Bulldogs' defense leads SHS to 22-6 win

MIDDLETON - Senior quarterback Jake Semones and senior tight end Jordan Hammack hooked up twice for touchdowns, and the Sandpoint defense allowed just six points to propel the Bulldogs past Middleton 22-6 Friday night in non-league 4A action at Middleton High School.

As he has all season, Semones was sharp and accurate with his throws, completing 11-15 for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Hammack had three catches for 81 yards on the game, including the two scoring grabs as Sandpoint (2-1) never trailed in the game.

After a scoreless first quarter, two big runs by tailback Cody Hecker set up the Bulldogs' first touchdown, a 28 yard strike from Semones to Hammack midway through the second quarter.

Middleton quarterback Skyler Davis found Chance Bennett for 13 yards on fourth down in the waning seconds of the first half for the Vikings' lone score, heading into half time down 8-6.

After a scoreless third quarter, Ben Fisher found pay dirt on a 10-yard scoring scamper made possible by a big block from Hecker. Fisher finished with 44 yards on 11 carries, and Hecker with 65 yards on seven carries as the duo provided a solid one-two punch on the ground.

Brandon Lawrence had his second interception of the season on the ensuing drive, returning it more than 40 yards to set up the final score, a 13-yard strike from Semones to Hammack. Mike Hubbard caught the two-point conversion to finish off the scoring.

Raymond Lee had three sacks to lead the Bulldogs' defense, which is becoming quite adept at bending but not breaking, getting key stops when they need them most. Lee and Fisher finished with eight tackles each, and Coleman Frank and Shane Kiss seven apiece. A.J. Cook added a sack and Lloyd Hammack some solid punting to help the cause.

Sandpoint travels to Coeur d'Alene next Friday for a big Inland Empire League game.

Sandpoint   0   8   0   14 - 22 

Middleton   0   6   0    0 - 6

SPT - Hammack 28 catch from Semones (Semones run)

MID - Chance Bennett 13 catch from Skyler Davis (try failed)

SPT - Fisher 10 run (try failed)

SPT - Hammack 13 catch from Semones (Hubbard catch)