Bulldogs face 5A power Bengals in Kibbie Dome
—Photo by ERIC PLUMMER Sandpoint senior cornerback Cole Hooper intercepts a pass last Friday. The Bulldogs’ defense will face one of the best quarterbacks and most potent offenses in the state tonight.
SANDPOINT — Sandpoint will travel south and get the chance to cut its teeth against what some believe is the best team in the state tonight, when the Bulldogs battle 5A power Lewiston in the Kibbie Dome.
The Bengals (4-0) have averaged more than 47 points per game so far in wins over Highland, Walla Walla, Hermiston and Clarkston, featuring a high powered offense run by 6-4, 235 pound gunslinger Colton Richardson, a third year starter at quarterback.
They’re currently ranked No. 3 in the state in the media poll, and No. 1 in the state in the Idahosports.com power rankings, but none of that matters to the Bulldogs (2-2), who will be seeking a third straight win and feel like they can play with anyone in the state.
“We play every opponent like they’re the defending state champs. We will never play down to anyone, or bow down to anyone,” said Bulldogs head coach George Yarno. “We’re not intimidated, we’re not arrogant. Show up, play our brand of football and see what happens. It will gauge how good we are going forward.”
One thing is for sure, the Bengals will be airing it out, and could be the best opponent the Bulldogs face all season. The Bulldogs defensive backs, who got interceptions last week from Cole Hooper, Nick Holland and Erik Suhr, will be tested early and often in the Bengals’ spread aerial offense.
“They can throw the ball. He (Richardson) can really sling the ball. They have a great scheme and know how to attack,” said Yarno, who hopes his own offense can string some drives together and match the Bengals. “You’ve got to keep the ball away from them on offense. They’re so high powered.”
Levi Irish broke loose for 225 yards last week, and will be a key player against a technically sound Bengal defense, with some size on the defensive front. Depending on how the game progresses, the Bulldogs may need to throw more than usual, with Robbie Johnson and prime targets T.J. Davis and Taran McLaughlin beginning to find a rhythm in the passing game.
The game will be played in the Kibbie Dome, where Yarno joked it will clear and 72 degrees. Lewiston has some speed at the skill positions, and the game is always faster on field turf, but the Bulldogs have already played a game on artificial grass as Joe Robbi Stadium.
Win or lose, the game offers the Bulldogs a chance to go against one of the top teams in the region, which can only help moving forward.
The game has some personal ties for Yarno, whose uncle John Yarno played for the Vandals and Seahawks and whose mom is a longtime teacher at Lewiston High School.
“I grew up going to games there. My uncle’s name is on the wall,” said Yarno, who has loved his team’s effort to this point. “Even when shown adversity, the kids aren’t quitting. They play to the end of every whistle.”
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. in the Kibbie Dome. Bob Witte and Chris Chatburn will call the game live on AM 1400 and 103 FM, and Idahosports.com will webcast the game live.