Bulldogs hungry for Homecoming win against 5A Timberwolves

SANDPOINT — A pair of one-win teams will square off tonight looking to build important momentum for league games, but don’t let the records of Sandpoint (1-4) and Lake City (1-3) fool you for tonight’s Homecoming game at Barlow Stadium.

NFL coaching legend Bill Parcells once said you are what your record says you are, but in the case of tonight’s opponents, there is a little more gray area upon closer inspection.

Two of the Bulldogs’ losses came against undefeated and No. 4 ranked 5A Post Falls, and Mt. Spokane, which is currently the No. 5 team in the state of Washington in 3A, while another two came against solid programs in University and Lewiston.

Lake City, on the other hand, was outscored 116-13 in losses to Hillcrest, Madison and Lewis and Clark, before taking down one-win East Valley 24-20 last week to pick up their first win.

While no points are awarded for strength of schedule, the Bulldogs have done a little more heavy lifting to this point, but none of that will matter come kickoff, when a pair of similar style teams square off in a game pretty even on paper.

“Lake City’s offense is similar to us, they spread you out and like to throw. Their defense is a 4-3, cover two,” described Bulldog head coach George Yarno, likening both to his own squad. “It’s something our kids have seen a lot of all year in practice.”

Last week Lake City senior running back Grant Clark toted the rock 36 times for 287 yards and three touchdowns, so stopping the run will be imperative for the Bulldogs. Luckily, nose tackles Chris Jones and Hayden Emerson have been gap controlling run stuffers, and Alex Stockton’s move to safety has freed up the 6-3, 230 pounder to roam the field and make plays in both the running and passing game.

Big plays, especially in a loss to Lewiston, spoiled an otherwise stellar defensive effort.

“We play really good defense, then they get a long play that deflates you,” said Yarno. “Chris Jones has played like a maniac, and Hayden Emerson is a force to be reckoned with. We struggle to block those guys in practice every day. Our defense is starting to pick it up. If we can eliminate big plays, we’ll surprise people.”

Senior quarterback Robbie Johnson returns from an ankle injury and will start tonight as the Bulldogs look to build momentum for the stretch run. Senior Dustin Norris was a bright spot in last week’s loss to Lewiston, providing some explosive plays in both the running and return game.

On paper at least, the road gets easier for the Bulldogs, with Lake City (1-4), Eastmont (1-4), Lakeland (1-4) and Moscow (2-3, with wins against 2A Grangeville and 3A Timberlake) left in the Bulldogs’ quest to get back to state.

But Yarno, who preaches execution above all else, and his charges won’t take any opponent lightly, least of all Lake City, which won last year’s meeting 28-7 and has traditionally dominated the rivalry.

“We’re not going to overlook anybody, or bow down to anybody. We’ll treat every team like the defending state champs,” said Yarno. “If you play down to what you think they are, you get beat.”

Kickoff for tonight’s Homecoming game is 7 p.m. at Barlow Stadium.

Bob Witte and Chris Chatburn will call the game live on AM1400 and 103 FM, the latter of which can be listened to online.