Bulldogs hungry for first win
SANDPOINT — Sandpoint head coach Satini Puailoa is more concerned with the “three E’s” than West Valley, as the Bulldogs hit the road tonight for a game against Eagles of the Great Northern League.
So what are the three E’s? Effort, execution and enthusiasm. If his team can do those three things well, Puailoa feels the results on the field will take care of themselves.
“It’s not about West Valley, it’s just competing with ourselves,” said Puailoa, sticking to a familiar mantra on the young season. “We’re trying to do more things and become more diversified, but at the same time play to our strengths — running the ball forward and quick passes.”
So far those strengths have been a power, downhill running game and crisp short passing game. Running back A.J. Buratto has been a bright spot for the Bulldogs (0-2), eclipsing 100 yards in the first two games. The offensive line has been a bright spot as well, enabling the Bulldogs to convert on 4th and short nearly every time they’ve tried this year.
One of the biggest surprises has been the play of junior receiver Thomas Edwards, who has tallied 13 catches for 179 yards, emerging as a favorite target for quarterback Nick Prindiville. Tommy Fury has been productive in the slot, and once injured starter Chase Rodriguez returns next week, the Bulldogs will boast a formidable receiving corps.
Defensively, the Bulldogs have struggled with teams running off tackle, as both Post Falls and East Valley racked up yardage on the ground. Jonathan McCormick and Alex Charvoz have both emerged as playmakers.
West Valley (2-0) has wins over Ellensberg and Moscow, and runs a spread option attack similar to those of Lake City and Coeur d’Alene. Last week the Bulldogs appeared poised to take down Post Falls midway through the third quarter, but could not close things out.
“We had Post Falls on the ropes, but couldn’t finish the deal. The kids are performing better than they ever have, but they’re still just scratching the surface,” said Puailoa. “Have we finished the deal? No, but the bus is going in the right direction.”
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at West Valley High School.
• Clark Fork (2-1) at Kootenai (1-2): Clark Fork has the early advantage among 1A Division II teams in the North Star League, having beaten Mullan 80-34 two weeks ago. The Wampus Cats are coming off a 52-8 loss to Selkirk (Wash.), a quality team far superior to any opponents they’ll see in league play.
The Warriors have won the past few meetings between the schools, but the Wampus Cats hope the power running game of Axel Anderson and Joey Hazinsky, coupled with the passing of Zack Klein, can finally turn the tide in their favor.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Kootenai High School.