Sandpoint hammers North Central 40-7

SPOKANE — Any worries about rust showing through after a two week break between football games were quickly quelled as Sandpoint came out sharp, scoring early and often in a 40-7 pasting of North Central in non-league action Thursday afternoon at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane.

Kyle Gibson spearheaded a dominating first half for Sandpoint (2-3), which scored touchdowns on its first four possessions while building a 33-0 halftime lead. Gibson returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, which was called back for a block in the back. Undeterred, he would haul in two Ryan Armbruster strikes for touchdowns and also added an interception on defense in the first half.

Sione Puailoa and Ethan Vest combined for a potent one-two punch in the backfield, breaking off large chunks of yardage as the Bulldogs were able to move the ball at will against the Greater Spokane League's Indians. Both scored a running touchdown, and set up the play action passing game for Armbruster.

After Gibson's 31 yard touchdown catch for the first score of the game, Puailoa would waltz in from 14 yards out, and quarterback Mat Lawrence from 16 yards out to account for the first quarter scoring.

Gibson hauled in a 21 yard pass from Armbruster and linebacker Matt Shay scooped up a fumble and ran untouched for 55 yards to essentially put the game away in the first half.

Ethan Vest rumbled 20 yards for a score to start the second half, and Sandpoint began to play mostly second and third team players for the remainder of the second half.

Vest finished with 87 yards on the ground to lead the Bulldogs, and Armbruster was 8-9, for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Gibson hauled in three catches for 59 yards and Matt Shay added three for 53 to go with his defensive score.

Sandpoint's defense held the Indians double wing offensive attack in check all game. With seven linemen, three running backs and a quarterback, at times there were 22 players packed into a large scrum on the field. The Indians scored a touchdown with one minute left in the game to avoid the shutout.

"I'm real pleased. We played wire to wire, and had one of those real good games on offense and defense," said coach Mike Mitchell after the game. "We got an early lead, things went well, and we were able to play everyone that traveled, including four quarterbacks."

Sandpoint is at Lewiston next Friday.

Sandpoint 20 13 7 0 — 40

North Central 0 0 0 7 — 7

SPT — Gibson 31 catch from Armbruster (Gibson kick)

SPT — Puailoa 14 run (kick blocked)

SPT — Lawrence 16 run (Gibson kick)

SPT — Gibson 21 catch from Armbruster (Gibson kick)

SPT — Shay 59 fumble return (kick failed)

SPT — Vest 22 run (Gibson kick)

NC — Butler 16 catch from Materna (kick good)