Bulldog football team opens some eyes at UM

SANDPOINT — Boasting a bunch of new faces, and perhaps more importantly a high number of players, the Sandpoint High School football team more than held its own at a football camp last week at the University of Montana.

Head coach Mike Mitchell was pleased to announce his team took 67 players over to the camp, the second highest number of all the teams there behind Montana football power CM Russell. Many of the players will be counted on to fill a varsity role for the first time next season, and Mitchell liked what he saw from his young charges.

“Our kids did a great job and in the final jamboree the varsity “A” team went 2-1-1,” said Mitchell, noting the junior varsity “B” team went 2-1. “All in all it was a great showing for our kids considering we lost 26 seniors last year and have such an inexperienced group this year.”

Mitchell had high praise for running back Anthony Gold, calling him the real deal.

“He had the camp buzzing with some of his runs and defensive back play,” said Mitchell of his quick back. “He has that little burst that is going to make him an outstanding running back.”

Brandon Hawkins had a good camp at quarterback, and Mitchell also liked the play of two other young signal callers in Ben Schmid and Tommy Fury. Luther Morgan, a two-way starter at fullback and linebacker, was solid on both sides of the ball, and Trevor Litzell and Derek Lang opened some eyes with their line play.

“While it is too early to throw out a lot of names, there will certainly be some new faces in 2010 and the Bulldog coaches are excited to work with this group,” said Mitchell, who wished to thank all of the people that supported the program and camp. “This is a tribute to the people of Sandpoint who help these boys go to camp each year through the Lost in the 50’s event and supporting our hot dog stand. This is what makes it all work.”