Bulldogs face high-scoring Huskies in opener

Sandpoint kicks off 4A playoffs against reigning 3A champs

By ERIC PLUMMER

Sports editor

SANDPOINT — Ancient Chinese general, military strategist and philosopher Sun Tzu is most known for his book The Art of War, in which he writes ‘know thy self, know thy enemy.’

In the modern age of football, Tzu’s credo lives in the form of watching scouting tape of your opponent, unless you’re lucky enough to have a bye week and get to watch the opponent in person.

So when Sandpoint (4-5) travels south to face Emmett (7-2) in the 4A state football playoff opener tonight, much of what each team knows of the other was no doubt gleaned by watching them on a plasma screen in the coach’s office.

First year Bulldog head coach George Yarno saw enough of No. 3 ranked Huskies to know his team will have its hands full tonight.

“They’re big and physical, with kids that can really run. They’re coached really well,” said Yarno of the Huskies. “We have to bring our best game into town to have a chance to win. Two teams that match up fairly well as far as the tape goes.”

One of the big keys to the game will be how the Bulldogs’ defensive front seven deals with a strong offensive line and dangerous speed at the skill positions, which has been lighting up scoreboards all season. Zack Alamillo and Brock Browning will be counted on to anchor the defensive line, allowing linebackers Payton Cox, Garrett Marks and Walker Jacobson to flow to the ball and make plays.

Along with some physical run support from senior safeties Clayton Fournier and Nick Holland, the Bulldog defense has held its own for the most part against a tough schedule.

“Defensively we have to play physical with our front seven,” predicted Yarno, praising the high-scoring Huskies. “They’ve got a couple of speedsters we’ll have to contain. They’re very big on the offensive line.”

The reigning 3A state champs’ only losses of the season were in overtime to undefeated and No. 1 ranked Bishop Kelly, and to No. 5 ranked Skyview. Two of their wins came against 5A Timberline and Boise High Schools, by the combined score of 104-35, and they’re riding a four game win streak where they’ve outscored their new 4A opponents by a whopping 191-39 margin.

To keep a dangerous offense off the field, the Bulldogs are going to do what they do best, which is ground and pound and then take some shots deep in the play-action game. The Huskies have a similar philosophy, employing deeper bootlegs in the passing game when they do throw.

“We meet them with their game plan, then hopefully we can make some plays on special teams,” said Yarno, who hopes his offensive line can open some holes. “We have to run the ball. They’re going to load up the box, we have to have success there.”

The Bulldogs’ will look to ride the two-pronged rushing attack of senior workhorse Levi Irish and never-leave-the-field playmaker Jacobson, who has gotten more and more touches on offense as the season has progressed.

Keeping the chains moving and sustaining drives will be essential, and the Bulldogs’ passing game has looked sharp in the past three games. Quarterback Robbie Johnson has found the trio of Taran McLaughlin, T.J. Davis and Julian Barajas down the field, and when nobody is open, has shown the ability to make some plays with his legs.

The winner earns a shot at undefeated and No. 2 ranked Skyline next weekend, and Yarno is hoping his charges can keep the season going.

“If we play our game, we have a very good chance. Anytime we line up, we can compete with anyone at the 4A level,” claimed Yarno, coaching in his first playoff game. “I’m excited for the opportunity with the kids. I’m proud of these kids for the work they’ve put into this. It hasn’t been easy, but we persevered.”

Bob Witte and Chris Chatburn will call the game live on AM1400 and 103 FM, with the Yoke’s pre-game show starting at 5:40 p.m.

Idahosports.com is webcasting the game live, with kickoff at 6 p.m. PST in Emmett.