The quest for No. 9: Sandpoint boys soccer looks to add another title to its trophy case

CALDWELL — Three wins — that’s all that separates Sandpoint boys soccer from its ninth state title in program history and first since 2012.

Bringing that state trophy back home has been on the minds of these Bulldogs since their 0-2 showing at state last fall. They want that hardware and they’ll do anything to get it.

“It’s redemption,” senior Aidan Smith said. “That’s the theme of this state run.”

The journey toward glory begins Thursday when third-seeded Sandpoint (8-4) faces sixth-seeded Canyon Ridge (10-3-5) in the first round of the 4A state tournament at 12:30 p.m. PST at Brothers Field in Caldwell.

In 2020, the Bulldogs drew eventual state champion Vallivue in their opener and fell 2-0. The boys weren’t pleased with that performance one bit, and junior captain Evan Dickinson is determined to make sure that doesn’t happen this time around.

“I think it starts with the bus ride on the first day and making sure everyone is focused,” he said.

Sandpoint arrived at state last year for the first time since 2017 and head coach Tanner French could tell nerves got to his team. They just weren’t themselves and it showed on the pitch.

“I don’t think I had the boys prepared enough for the mentality that a state tournament takes,” French admitted. “I feel like this year, Daniel [Anderson], Anthony [Fox] and I have done a better job showing them how to be prepared rather than just telling them.”

After that disappointing defeat to Vallivue, the Bulldogs turned away the next day and suffered a 2-1 loss to Bishop Kelly in a consolation match. Their state ride was over just like that.

Dickinson and Smith both remember seeing the looks on the faces of the seniors when they realized their soccer careers were over. It was a gut-wrenching feeling and one the Bulldogs don’t want to experience again.

Immediately after their state tourney ended in 2020, French told his returning players to remember this moment, and Dickinson took that message to heart. He’s used it as motivation every single day.

“I have a picture of the Vallivue team holding the state trophy and that’s kind of what has driven me throughout the summer … and I definitely think that’s driven a lot of other people on our team to really push themselves,” he said.

After ending a two-year state drought last fall, the sole focus for the Bulldogs this season has been taking that next step. Securing the 4A Region 1 title is always an achievement, but French wants state titles to become an expectation again.

It’s taken some time, but this team has embraced that vision and it all starts with having that “Big Dog” mentality. That showed up in a 4-0 loss at Lake City on Sept. 10. In French’s eyes, that was the turning point in the Bulldogs’ season. The approach and intensity the players brought to the pitch in that game made French believe this team could return the program back to its glory days.

“I’ve been telling the boys since day one, you can talk the talk,” he said, “but what really will show my assistants and I that you want to play is your mentality and that game against Lake City showed us that they have what it takes.

I definitely think we have the capability of winning a state title.”

Sandpoint has won five of its last six matches entering the state tournament and showcased their full potential in a 5-0 thrashing of Moscow in the regional title game.

Shutouts have been a theme for the Bulldogs this season as they currently have a five. Part of that success can be attributed to the defensive formation the team is running.

French said the boys have embraced the formation change and thrived in it. It really fits their style of play, he added.

“Playing the defensive system that we have is something that is typically learned at a higher level,” he said, “but having fit players in this squad is the only reason we were able to play the formation that we’re attempting to play.”

Dickinson, a center back, was unsure about the change before the season began, but he said it's really helped the Bulldogs solidify a talented backline with Tyler Bangle and Stirling Roget right by his side.

“I was kind of skeptical because I had never played one and our team didn’t have much experience with it so I was kind of worried,” he said, “but we grew into it really quick and it surprised me, and lots of people have helped with that.”

At the start of the season, Smith was a part of that backline but eventually he found his way to the wing back position. His speed has allowed him to shine as he has three goals and three assists this season.

“I think that’s just the position I belong in,” he said. “I found my home and it’s been great because it’s really given me a place to succeed.”

Smith can’t wait to take the pitch at state. He said the Bulldogs have been working toward this moment their whole soccer careers and now it’s time to go out and finish the deal.

“I think this is the perfect group of guys to do it with,” he said.

This is Smith’s last hurrah and he plans on leaving the field with no regrets, and he knows the rest of the Bulldogs will do the same to wipe away the pain of last season.

“It’s just proving that we can do what we know we can do,” he said, “and going down and giving it our all, that’s the key.”

Fourteen players currently on the roster made the trip to state last year and the Bulldogs are confident that experience will pay dividends this time around.

“I think last year really opened our eyes to what it’s like,” senior captain Nolan Angell said.

Angell believes this team is equipped to face whatever challenges they encounter at state because of the chemistry they’ve built.

“I would say we’re way better than we were last year and we’re more mentally prepared than we’ve ever been,” he said. “Last year, I feel like our goals were a lot different, but now we’re all on the same page and we’ve been clicking really well.”

Angell is the engine for the Bulldogs. He gets the whole team going with his play and leadership, French said.

Angell’s position changed a few games into this season as he became more of a defensive midfielder and that move has really made a difference for the Bulldogs, French said.

“Nolan has been a wonderful captain this year,” he said. “He’s been on the team for four years now and he’s definitely matured into the young man that I expected when I took over a few years ago. He’s definitely the playmaker and the mentality setter for us, and he brings a chippiness to the game that benefits all of our players.”

This year, the Bulldogs have seen a handful of players step up in the goal scoring department, including junior Randy Lane and senior Keyan Strock. Lane has a team-high seven goals and six assists, while Strock is right behind him with five goals.

Some of the goal-scoring threats Sandpoint was hoping to lean on heading into the season, haven’t been able to find the back of the net as often as they would like while adjusting to the new formation. But French sees that changing at state and he expects seniors Evan Darling and Canyon Nash to make statements in their final games in a Sandpoint uniform.

“I think there are guys on this team that have a lot of goals still left in them,” French said. “I have the utmost confidence in those players to deliver at state and it’s just a matter of time.”

This year’s state tournament was seeded based on MaxPreps rankings, so No. 3 Sandpoint will open against No. 6 Canyon Ridge from District 4. Currently, MaxPreps has the Bulldogs ranked as the No. 1 team in 4A, while the Riverhawks from Twin Falls are eighth.

French doesn’t know much about the Riverhawks, and he’s fine with that. He believes if his team executes at a high level and plays to their strengths, they can go toe-to-toe with any school. He said he’s not going to reinvent the wheel and change his tactics based on one opponent.

“I think if we stick to our game plan, there isn’t anyone that’s going to get past us,” he said.

Dickinson said ever since French took over the program in 2019, he’s been preparing the team for a deep state run.

“Since I was freshman he’s always put that mindset into my brain that we aren’t going to go without a fight and we’re always going to give it our all,” he said.

Smith said it would mean everything to him to bring home the ultimate prize in his final season, especially to a town that has changed his life.

“This community has given me so much,” he said, “and I just think it would be amazing to give back to them with a state title.”

A police escort over the Long Bridge awaits the Bulldogs if they accomplish their goal — something French has envisioned since taking over the job. It won’t be easy, but French won’t be surprised if it does come to fruition.

The opening game is pivotal in setting the tone for a state run, French said. He believes some teams may be underestimating the Bulldogs, and he’s eager to prove them wrong.

“I think that we're definitely a sleeper team … and I think that definitely plays to our advantage,” he said. “I think winning the first game against Canyon Ridge would be a massive lift for these boys to understand that they are capable of bringing home that first-place trophy.”