Written by: Brandon Baney
The last time the Sandpoint football team failed to make it out of the first round of the playoffs was 2019. The Bulldogs went 6-4 that year, but fell to Blackfoot in their postseason opener.
Since then: a 26-16 record with one quarterfinals appearance, two semifinals appearances, and one memorable trip all the way to the state championship game in 2021.
All that’s missing it the elusive blue trophy that’s awarded to the state champion. The Bulldogs are still on the prowl for their first title since 1997.
This year’s team could be the squad to do it. Coach Ryan Knowles welcomes in 24 seniors to this year’s team. All of them are battle-tested and know what it takes to advance deep in the postseason.
Sandpoint recently selected its captains for the upcoming season and the results were a six-pack of seniors that are ready to deliver: offensive and defensive lineman Kayden Garcia, quarterback Drew Lehman, defensive back Van Lee, defensive back Gage McElroy, offensive and defensive lineman Triston Tomco, and linebacker Wylie Wimmer.
Lehman was named the Inland Empire League’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. Not bad for a guy who started the season as a wide receiver, and only made the shift to quarterback following an injury in Week Three.
Garcia and Tomco were both All-League offensive linemen, while McElroy picked up Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors.
Another breakout candidate for Sandpoint this year is senior tight end Jesse Turner. Turner was an All-League selection a year ago, and is one of the most accomplished athletes in all of north Idaho. Turner will most likely play college baseball, but is an excellent football player, as well.
Sandpoint’s schedule is a challenging one. They open with a home game against fellow 5A quarterfinalist Twin Falls. They’ll also play 5A semifinalist Pocatello at a neutral-site game in Missoula, Montana. 6A powers Coeur d’Alene, Lake City and Post Falls are on the docket as well, along with Davis High School from Washington.
It all culminates with two IEL games to conclude the season. A home game with 5A newcomer Lewiston on October 11th, and a short road trip to Lakeland on October 18th in the season finale.