Morgan honored as 4A Inland Empire League Defensive MVP

SANDPOINT — Senior middle linebacker Luther Morgan was named Defensive Most Valuable Player, headlining a strong contingent of Sandpoint players named to the 4A All-Inland Empire League 2010 football team, as voted on recently by the league’s coaches.

Morgan, a two-way starter, was recognized for his dominant defensive play in the two games that mattered most, wins against 4A North rivals Lakeland and Moscow that earned the Bulldogs the right to host a playoff game.

“When we went into conference against Lakeland, he came to play and was a total inspiration all week long to his teammates,” said head coach Mike Mitchell. “He simply showed up on Monday and made it clear we were going to make a run at a conference championship, and this continued until the end of our run.”

Mitchell was named Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his five seasons at Sandpoint, attributing the success to the players, coaches, support staff and teachers who work with the kids on a daily basis, as well as the community of Sandpoint.

“I am simply the CEO of a very good organization that has a lot of people working hard year around,” said Mitchell. “I am particularly proud of the coaching staff and the efforts they put forth daily.”

All told, 10 Sandpoint players garnered all-league honors, including junior defensive end Trevor Litzell, who was named Defensive Newcomer of the Year.

Joining the aforementioned Bulldogs on the all-league team were junior Anthony Gold, senior Joe Duarte, senior Josh Mathews and senior Brody Allard on the offensive team.

Seniors Brandon Hawkins, Eric Nikssarian and Cole Fuhrman, along with junior Tyler Navarro were each named to the defensive team for the Bulldogs.

There was no award for kicker, but if there were, Cole Fuhrman would certainly have won it. Not only was he nearly automatic on extra points, but his clutch field goal in double-overtime put the Bulldogs into the playoffs.

4A All-IEL 2010 football team

n Coach of the Year — Mike Mitchell, Spt.

n Offensive MVP — Jake Helbling, Mos, Sr.

n Defensive MVP — Luther Morgan, Spt, Sr.

n Offensive Newcomer of the Year — Lane Brooks, Mos, Jr.

n Defensive Newcomer of the Year — Trevor Litzell, Spt, Jr.

Offense (11) — Eric Cooper, quarterback, Lak, Jr.; Anthony Gold, running back, Spt, Jr.; Justin Parkins, running back, Mos, Jr.; Gaige Gray, wide receiver, Lak, Sr.; Joe Duarte, wide receiver, Spt, Sr.; Hunter Arno, wide receiver, Lak, Sr.; Josh Mathews, offensive line, Spt, Sr.; Drew Papineau, offensive line, Mos, Sr.; John Westberg, offensive line, Mos, Sr.; Ryan Hylton, offensive line, Lak, Sr.; Brody Allard, offensive line, Spt, Sr.;

Defense (11) — Brandon Hawkins, defensive back, Spt, Sr.; Cory Thorne, safety, Mos, Jr.; Eric Nikssarian, safety, Spt, Sr.; Sam Lewis, linebacker, Mos, Sr.; Brendon Kedish, linebacker, Lak, Sr.; Cole Fuhrman, linebacker, Spt, Sr.; Logan Brooks, defensive line, Mos, Sr.; Kyle Laven, defensive line, Mos, Sr.; Dain Adams, defensive line, Mos, Sr.; Ryan Barrett, defensive line, Lak, Jr.; Tyler Navarro, defensive line, Spt, Jr.