Dawgs lose close game to end season

SPOKANE - The Sandpoint 5th/6th grade Junior Tackle Dawgs No. 2 team played their last game of the season against Mead No. 2 recently, losing a close game 13-8 on a special team returns by Mead.

"This was a tough loss today because we played so well on both sides of the ball," said coach Martin Rodriguez. "Mead executed well on special teams bringing back one kick off return and one punt return for touchdowns. Our kids played tough and shut down their offense, even though we were short players."

The first quarter was all the Dawgs'. Mead couldn't get any traction against the Dawgs' defense while the Dawgs' offense, lead by Bear Youngdahl at quarterback, ground out the yardage with running backs Kyle Perry and Michael Plaster.

"The offensive linemen where opening holes and executing key blocks," said Rodriguez.

During the drive Plaster went 27 yards off the right side behind key blocks by Alec Brown, Tres Hiatt, Troy Nutt and Walker Jones to help set up the touchdown. When the second quarter offense took over the Dawgs were down at the Mead 4 yard line. Dylon Kuzmich, the second quarter quarterback, ran up the middle on a keeper behind key blocks by Nate Stangel, Sean Fitzgerald and Mathew Knott for the Dawgs' first score of the game. A Michael Plaster two point PAT capped off the only points the Dawgs would see.

Mead made their first TD on the ensuing kick off return and made the conversion which brought the score to 8-7. From there on out it was a slug fest.

"We've never had a more cohesive effort defensively. Everyone was tackling," said Rodriguez.

Dylon Kuzmich made a great interception with a 12 yard return during the second quarter but the Daw's were unable to capitalize on the turnover.

The third quarter was a tackling clinic with key tackles from safety Greg Hosterman, left corner Caleb Samsel, and right corner Nick Stangel and lineman Adam Little. Fourth quarter action was highlighted by a 27 yard Kyle Perry run off the left side behind key blocks by Kenny Kovalchuck, Conner Van Den Berg and Marcus Rodriguez. Tyler Pressor made a couple of key tackles at safety but the Dawgs couldn't keep the ball on offense long enough to score.

The players and parents want to thank all the coaches for their time and effort and a great first tackle football experience. Head Coach Martin Rodriguez, Offensive/Defensive coordinator Steve Wold, assistant coaches Joel Aispuro, Bob Plaster, Arthur Arellano, Duane Byers and Steve Youngdahl. Special thanks to team mom Mindy Stangel and team videographer and photographers Jim and Emily Kuzmich and Judy perry.