Bulldogs mash Russets for state semi-final appearance

SANDPOINT — An absolutely dominant performance by the Sandpoint Bulldogs team Friday night has catapulted them into the semifinals of the 4A state football tournament.

Taking on the Shelley Russets at War Memorial Field, a quick start set the tone for the rest of the game, which would end in a 49-14 victory for the home team.

“A thorough game in all phases,” Sandpoint coach Ryan Knowles said. “Came out strong.”

Before the second quarter had even begun, the Bulldogs stormed out to an early 14-0 lead and never looked back.

“Huge,” Knowles said of the quick start. “That’s what they did to us last year and we overcame it, but we got up and didn’t give them much life after.”

Racking up 128 of the team’s 345 total rushing yards and throwing for two touchdowns, senior quarterback Parker Petit once again powered his team’s offense from start to finish. Petit wasn’t alone though, as senior Joey Hughes racked up 64 rushing yards and ran in two touchdowns of his own.

“The guy runs so hard and he plays so hard, you know,” Knowles said of Hughes. “You feel him as a coach.”

Leading up to the game, Knowles knew that Shelley’s plan was to primarily run the ball.

Being up 35-7 at halftime though, the strategies of the two teams reversed significantly in the second half. Sandpoint stuck mostly to a ground game to run out the clock, while the Russets attempted to throw the ball and save as much time as they could.

“It’s fun to watch us use all the facets we have going,” Knowles said. “It’s led by some great players.”

The switch to Plan B didn’t pan out for the visitors either though, as the Bulldog defense successfully shut down nearly any attempt they made.

“I’m proud of these boys and we’re going to the final four,” Knowles said.

As the War Memorial Field victory bell rang, Knowles acknowledged the difficult time his team is having following the loss of senior Austin’s Smith’s mother, Darcey Smith, just this last week. Darcey, who was also a team mom, wasn’t far from their thoughts.

Austin received the game ball following the big win.

“His courage and his toughness is on full display and I'm really proud of him,” Knowles said.

Sandpoint is positioned to play the winner of Skyline and Twin Falls next week for a shot at the finals. Sandpoint will play at home if Twin Falls wins, whereas they will hit the road if Skyline is victorious.