Area fall sports teams hit the practice fields

SANDPOINT — Area football and soccer players began practice on Monday, as the 2015 fall sports season is officially under way in Sandpoint.

The Bulldog football team is eager to build off a strong playoff run last year, as the team starts preparations for the first game of the season on Aug. 28 in Post Falls. Head coach Satini Puailoa enters his fourth year, with his first senior class cycling through in what promises to be an exciting year of football.

The Sandpoint girls soccer team is currently in two-a-days, forging a squad that will be seeking the team’s third straight 4A state championship.

Head coach Connor Baranski guided his charges to thrilling state titles over Bishop Kelly in the past two seasons, and is seeking to become the rare Idaho high school coach who leads three straight state champs. The Bulldog girls open the season on Aug. 22 when Coeur d’Alene comes to town.

Adam Tajan and the boys soccer team will be seeking to reclaim its usual spot as a state title contender, no doubt hungry after a two-year hiatus from state.

The Bulldogs return a far more experienced team than last season, and will get things started on Aug. 22 in Coeur d’Alene.

Friday marks the first practice for the Bulldog volleyball, cross country and swim teams, all three of which are primed for big seasons in what is shaping up to be a great fall sports season.

Saturday is the Red/White Day for Bulldog football, with all of the local teams sharing the field at Sandpoint High School.

n Clark Fork volleyball starts on Friday

CLARK FORK — Cindy Derr returns to steward the Clark Fork volleyball team after a one-year hiatus, and is pleased to announce that the Wampus Cat volleyball season starts on Friday, from 3-5 p.m. at Clark Fork High School.

All players will need to have a physical to participate, and will also need to have the proper paperwork filled out, which can be picked up at the high school.

The Clark Fork Junior High team is still looking for a coach. Any interested candidates, as well as any high school or junior high players, can call Derr at 266-1276 for more information.