'The kind of player you hope to coach'

SANDPOINT — In the Bulldogs’ stirring 31-28 double-overtime win over Moscow, versatile Sandpoint senior Eric Nikssarian caught a touchdown pass, ran for a touchdown and came up one yard short of throwing for a touchdown — and that was just on offense.

He also intercepted two passes, including a game-saving, leaping snag late in the second half that might be the single biggest reason why Sandpoint’s season is still alive, to say nothing of his usual punt and kickoff returning.

There is no truth to the rumor that he also sold programs before the game or popcorn at halftime, but it wouldn’t surprise Sandpoint defensive coordinator Casey McLaughlin one bit if he had.

“He’s everywhere,” said McLaughlin of his free safety and defensive leader, calling him the best defensive player at Sandpoint since current University of Montana starter Erik Stoll roamed the field. “He makes plays at the line of scrimmage, he’s our best cover guy, just a huge part of our team. He’s got all of the courage in the world, just the kind of player you hope to coach.”

That’s high praise from a coach, but well deserved. Nikssarian has a team-high five interceptions this season, and is arguably the Bulldogs’ best tackler. As good as he is defensively, he might just be more valuable on the other side of the ball.

He played the first six games of the season at wide receiver, where he has five touchdown catches, before an injury to Anthony Gold switched him to running back in a pivotal week seven showdown with Lakeland.

Unfazed, Nikssarian ran for 163 yards on 26 carries, scoring three touchdowns and making a tough transition look all too easy.

“He’s given us everything he’s got. He plays hard, practices hard and very seldom gets off the field,” said Bulldogs head coach Mike Mitchell. “When it came to the Lakeland game, he had to be good that night in a new position, and he produced 163 yards.”

Nikssarian, who carries a 3.6 GPA in the classroom, says hitting people and being out on the field with his friends are the most fun part of football. Also a solid catcher on the baseball team, he hasn’t yet decided if he wants to play football in college, opting to wait and see how things play out after the season.

He calls the overtime touchdown catch from quarterback Brandon Hawkins in last week’s win the highlight of the season to this point.

“It was a perfect pass from Brandon, and catching that ball meant a lot, it was so emotional,” said Nikssarian. “The whole senior year was decided on that one play. Then Brandon had a pick and Cole’s (Fuhrman) field goal won it.”

Nikssarian will get a chance to add to those memories in a playoff game tonight against Skyview.