Bulldogs and Bengals renew old rivalry

SANDPOINT — A lot of variables make tonight’s game between the host Bulldogs and 5A Bengals a tough one to predict.

The Bengals (2-2) have been in an unusual roller coaster of shutouts starting with a 21-0 win over Walla Walla, then a 26-0 loss to Hermiston, before bouncing back to score a 23-0 win over border rival Clarkston last week. They also lost to Carson, Nevada to open the season, but how do you quantify that?

The Bulldogs (1-3) will be without senior quarterback Robbie Johnson and junior running back Dillan Mittan, two starters who were injured in last week’s 35-30 win over Raymond.

Whatever happens tonight for the Bulldogs, head coach George Yarno said his team simply has to execute against a solid 5A program.

“We’ve got to execute. If we do, we win every game on the schedule. If we don’t, we lose every game,” said Yarno. “We need to stay loose, play hard and have fun, but we have to execute if we want to win. I’ve never seen a competitor walk off after a loss having fun.”

The Bengals lost a lot of seniors last season, and like the Bulldogs, are still searching for their identity. Lewiston is always big, and will have speed at the skill positions.

“They’re pretty young. They throw the ball around a little bit,” described Yarno of the Bengals. “Defensively they’ll give you a 4-2-5 cover three, not a lot of blitzing, just line up and play football.”

Sandpoint’s defense continues to improve as it returns to full strength. Last week the defense took advantage of opportunities to force some big turnovers. The linebacker trio of Alex Stockton, Payton Cox and Tyler Lehman is driving a defense that is growing in confidence.

“We got some guys back, and we got five turnovers,” said Yarno. “That will win you a football game right there. Getting turnovers is huge.”

Declan Plummer came in after Johnson injured his ankle and rushed for three second half scores, while Dustin Norris stepped in for Mitton and came up with big plays in both the running and passing games.

Receivers Julian Barajas, T.J. Davis, Austin Green and Alex Stockton will be involved in the passing game in the pistol offense, which moved the ball last week. A salty schedule continues for the Bulldogs, who play up in class once more as they continue to prepare for league play.

“We’re starting to figure things out, find an identity. We’re a power running football team,” explained Yarno. “If we can’t execute that, it makes things harder. We’re on the verge of having a lot more success.”

The game will be extra big in the Yarno family, as George’s mom has taught French and Spanish at Lewiston High School for 20 years, which adds a little extra incentive for a Bulldog win.

“I want to win this one big time,” claimed Yarno. “This is for familial bragging rights.”

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Barlow Stadium.

Bob Witte and Chris Chatburn will call the game live on AM1400 and FM103.