Bulldogs and Titans battle delayed by lighting

SANDPOINT — Mother Nature brought the lightning, and two defenses brought the thunder, as Sandpoint and University waged a slugfest Friday night at Barlow Stadium in a game that will be remembered most for a 90 minute lightning delay.

The game was still in progress at press time, with the Titans leading 13-3 midway through the fourth quarter.

On University’s first drive of the game, Sandpoint senior corner Caleb Edlund nabbed an under-thrown pass for an interception, returning the ball to midfield. The drive would stall after kicker Sawyer Seley just missed a 38 yard field goal.

Neither team could generate much offense, but a big punt return by Clayton Fournier gave the Bulldogs good field position, and this time Seley split the uprights from 37 yards out to give the Bulldogs a 3-0 second quarter lead.

With 1:30 left in the second quarter, a loud rumble roared behind Barlow Stadium, and per Idaho high school state rules, there was a lightning delay as each team left the field. IHSAA rules stipulate that neither team can re-take the field until 30 minutes elapses after the last strike.

After a pyrotechnic lightning show, as well as torrential rains for about 15 minutes, play finally resumed after more than 90 minutes.

The Titans (1-0) dominated the second quarter, as the Bulldogs (0-1) couldn’t muster any offense, either on the ground or through the air. A pair of touchdown passes led to a 13-3 lead to start the fourth quarter.

Zack Alamillo was a bright spot on defense for the Bulldogs, making a host of tackles for losses and making plays all over in the trenches. Walker Jacobson was also once again a big factor as both a linebacker and punter.

The schedule doesn’t get any easier, as Sandpoint will face Mt. Spokane next Friday, with a 5:30 kickoff at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane.