Clark Fork looks to claim home win
CLARK FORK — Looking to break an unwanted recent trend against Mullan, Clark Fork will open its league schedule at home tonight with a big North Star League showdown and finally beat the Wildcats in back to back games.
In their first meeting, the Wampus Cats (2-1) scored two touchdowns in the final three minutes for a comeback win over Mullan two weeks ago. While that win is fresh in their minds, so is the fact that they have beaten Mullan in the first two games in each of the last two seasons, only to lose when they met again in league.
"They beat us the second time, when it counts most," said Clark Fork head coach Brian Arthun, alluding to the league matchups. "We want to break that trend."
Arthun calls Mullan both tough and physical, and said his team knows full well they'll be in a four quarter battle tonight. Quarterback Mike Martin will look to hook up with receivers Austin Martin and Drew Wilkinson as the Cats will fill the air with footballs all night in their spread offense. Matt Bellville will get the lion's share of the carries to keep Mullan's defense honest.
"We're healed up and focused," said Arthun, who got to scout Mullan against Wallace last week after his team's game against Inchelium was canceled. "The kids know what's at stake. It's a league game and they'll come out jacked up and ready to go."
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Clark Fork.
? Bulldog boys blank Moscow 3-0
SANDPOINT — Tanner French, Anders Nostdahl and Alex Crossingham each scored goals, and Shawnn Carlson earned a shutout in goal as Sandpoint blanked 4A rival Moscow 3-0 Thursday night at War Memorial Field.
Sandpoint (9-4-1, 8-1-1 IEL) coach Randy Thoreson credited his back four defenders with aiding in the shutout, allowing a scant three shots on goal, and said his team cleaned up a few problems after playing an emotionally flat first half.
"We were energized in the second half and played much better," said Thoreson, calling Moscow one of the most technically sound teams in the IEL and their chief 4A obstacle to get to state. "Psychologically we sent a couple messages: One, they'll have to come here, and two, they'll have a hard time beating us."
French scored his fourth goal of the season on a nice header late in the first half. Nostdahl finished an assist from Tanner Williams to give him four goals on the season, and Crossingham scored his fifth goal of the year on a penalty kick to cap the scoring.
Sandpoint is at Post Falls on Saturday.
First half — 1, Spt, Tanner French (Alex Crossingham) 37:00. Second half — 2, Spt, Anders Nostdahl (Tanner Williams) 53:00. 3, Spt, Alex Crossingham (penalty kick) 57:00.
Shots on goal — Mos 3, Spt 17.
Saves — Mos, Stephen Gressard 5; Spt, Shawnn Carlson 3.
? VanDyk's goal earns Bulldog girls a 1-1 tie
MOSCOW — Nicole VanDyk's goal gave Sandpoint an early lead, but the back of the net once again proved elusive as the Bulldogs tied with Moscow 1-1 Thursday afternoon in IEL action in Moscow.
Sandpoint (8-5-3, 6-2-2 IEL) was able to create plenty of looks in the second half, but couldn't seem to nail down the winning goal.
"We're in a bit of a slump in finding a way to be good consistently," said Sandpoint coach Adam Tajan, whose team outshot the Bears 15-6. "Once again the back of the net was an issue. Hopefully we can get that going before districts."
Sandpoint plays at Post Falls on Saturday.
Editor's note: Thank you to Adam Tajan for his diligence and repeated calls to get the information to the Bee before deadline. Poor cell phone service on Hwy 95 cut short repeated attempts to get the information in.
First half — 1, Spt, Nicole VanDyk (Brittany Oakley) 18:00. 2, Mos, Quincy Moore 36:00. Second half — none.
Shots on goal — Spt 15, Mos 6.
Saves — Spt, Kelsey Windju 5; Mos, Hailey Couture 14.