 7-0, but Sandpoint (5-3, 1-0) had a quick answer, as a 42 yard reverse pass from Jake Semones to David Duarte lead to a quick tie, and from there the Bulldogs dominated.

"I didn't like how the game started," said Mitchell. "Once we got rolling the kids played well."

Ryan Armbruster had another solid game at quarterback, connecting on 12-17 pass attempts for 168 yards and two touchdowns, and also running for the Bulldogs' first two scores of the game. Mat Lawrence connected on a 32 yard score to Shay in his brief appearance at quarterback, and Kyle Gibson had a full-layout, diving 15 yard snare from Armbruster as a host of Bulldogs got into the scoring column.

Gibson finished with 5 catches for 57 yards, David Duarte hauled in three passes for 62 yards, and Ben Fisher had some nice carries as Sandpoint spread the ball around to numerous players in rolling up 455 yards of offense.

The defense held Moscow to only 280 yards of offense, much of it coming late in the game. Ethan, Lawrence and Anthony Cook each had a sack for Sandpoint, has now won four straight games as it continues to build momentum for the biggest game of the year next week against Lakeland.

"I just told them I'm proud of them," Mitchell said he told his team after the game. "They've put themselves in position where they're playing for the league championship."

Moscow hosts Lakeland next Friday in a pivotal 4A showdown, with the winner most likely hosting a state playoff game.

Sandpoint 14 7 6 13 — 40

Moscow 7 0 7 0 — 14

Mos — Washington 7 run (Maraquill kick)

Spt — Armbruster 1 run (Gibson kick)

Spt — Armbruster 3 run (GIbson kick)

Spt — Puailoa 22 run (Gibson kick)

Spt — Shay 15 catch from Armbruster (try failed)

Mos — Washington 6 run (Maraquill kick)

Spt — Shay 32 catch from Lawrence (try failed)

Spt — Gibson 15 catch from Armbruster (Gibson kick)