Bulldogs host Boise in homecoming tonight

SANDPOINT — It will be a sea of red under the Friday night lights of Barlow stadium tonight as Sandpoint hosts the Boise Braves in homecoming action.

Sandpoint (0-2) is hungry for their first win of the season, and with starters Ethan Vest and Mat Lawrence returning to action, knocking off 5A Boise could build some much needed momentum after losses to Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls.

Last week's loss to Post Falls was tough on two fronts. Not only did the game get stopped for weather twice on Friday before resuming Saturday afternoon, but the Bulldogs failed to capitalize on four key scoring opportunities, which contributed to the 28-14 loss.

"We made a lot of mistakes and didn't play well enough to win," said Mitchell of last week's loss. "I've never had a game called off twice. Hopefully we can regroup and get excited about homecoming and get a 5A team."

Boise (0-1) lost 48-8 to in their opener last week, but Mitchell says part of that was breakdowns in their special teams, including four snaps over the punter's head. He says they've got some athletes, including a dangerous quarterback.

"Their quarterback scares the heck out of me," said Mitchell, noting he boomed a punt of 75 yards against Kuna. "He makes plays, makes a lot of things happen."

Mitchell said junior quarterback Jake Semones will get some action at quarterback to spell Ryan Armbruster, who Mitchell says has played solid so far this year.

"I have to see him in the heat of battle," said Mitchell of Semones, an accurate throwing left hander.

The Bulldogs focused all week on tackling and cleaning up mistakes. For the first time this year, they'll be at full strength as Vest returns at linebacker/fullback and Lawrence at a few different positions. Lawrence's playing time will be determined at kickoff, depending on the health of his injured foot.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Barlow Stadium.