Photo By Randy Jones - #9 Parker Pettit
Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Sandpoint
2. Lakeland
3. Moscow
The 2020 Sandpoint Bulldogs are the perfect example of the old saying "You can't judge a book by its cover." Sandpoint limped to a 1-4 start, and appeared to be destined for third place in the three-team Inland Empire League.
But then, Sandpoint defeated preseason favorite Moscow 31-21. And a week later, in a raging snowstorm, the Bulldogs held off Lakeland 6-0. And just like that, Sandpoint was 3-4 and headed to the Class 4A postseason as the IEL champ and the #4 seed overall.
Many fans groaned and complained about the IHSAA's new playoff system that was implemented last year. The 16 playoff teams were seeded according to their MaxPreps ratings, with the exception of the five district champions. The five district champs automatically received the top five seeds, and many fans pointed to 3-4 Sandpoint as a flaw in the system.
But Sandpoint wasn't too worried about the outside noise. The Bulldogs defeated Hillcrest and Moscow before falling to eventual 4A champion Skyline 20-0 in the semifinals, leaving their final record at 5-5.
Because of their deep playoff run a year ago, and thanks to some talented varsity players returning, Sandpoint is the favorite to repeat as IEL champs once again in 2021.
"We had a lot of young guys play key roles last year," said head coach Ryan Knowles. "Their growth should be substantial. The weight room has been full with this hard working bunch."
Offensively, the Sandpoint attack starts with senior running back Gerrit Cox, one of the best rushers around. Junior quarterback Parker Pettit also returns after being thrown into the fire as a sophomore, and junior wide receiver Cody Newhart is also back after being named to the All-IEL squad.
With so many talented players back on offense, Knowles is looking for significant improvement in 2021. "We want to increase our points per game," Knowles said. "Our offensive line should be much improved after starting two sophomores (Wylan Dorrell and Carson Laybourne) in 2020."
While the Bulldogs are flush with returning starters on offense, the defense was hit hard by graduation. Gone are linebacker Tag Benefield (2nd Team All-State), linebacker Isaac Webb (2-time All-IEL), defensive lineman Keith Jensen, and defensive backs Adam Buckholtz, Trevin Adam and Elijah Larson.
Returning to lead the Sandpoint defense are All-IEL performers Will Hurst on the defensive line and Cody Steiger in the secondary. Linebacker Wes Benefield is also back after winning the IEL's Newcomer of the Year Award in 2020.
Sandpoint has compiled a rigorous schedule in 2021. The Bulldogs will open the year with back-to-back 5A opponents from the IEL in Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene. They will play the other members of the 5A IEL, Lewiston and Lake City, later in the year. Sandpoint has also scheduled road trips to Colville High in Washington and to the Class 3A runner-up from a year ago, Homedale.
All things considered, the Sandpoint Bulldogs appear to be loaded for bear once again in 2021. If the offensive and defensive lines continue to develop, Sandpoint may be one of the most difficult opponents to play once the postseason begins.