Sandpoint Dawgs win 12-10 thriller
SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Dawgs won a 12-10 thriller over the Coeur d'Alene Panthers Saturday, putting them in position to be co-champions of the Jr. Tackle Football League. The Dawgs (5-1) are currently in second place, and will play the undefeated Coeur d'Alene Redskins (6-0) on Satruday at 11 a.m., in Coeur d'Alene.
Dean Knaggs scored the first touchdown on a counter play, capping a seven-play, 65 yard opening drive. Knaggs would carry three defenders with him over the goal line in the second quarter to give the Dawgs a 12-0 lead
" Dean's touchdown run was pure determination on his part; you can't teach that kind of effort, it comes from within a player," said coach Rust, noting the offensive line opened holes for the backs all game.
The Panthers scored late in the second quarter and a successful two-point conversion made the score 12-8 at half. It was the first touchdown the stout Dawgs' defense had given up since the first game of the season.
The Panthers offense used up over 8 minutes of the third quarter to get into position to score the go-ahead touchdown, but on first and goal at the Dawgs two yard line the Dawgs stuffed the run for no gain. On second down, the middle of the defense pushed back the Panthers for a 3-yard loss. On third down, the defense sacked the QB for an 8-yard loss. On fourth and goal, the Panthers (4-2) tried to pass the ball, but the ball was deflected by Noah Faude for an incomplete pass.
"That was a huge defensive stand," said Givens. "Our players sucked it up and held their ground."
The Dawgs would add another goal line stand in the fourth quarter, feeding off the energy from a boisterous home crowd. On fourth down and 2 yards to go on their own 10 yard line with two minutes left, the Dawgs decided not to punt the ball but instead get into punt formation and snap the ball to punter Chase Rodriguez who sprinted to the back of the end zone for an intentional two point safety for the Panthers.
After the free kick, the Panthers had first and goal from their own two yard line, but yet another defensive stand by the Dawgs saved the game, as they dug in for their third goal line stand of the game, stopping the Panthers on downs to end the game.
"I am really impressed with the effort of our players and dedication of the coaching staff getting our team prepared each week to compete at this level during the inaugural season," said coach Givens. "To be in a position to win the Jr. Tackle League Championship the first year is exciting for the players, coaching staff, parents and community."
? Dawgs down Badgers 26-6
Gavan Rosteck returned a kick 70 yards and ran a 15 yard dive for his two touchdowns, Carson Paull had a 15 yard touchdown run and Chase Rodriguez a 35 yard end-around for a score to lead the Dawgs to a 26-6 win over the Bonners Ferry Badgers last Wednesday in Bonners Ferry.
"Our offensive line anchored by Chandler Brewington, T.J. Alsager, Hunter Brackett, and Tristan Cunningham did an excellent job the second half driving back the Badger's aggressive defense," said coach Rust of the team's effort.