Bulldogs host Timberwolves in season opener

SANDPOINT — Last year they came about as close as you can, and this year the Sandpoint football team is hoping to break a five-game losing streak to 5A power Lake City when they host the Timberwolves tonight in season opening action at Barlow Stadium.

Last year Sandpoint rallied from a 23-6 deficit to take a late 26-23 lead, before falling 30-26 and almost scoring on the final play of the game. Head coach Mike Mitchell is hoping his Bulldogs don’t wait as long to hit their stride tonight, when they jump from the frying pan straight into the fire against a historically powerful 5A team.

“I’m glad we get them early,” said Mitchell. “They’re a good team, and it’s the best time to play someone like that.”

The Bulldogs are loaded at the skill positions, with as many as four talented running backs who will see touches tonight in Cody Hecker, Ben Fisher, Luther Morgan and Anthony Gold. Mitchell hopes his team can dominate offensively and keep Lake City off the field.

After two solid years quarterbacking the JV team, senior Daniel Charvoz will step under center to lead the Bulldogs offense.

A total of 10 juniors are projected to start for this year for Lake City, which returns just six starters from last year, while the Bulldogs have seven players on each side of the ball with varsity experience. Lake City will hold a considerable size advantage on both lines, employing their traditional option attack.

“Nobody really runs it like Lake City,” said Mitchell of the old-school offense. “The linebackers will need to stay at home and have gap control. The secondary has to be careful, they can’t just fly up there because they also pass.”

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