Bulldogs wrap up camp against GSL football powers

SANDPOINT — There were some good moments and some bad moments for the Sandpoint football team during a scrimmage against Greater Spokane League football teams Mead and Shadle Park on Thursday at SHS.

The mixed results were expected from head coach Satini Puailoa, whose team just recently put in some brand new schemes and plays in preparation for this week’s Border League Football Camp.

Mead, which made the semis of the Washington State 4A tournament last fall, scored a handful of touchdowns when the Bulldogs’ defense suffered breakdowns as the two varsity squads squared off.

Offensively, the Bulldogs were able to string together some nice scoring drives of their own, building on Wednesday night’s win over Mead in a goal line tournament at Gonzaga Prep.

Thursday’s scrimmage showed a couple of telling things about the Bulldogs: The numbers are up, with more than 100 kids suited up, and while there is still a lot to improve upon, the program appears headed in the right direction.

“Were we fooled and out of position? You bet, we’re still trying to figure out where to line up,” acknowledged Puailoa. “What I liked was our physicality up front. We moved the ball on everybody, and have been able to  pound the ball down the field and put it in.”

Thursday marked the final day of a four-day camp that saw the Bulldogs face off against Mead three times, Ferris three times and Central Valley twice. The one constant during four busy days of camp was the ability to consistently move the ball.

Playing against established GSL programs will only help the Bulldogs as they look to rebuild after a tough 2011 season.

“You sharpen your sword when steal meets steal. We sought out that competition,” said Puailoa. “We want to be the best we can be, and to do that you have to seek out the best. We never backed down.”

The Bulldogs will officially start fall practice on Aug. 13.