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SHS FOOTBALL 20226 COACH BIOS JR VARSITY SCHEDULE 2021 SENIORS VARSITY ROSTER VARSITY SCHEDULE SHS CHEER INSIDEWHAT’SINTRODUCTION AUG 27 MADISON H.S. SEP 16 HOMEDALE H.S. SEP 30 LAKE CITY H.S. OCT 14 MOSCOW H.S. FOOTBALLSHS 2022DOMINATIONGOAL: COACH PROFILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 Q&A WITH RYAN KNOWLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 VARSITY SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 VARSITY ROSTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 TAYLOR & SONS CAR DONATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 CHEERLEADERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 REMEMBERING SYLVIA KAPPEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 CONCUSSION AWARENESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 JV SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 JV ROSTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 DANCE TEAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 FRESHMAN SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 FRESHMAN ROSTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 BORDER LEAGUE CAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 SENIOR PROFILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 SANDPOINT GOLF SCRAMBLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 ROCKY MOUNTAIN RUMBLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 VIEW OR SHARE THE 2022 PROGRAM ONLINE AT www.SandpointLivingLocal.com Action Shots, Player & Team Photos Provided By: www.centurypublishing.com 800-824-1806 sandpoint Living Local SEP 2 COEUR D'ALENE H.S. SEP 23 LEWISTON H.S. 07 18 19 30 40 52 OCT 7 LAKELAND H.S.-OPEN-OPENMARKETING DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Allyia Briggs | allyia@like-media.com208.620.5444 MARKETING EXECUTIVE Haleigh Ackling | haleigh@like-media.com208.620.5360 MEDIA MANAGER Rebecca Baczewski | rebecca@like-media.com EDITORIAL EDITOR Jillian Chandler | jillian@like-media.com WRITERS Christian Weaner, Taylor Shillam, Rachel Kelly, Colin Anderson, Sam Morton, Abigail Thorpe DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Maddie Horton DESIGN DIRECTOR | Darbey Russo SENIOR DESIGNER | Kennedy Pew GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Lucy Allen DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Whitney Lebsock ACCOUNTING/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | Rachel Figgins EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Steve Russo MANAGING PARTNER | Kim Russo PHOTOGRAPHY www.JasonDuchowPhotography.com f Jason Duchow Photography - Sports COURTESY PHOTOS Aprill Lytton, Little Lambs Preschool & Kindergarten, SHS Yearbook Students A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SUPPORTIVE ADVERTISERS AND SPONSORS!
Coach Knowles enters his fifth season in charge of the Bulldogs football program. With improvement shown each of the previous four years, the bar continues to be set higher each year under his leadership. His overall record is 22-19. The Bulldogs have finished 3rd (2020) and 2nd (2021) in the 4A classification in the last two years, and they’ve made the playoffs every year under Coach Knowles.
He’s excited for the roar of a packed War Memorial Field this season and the great support the team receives on the road as well. He’s also ready for the preparation that comes with a new challenge each week. “We love the chess match each week, really dissecting your opponent and trying to put your players in the best position to win. The crunch-time decisions and the pressure of a close game late. Here we go!”
JEREMY THIELBAHR, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Jeremy Thielbahr spent his fair share of time out on the field during his time as a Bulldogs student-athlete. He would go on to attend Washington State University from 2007-2011, where he played running back, then tight end his senior year—in which he was also team captain. His coaching career includes WSU 2002-2003, Montana State 2004-2007, University of Idaho 2008-2011 and Eastside Catholic 2012-2018. Today, you will find coach Thielbahr back out on the field for his fourth season with the Bulldogs as offensive coordinator. COACHES by JILLIAN CHANDLER AND COLIN ANDERSON
While responsibility for the entirety of the program is at his feet, Coach Knowles puts a lot of trust in his staff, who are all cohesive when it comes to season goals. “I like to enable my coaches and let them do their jobs, which I believe they appreciate,” he says. Knowles enjoys being around the other coaches off the field as well. While he is happy to see his players participate in other sports throughout the season, Knowles reminds them that this team is a year-round commitment. “We build bonds as a team throughout the year, in the weight room, off the field. Once you immerse yourself in this process, you’ll always be a part of this program.”
MEET THE
SHS FOOTBALL 2022 7 to Kentridge High School in 2003 and Kentlake High School in 2004. In 2005, he returned to the University of Idaho as a defensive graduate assistant and, after one year, accepted a position coaching the defensive line at Colgate University. After 12 seasons in upstate as a DL coach, defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator, Knowles returned to SHS in 2018, where he has been ever since. His biggest supporters are his wife Megan and two kids, Aubrey (15) and Drew (11).
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What impresses Thielbahr more than anything is his players’ ability to react to adversity in a positive manner and compete at the highest level that they possibly can athletically. “That’s all I’m ever trying to have them do, to reach their maximum athletic abilities and talents, and put them in a position to be successful.”
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“Many of our staff either played with the Bulldogs or have been part of the program for many years. This brings a lot of pride, history, and love for our community and program. The players know they are part of something bigger than just a number on a roster. The coaches come from different backgrounds—with some coaching at higher levels of play and some that have vast years of experience—which brings a lot of skills and talents to the table that the players can learn from. One of the key aspects of the Bulldog Football Program is it teaches our students how to be leaders and overcome adversity.”
A Sandpoint Bulldog from 1999-2002, Coach Travis Garrison is living his dream. “Back when I attended and played for SHS, I had dreams to one day coach varsity football for the Bulldogs,” he smiles. Garrison started coaching football in 2013 at the third-grade level. He helped kick start the Sandpoint Middle School football program with Troy Holt and coached seventh grade before progressing to ninth. This year, he’s the wide receivers coach for varsity and assistant coach on JV. And he couldn’t be more thrilled.
And those memories and moments are made with unwavering dedication and hard work. Coach Thielbahr doesn’t hold back on his expectations he has set for his players, which are simple. “All I want is for them to play hard on every single play, and to compete. And in return, they can expect to get as much of my time as I can possibly give, to have their backs, and to be competing right alongside them.”
As he reflects on his coaching philosophy, he shares that as a coach, his hope for his players is to “always create forever moments with your teammates, with the coaching staff. That’s the magic of football; the memories you’ll never forget, and the moments you’ll cherish forever.”
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Through this summer during camp and practices leading to game one, they helped each other for the good of the team. They are all making each other get better. I’m excited to see how all they have worked hard for will translate to the grid-iron on Friday night.”
For Coach Chad Loutzenhiser, some of his fondest memories growing up involved playing football. When his own boys were young, Loutzenhiser coached them in junior tackle. His sons would go on to be part of the Sandpoint Bulldogs program, and when it came time for them to graduate, he wasn’t done with the program himself. So, he transitioned into coaching at the high school level. That was 11 years ago, and he’s been coaching Bulldogs ever since. Loutzenhiser knows that while getting the win is important, the tangible skills these young men learn as Bulldogs will encourage them in all their future endeavors. He tells his players to “be productive, have goals, plans, hobbies and interests you enjoy, and be sure to help others and be a part of the community that supports you so well.”
TRAVIS GARRISON, VARSITY WIDE RECEIVERS, ASSISTANT JV COACH
Having coached many of these players back when they were in the third and fourth grade, seeing them as juniors and seniors, out on the field, couldn’t make him more proud. “How they hit the weight room, improved their football knowledge, grown as players, maintained a strong team.
When it comes to this season, he is once again looking forward to the journey. “It’s always a new season, always a new group. To witness how they act, handle adversity, from this game that commands everything you have. I really enjoy the players and their personalities they bring every day to practice and to everyday conversation. Whether we succeed or fail, we’re all united in the Bulldog brotherhood.”
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CHAD LOUTZENHISER, RUNNING BACKS
“I am looking forward to competing at a high level and experiencing success on the field, in the classroom and in the community,” affirms Yarno. “The relationships built will be forever, no matter the outcome of the season.”
DYLAN BENEFIELD, DEFENSE A former two-way standout at Sandpoint High School, after graduating in 1994, Dylan Benefield began coaching junior tackle in 2013, “when this senior class was in third grade,” he smiles. Benefield joined the Bulldogs coaching staff, working with the inside linebacker, back in 2018, when Coach Knowles was named head coach.
SHS FOOTBALL 2022 9 His philosophy is to guide his players to play to the best of their abilities while having fun doing it. He remembers the ups and downs from seasons past, but it’s the little things that tie him to his players and the game he loves to teach: “The atmosphere around football, the smells, the bus rides, the Friday night lights, the clinking in the weight room, I just can’t get enough of it.”
Yarno says he is most proud of the work ethic and determination his players have been showing. “They never back down and give me everything they have, give this team everything they have, every day.” They return four starters from last year’s state runner-up team, including All-State performers Carson Laybourne and Wylan Dorrell.
With going to state last year and returning most of their starters, Loutzenhiser is looking forward to watching these young men accomplish their dream of being state champs this season.
GEORGE YARNO, OFFENSIVE LINE 2022 marks George Yarno’s 13th year coaching football (which includes stints at Highland High School in Pocatello, Idaho, and Coronado High School in Henderson, Nevada) and his sixth year coaching at Sandpoint High School. The son of former NFL offensive lineman and offensive line coach George Yarno, Sr., Coach Yarno was a collegiate athlete, playing as an offensive lineman at Nevada and Idaho State University, where he was a three-time All Big Sky Conference Performer and a one-time All-American. “I was also a team captain as a senior,” he shares.
When it comes to his players, all he expects is that they give their very best effort each day. “This may vary from day to day, but I want their best no matter what. We can teach technique, but effort is solely the responsibility of the player.” His players can expect Coach Yarno to “coach them hard and hug them after.” He adds, “I am firm but fair, and will always have high expectations.” This season, he believes the team will be known as a group that gets after it!
Now in his fifth season with the program—and with Coach Knowles— Dylan enjoys the team of coaches and being a part of the Bulldog family.
“The level of coaching knowledge, skill and camaraderie is unbelievable with this coaching staff,” he states.
When it comes to coaching defense, he says this: “To be an inside linebacker, you have to be very intelligent and have an aggressive downhill hitting and tackling mindset!”
Coach Benefield has high expectations of his players, expecting them to work hard in the weight room, classroom, and on the football field—as well as being good kids in the community. And when it comes to what they can expect from him? “I will be there for them whenever, or whatever, they need,” he promises.
WARREN EGGAR JERRETT ROBSON DYLAN BENEFIELD SCOTT ALBERTSON MATT WATEROUS
Coach Albertson shares that the coaching staff for the Bulldogs is different than any other—based on experience and the deep roots that their crew has. “We care about the great tradition of Sandpoint football and want to see it continue and get better and better,” he says. “Not only do the players become better athletes but better at facing adversity that life may hand them.” When it comes to coaching these student-athletes, he expects them to be coachable, give 100 percent, and never give up. “I expect my players to give me 100 percent to their ability. If you’re better than the guy ahead of you then you will play and win.”
RYAN KNOWLES
SCOTT ALBERTSON, SECONDARY Born and raised in Sandpoint, Idaho, Scott Albertson began playing football in the seventh grade. After graduation, he attended Whitworth College, as he was offered a college scholarship to play football. He started for the Pirates (Whitworth) his sophomore year at free safety and finished his career in 1990.
When asked about the 2022 season, he brings up the challenge of returning to the state tournament, adding, “Everyone is aware of Sandpoint and will be prepared.”
GEORGE YARNO STEVE WIMER
He shares how proud he is of how the inside linebackers complement each other and together work as a unit. “The bar is set very high for linebackers at SHS, and I think everyone inside and outside the program knows Benefieldit.” is looking forward to once again working with the coaches, Friday nights, and making another run to the state title game.
Albertson is dedicated to his players, though he admits juggling coaching with other businesses and obligations can be difficult. “Being dedicated is what it takes. Working hard to get back to the state championship. It is a tough road, and it takes all of us giving 100 percent to accomplish the task.”
STEVE WIMER, DEFENSIVE LINE
JEREMY THIELBAHR TRAVIS GARRISON CHAD LOUZENHISER KYLE PERRY
With more than two decades of coaching under his belt, Steve Wimer wasn’t ready to give it up—and doesn’t plan on it anytime soon. He joined the Bulldogs’ coaching staff just last season. He reflects on his own football career as he enters his second season with the Bulldogs. After high school, he played offensive line at Cabrillo Community College in California from 1983-1984, before transferring to St. Mary’s College for his junior and senior years, where he continued to play o-line from 1985-1986. Fast forward 11 years, and Wimer was head coach at Meeker Junior High School in Renton, Washington, from 1997-2001, then coached linebackers at Kentridge High School in Kent, Washington, from 2002-2017. Since day one of joining SHS’s football program, he’s experienced nothing short of a staff that is incredibly dedicated. “Most of the staff work fulltime jobs outside of education yet find, all season, to be on the field,” he shares. “The staff of the other teams I have coached were primarily teachers in the building or at other buildings in the district.” Then there’s the players. Wimer acknowledges the amount of energy and dedication that players have shown thus far, and attests that “they work more in the off-season than any other team I’ve seen. I’m proud of the players I coach, as they are talented men who are willing to learn and improve their skills.” As the players continually work hard to do their best, so does Coach Wimer. “The players I coach can depend on me to be reliable, consistent with my expectations, and know that I will do all I can to make them competitive. If they make the effort to apply what I am sharing, they will improve and enjoy the game.”
The following year, and on and off since, he’s been coaching at Sandpoint High School. “I was part of the coaching staff in 1997 when we won the only state championship,” he remembers fondly. “I coached current head coach Ryan Knowles and offensive coordinator Jeremy Thielbahr. I also coached current JV coach Kyle Perry. In other words, I have coached a lot. I calculated it out the other day and have 15 years of coaching the secondary at SHS.”
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He shares that he is very proud of the returning players’ knowledge that they have of the game, adding that coaches and players are constantly learning every week, “but some of the players really grasp the game—and it definitely shows on the field.”
Born and raised in Sandpoint, Matt Waterous was once a Bulldog himself, playing football at SHS. After graduating in 2005, he went on to the University of Idaho, where he graduated in 2011—and shortly after, returned to Sandpoint to begin his SHS coaching career.
JERRETT ‘JER BEAR’ ROBSON, EQUIPMENT MANAGER
2022 marks Coach Warren Eggar’s third season with the Bulldogs. With his 20-plus-year resume of coaching, he believes there is truly something special here in Sandpoint. “This is probably one of the best programs I’ve seen. I’m amazed at how well run it is, and the support from the community here is unbelievable.”
A 2016 Sandpoint graduate, Kyle Perry was excited to join the Bulldogs' football staff in 2021 after completing his college career at the University of Idaho. This season marks his second year as a coach for the Bulldogs' football team (as well as the SHS baseball team).
2022 marks Waterous’ eighth season coaching at Sandpoint and fourth year as head coach for Sandpoint High School’s junior varsity football team. As head coach of the JV team, Coach Waterous is in charge of introducing younger players to what being a Bulldog is all Waterousabout. preaches responsibility, discipline, and to stay on task—skills these players can apply to school and life outside of football. It’s in these early years where work ethic is emphasized.
freshmen step onto the field for the first time, to watching them transform as they leave the field for the last time as seniors, he enjoys being a part of each season and its players. Robson offers an easy piece of advice that can apply to anyone on the team: “Be prepared for anything! How you prepare yourself now is how you are going to be when you’re out in the real world, so do it right!”
Ready to embrace a new season, Coach Albertson is grateful for the support of his family—especially his gal Darcie. “This is time consuming, and without her understanding and support, it would be impossible.”
strives to develop vocal leaders and also those who lead by example. “For me, the best part of coaching is to see these guys have passion for the game, the excitement after big plays, picking teammates up after bad ones; all that stuff that made it fun as a player still makes it fun as a coach.”
Over the years, he’s witnessed a variety of different programs, schemes, wins and losses, but something that stays consistent is what happens each year when a team comes together. “The uniqueness and camaraderie, the support from the community, it’s like one big family,” he says.
“After graduating from University of Idaho, where I played football, I was excited to come back and be a part of Sandpoint athletics,” he Thisshares.year, Perry is looking forward to seeing Kyrin Riddle and Levi Balison on the field. “These two are strong, athletic weight room guys with a tough style of play. Gritty guys that represent the old-school smash-mouth football that Sandpoint fans get excited to see,” he Coachsays.Perry
MATT WATEROUS, JUNIOR VARSITY HEAD COACH
The kicking game is crucial, as missing PATs or putting your opponents in good field position can sometimes turn a game on its head.
Coach Eggar preaches that while it’s the kicker and punter who put their foot on the ball, linemen, snappers and holders are all equally responsible for the results.
He wants his players to remember the successes on the field but also that football is a great way to learn about life after high school.
“Once you’re out on your own, you can’t rely on parents and coaches to get you through all of life’s troubles. The wins are great, but getting to mold them into successful adults is equally as rewarding.”
KYLE PERRY, LINEBACKERS AND JV DEFENSE
A 1997 graduate of Sandpoint High School, Jerrett ‘Jerbear’ Robson has enjoyed well over two decades with the Bulldogs, continuing to be a major part of the team each season.
ABETODAYGREATAIT’S
Coach Waterous remembers a very positive and stable program when he was a player and wants to replicate that for his current squad. “They actually face a lot of adversity, and watching them learn how to handle it is great,” he says.
WARREN EGGAR, JUNIOR VARSITY/SPECIAL TEAMS
Robson says he’s blessed to be on Coach Knowles’ staff and appreciates the organization and concepts he’s brought to the Fromprogram.seeing
SHS FOOTBALL 2022 13 www.kchnorthidaho.org we're here to catch you Sandpoint Priest River Bonners Ferry F A M I L Y M E D I C I N E P E D I A T R I C S D E N T A L B E H A V I O R A L H E A L T H Go Bulldogs! 208.265.4558 2025 West Pine www.sandpointdentists.comSandpoint,StreetID Same Day Crowns • No Temporaries Implants • Invisalign Smile Makeovers • Veneers TMJ • Headache Treatments Sleep Apnea • Snoring Therapies GO BULLDOGS!
Q. What is most exciting/rewarding about serving as head football coach?
The first year is always tough. I got here late, so I didn’t really have an off season. My dad was the defensive line coach for the first two years. That was definitely a highlight being able to coach with him. The first year was tough, but our ability to beat Lakeland that year and get in the playoffs—that was a really big deal for that team at that time. It was a big step for us as a program, we needed that, and the boys played really well. The following year we had a solid team that really helped turn the tide as far as the culture. The following year was COVID. I will never forget the COVID year—that team showed up the day we were allowed to come back, ready to work. We went all the way to the semifinals that year and really stepped up. And last year, that was a fantastic team. We fought tooth and nail all the way to the state championship. When I first got here, to think we would be the first-ranked team going into the playoffs and being in the state championship—I wanted to do that, but I wasn’t sure of the path that was gonna get us there, other than hard work. I wasn’t sure how long it was going to take, and the boys bought in and got us a long way last year, and the expectation is even that much higher this year.
Q. What have been some highlights of your Bulldogs coaching A.experience?
R yan Knowles played football for Sandpoint High School, graduating in 1997. He went on to play football for the University of Idaho, receive an education degree, and pursue his dream job: coaching. A year and a half teaching and coaching in Seattle, working as a graduate assistant coach for the University of Idaho football team, and then 12 years of coaching at Colgate University in New York later, Knowles had an opportunity to come back to coach for his home high school team. He, his wife and two kids moved back four years ago, and he’s been building the program ever since, carrying on the family coaching torch.
A. Just being from here, a tremendous source of pride. I heard this from a lot of different people—you’ve got to move away sometimes to know what you had. When I got back here, I realized we vacationed here every year that I was gone. For the opportunity to coach a team that helped build me and live in a place that we vacation, it’s kind of an unbelievable Movingopportunity.toNew York, I didn’t know anybody. My wife and I had to carve our life out of nothing. Moving back, it’s the opposite. We have all of our family around us, I have a ton of friends around here. The community is so supportive, they’re excited—it shows in everything we do. When I need something, I have a bunch of resources to go and talk to about getting it done. I have the energy, I just don’t always have the resources, but the community does, and they provide that. It’s been a great relationship so far.
SANDPOINT
ABIGAIL THORPE 14
Ryan KnowlesRyan KnowlesHIGH SCHOOL HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: ON THE ATTACK, ON AND OFF THE FIELD by
Q. What do you love most about Sandpoint, and what stands out about the community here?
When he’s not focused on all things football and the team, you’ll find Coach Knowles with his family, fishing, riding UTVs and enjoying all that Sandpoint has to offer—there are not many places you can go from swimming in the lake one day to a 7,000-foot peak the next. That’s Sandpoint for him.
SHS FOOTBALL 202214
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SHS FOOTBALL 2022 15 279SANDPOINTBONNER MALL WAY (208) 265-4518
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Helping is something that runs deep within us. And it’s something we’ve stood for since Les Schwab opened his doors in 1952. Doing the Right Thing Matters isn’t just a tagline, it’s our promise to always put you and the community first.
A. I have a vision I want to see out of this thing all year long. A team is from August to November, but our program is all year long. This whole process about taking a ninth-grade boy to a young adult as a senior. I like to facilitate that process of getting them to mature and get ready for the real world. I want to teach them to be on the attack in everything that they do. In all my years of coaching, the best players and teams I’ve been around, they don’t just play football, they do more. They get great grades, they hold jobs, they hold relationships, they handle their business. I’m really trying to teach these kids to attack life, go do everything. Don't say, “I can’t do this because I’m doing that." Do both. Our motto this year is “sick ‘em”; it fits us, it fits our Bulldog mascot, it represents everything I want out of them as they approach their jobs, college, a trade school, the work force, personal relationships. Be on the attack, demand a lot of yourself, expect a lot, don’t just settle. Don’t sit back, go get it.
I’ve been a jock my whole life—I like sports, it’s always been an escape for me. Football has always been a game changer for me. It's always just been who I am. It's why I coach. I know every kid I coach isn’t going to coach someday. I hope that they think about it. I hope they love the sport as much as I do. I’ve got a big group of my friends around me—there’s guys coaching with me right now that I graduated with, years in front of me, years behind me. I try to help out [in the community] as much as I can with the boys. I think it’s really valuable for them to get out there. We try to get guys out with the Long Bridge Swim to help out with that. We always volunteer to help out with the Bonner County Fair. Lost in the ‘50s has always been a big fundraiser for us. The boys did a Toys for Tots drive last year and raised $10,000 for the kids. I’m always looking for opportunities to give back—I really challenge them to get out and do this stuff.
Q. What do you hope to help your students achieve in the year to come, both athletically and personally?
Q. Any particular person or experience who has influenced you most and helped shape how you approach work and life?
A. I’d say my dad. He’s always been a rock to me, backed up by Satini Puailoa, my high school coach. Nick Hull—he gave me my first job as a college coach—was a tremendous influence on me and how I try to run a team and a defense. I’d say my 12 years at Colgate were really influential on me in a lot of different ways. The whole experience in general was invaluable. From an influential standpoint, I’d say my family and my dad.
Q. What role has sports played in your own life, and how has this impacted your work in the community?
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compensation—and every coach across the country will tell you that—it’s about the influence.
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SHS FOOTBALL 202218 VARSITYSCHEDULE2022 August 27 Madison High School Away - 11am September 2 Coeur d'Alene High School Away - 7pm OPEN September 16 Homedale High School Home - 7pm September 23 Lewiston High School Away - 7pm September 30 Lake City High School Away - 7pm October 7 Lakeland High School Away - 7pm October 14 Moscow High School Home - 7pm OPEN October - November PLAYOFFS GAME GAME 1 6 2 7 3 8 45 + Varsity & cheer 9 18 Please note, game days and times may change. Visit SandpointAthletics.com for the most up-to-date schedules.
Sandpoint High School Football 2022 Colors: RED AND WHITE Mascot: BrianGarrettJerrettEQUIPMENT:SteveTravisScottDylanChadGeorgeJeremyASSISTANTHEADAthleticDerekAssistantPrincipal:ADMINISTRATION:BulldogJackiCrossinghamPrincipals:KrisKnowles,Dickinson&KariGranierDirector:KrisKnowlesCOACH:RyanKnowlesCOACHES:ThielbahrYarnoLoutzenhiserBenefieldAlbertsonGarrisonWimerRobsonWuolletJensen NAME # GRADE HT WT LEVI BALISON 2 12 5’11 205 LUCAS HANSEN 3 11 5’10 180 KOSTAS BAUCK 4 11 5’10 180 MAX FRANK 5 11 6’1 205 JACOB GOVE 6 12 6’1 175 HUNTER GARCIA 7 11 6’5 180 JOE BOHANOCK 8 11 5’10 170 PARKER PETTIT 9 12 6’0 200 ARIE VANDENBERG 10 12 6’1.5 210 MASON TWINEHAM 11 11 5’9 185 RYDER HAYNES 12 11 5’9 155 COLE TIMOTHY 14 12 -FOREST AMBRIDGE 15 12 5'10.5 155 JACK ZIMMERMAN 16 12 5’9 180 CONNOR HINDBERG 17 11 6’1 170 KODY BREWSTER 18 11 5'10.5 190 ELI ALLSHOUSE 19 11 5’11.5 160 SHANE SHERRILL 20 11 5’6 155 GRAHAM DUNKEL 21 11 6’1.5 180 WESTON BENEFIELD 22 12 6’1.5 225 KHYRIN RIDDLE 23 11 6’0 195 KOBY BARLOW 25 12 5’11 165 VINCENT COLSON 27 12 5’8 180 TY EACREAT 28 11 6’0 180 NICK WEISGRAM 30 11 5’7 140 OWEN WIMMER 31 12 5’11 185 TYSON HODGES 33 11 5’8 215 KODA HARTLEY 37 12 5’11 175 JOEY HUGHES 44 12 6'1 205 MATT CHAPMAN 52 11 6’1 220 BEN STOCKTON 53 12 5’10 210 CARSON LAYBOURNE 55 12 6’3 315 RYAN MCELROY 58 12 5’10 225 CAMERON BARRETT 63 11 5’11 265 TYSSEN CASE 66 12 5’10 240 AUSTIN SMITH 67 12 6’1 210 LEVI DUMARS 70 11 6’0 340 LEVI DORREL 74 11 6’1 250 WYLAN DORREL 77 12 6’5 295 MANNY COLON 81 11 5’10 290 TYREL NEELY 87 11 6’3 265 BLAYNE KANNING 88 11 6'2 215
Grade // 12 Height // 5’11” Weight // 205 #2 Levi Balison Grade // 11 Height // 5’10” Weight // 180 #3 Lucas Hansen Grade // 11 Height // 5’10” Weight // 180 #4 Kostas Bauck Grade // 11 Height // 6’1” Weight // 205 #5 Max Frank Grade // 12 Height // 6’1” Weight // 175 #6 Jacob Gove Grade // 11 Height // 5’10” Weight // 170 #8 Joe Bohanock Grade // 12 Height // 6’0” Weight // 200 #9 Parker Pettit Grade // 12 Height // 6’1.5” Weight // 210 #10 Arie Vandenberg Grade // 11 Height // 5’9” Weight // 185 #11 Mason Twineham Grade // 11 Height // 5’9” Weight // 155 #12 Ryder Haynes Grade // 12 Height // NA Weight // NA #14 Cole Timothy 20 Grade // 11 Height // 6’5” Weight // 180 #7 Hunter Garcia
Grade // 12 Height // 5’10.5” Weight // 155 #15 Forest Ambridge Grade // 12 Height // 5’9” Weight // 180 #16 Jack Zimmerman Grade // 11 Height // 6’1” Weight // 170 #17 Connor Hindberg Grade // 11 Height // 5’10.5” Weight // 190 #18 Kody Brewster Grade // 11 Height // 5’11.5” Weight // 160 #19 Eli Allshouse Grade // 11 Height // 5’6” Weight // 155 #20 Shane Sherrill Grade // 11 Height // 6’1.5” Weight // 180 #21 Graham Dunkel Grade // 12 Height // 6’1.5” Weight // 225 #22 Weston Benefield Grade // 11 Height // 6’0” Weight // 195 #23 Khyrin Riddle Grade // 12 Height // 5’11” Weight // 165 #25 Koby Barlow Grade // 12 Height // 5’8” Weight // 180 #27 Vincent Colson Grade // 11 Height // 6’0” Weight // 180 #28 Ty Eacreat
Grade // 11 Height // 5’7” Weight // 140 #30 Nick Weisgram Grade // 12 Height // 5’11” Weight // 185 #31 Owen Wimmer Grade // 11 Height // 5’8” Weight // 215 #33 Tyson Hodges Grade // 12 Height // 5’11” Weight // 175 #37 Koda Hartley Grade // 12 Height // 6’1” Weight // 205 #44 Joey Hughes Grade // 11 Height // 6’1” Weight // 220 #52 Matt Chapman Grade // 12 Height // 5’10” Weight // 210 #53 Ben Stockton Grade // 12 Height // 6’3” Weight // 315 #55 Carson Laybourne Grade // 12 Height // 5’10” Weight // 225 #58 Ryan McElroy Grade // 11 Height // 5’11” Weight // 265 #63 Cameron Barrett Grade // 12 Height // 5’10” Weight // 240 #66 Tyssen Case Grade // 12 Height // 6’1” Weight // 210 #67 Austin Smith
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Grade // 11 Height // 6’0” Weight // 340 #70 Levi Dumars Grade // 11 Height // 6’1” Weight // 250 #74 Levi Dorrel Grade // 12 Height // 6’5” Weight // 295 #77 Wylan Dorrel Grade // 11 Height // 5’10” Weight // 290 #81 Manny Colon Grade // 11 Height // 6’3” Weight // 265 #87 Tyrel Neely GO FIGHT WIN GO FIGHT WIN Grade // 11 Height // 6’2” Weight // 215 #88 Blayne Kanning
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ootball season in Sandpoint has arrived, along with the chance to support local players in more ways than one. From dedicated students and coaches to a highly supportive community, fall football in Sandpoint has an impact that is felt both in and outside of the stadium. “We have a very competitive team that works really hard,” says Sandpoint High School football head coach Ryan Knowles, who’s looking forward to what his team will accomplish this season. “I am excited to see how we stack up against the best teams in the area.”
Sandpoint High School players are fitted with top-quality, highly safe football equipment, and the foundation’s efforts have been critical to making that happen.
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“Our mission is to provide fundraising opportunities for kids and programs to alleviate the personal costs of equipment, purchase and maintain proper safety equipment, help provide meals for programs, help with personal costs of staff development clinics” and much more, the foundation states. Their efforts provide critical components that set players up for their best, safest fall season possible.
Every year, Sandpoint’s youth football teams rely closely on the local community for its energy, encouragement, and essential support through fundraising. The Sandpoint Football Foundation has been a key component of that fundraising, as a nonprofit organization specifically created to provide support for middle and high school students participating in Sandpoint football programs.
As a nonprofit 501c3 organization, fundraising is the Sandpoint Football Foundation’s primary focus—like the highly anticipated annual car raffle sponsored by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet. The Taylor & Sons Sandpoint Football Foundation Car Raffle presents the chance for football supporters to win a new Chevrolet Equinox, with every raffle ticket sale fully supporting Sandpoint High School players.
Football FootballA Community for
Local fundraising supports Sandpoint football and offers a chance to win big by TAYLOR SHILLAM
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All summer long you could find the SHS cheer team working hard at practice 7 to 10am Monday through Friday, working on cheer jacks, stretching, kicks and jumps, tumbling, halftimes and cheers, stunting and conditioning, according to Heather. Now that school’s back in session, practices are held 3 to 5pm five days a week.
She is excited about this cheer season, as she has brought in outside help to ramp up the team’s tumbling and stunting. “I am looking forward to seeing how far we can advance,” Heather shares. “My team also has half of the girls that have never cheered before, so it’s a big learning curve—but they are doing awesome!”
When it comes to her role as a coach for these young student-athletes, she finds seeing these kids “push themselves to accomplish what they didn’t think possible and develop synchronized teamwork” the most fulfilling.
As a coach, Heather wants her girls to walk away with learned lessons like time management, teamwork and responsibility. Ultimately, her goal each year for each member of her team is “that they become a better version of themselves throughout the season.”
As a member of the cheer team, Heather expects these athletes to be enthusiastic about learning. “We push the limits every day,” she affirms. You have to be willing to try and forgiving when others mess up—especially in Thestunting.”localcheer team has built an audience of its own, and you can see them performing and cheering on SHS’s football games, boys’ and girls’ basketball, as well as wrestling matches. From December through February, the team is busy performing at their own cheer competitions.
be on a
L ast year marked Heather Dinkins second season as coach of the Sandpoint High School cheer team. Each season brings with it success and challenges, and Heather is proud of how her team overcame hardship to come out on top. “I am most proud of how they faced adversity with injuries and different sideline and competition teams to still qualify for state in two routines,” Heather smiles.
SHS cheer coach and team excited for season by JILLIAN CHANDLER
As a member of the cheer team, Heather expects these athletes to be enthusiastic about learning. “We push the limits every day.” you want to regular schedule, we can help. Call us today!
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Sylvia Kappen remembered by RACHEL KELLY
SHS FOOTBALL 2022 33 S ylvia Kappen was born Sylvia Hadley in Pohnpei, Micronesia, in 1962. She was raised by her grandparents and didn’t really know her mother. Most of her family that she did know were from her father’s side of the family; she was the oldest of 15 children. She came to the states when she accompanied her aunt as a nanny to her nephews (whom she would call her brothers). She began to reside more permanently in the United States when her aunt remarried, and her uncle adopted her and very much regarded her as part of their Sylviafamily.grew up both wanting a closer family, while appreciating the family that she had. This was a lesson that she learned young, and throughout her life she valued the importance of what it means to be family. Because family was what she valued most, and also at times what she lacked, she poured herself into raising her children. She also extended that hand of family out to whomever was around her. “It was something I loved about her. She was very open. She had a way of bringing people together, and of appreciating people for who they were,” says Kraig Kappen, Sylvia’s husband. She would later work as a gifted beautician and was very successful in the Bellevue area. She met Kraig through a mutual friend, who suggested that she cut Kraig’s hair. On their first date in 1991, they went out to dinner. After dating for four years, the couple were married on September 22, 1995, which was the anniversary of their first date. Sylvia danced a Polynesian dance for her husband at their ceremony, and they then celebrated their reception at the restaurant where they went on their first date. In 1997, they had their first son, which prompted their move from Washington back to Sandpoint, Idaho, where Kraig was Firstfrom.and foremost, Sylvia was a mother. Her boys were her first love. As a result, where her sons went, so did she. She picked up many friends and family along the way for whom she would have a lifelong impact. Much of her community involvement came as a natural result of the activities that she shared with her sons. When they were in preschool, she got involved in the decisions that impacted their lives and volunteered at their school. Later, she would return to teach there for 12 years. “She just didn’t believe in closing doors,” says Faith Rasmussen of Little Lambs preschool. When Sylvia’s boys moved on to grade school and beyond, she always found ways to be involved in their day to day. She immersed herself in the PTA for many years, and when her oldest for Family CommunityandLove Love
played high school football, she was a dedicated team mom. She was very active in church and emphasized her relationship with Jesus. It was something that she lived out in the way that she loved others.
“She had a quiet, kind way about her,” says Faith. “She had a real gift of service. She gave and gave but was never resentful about it.” Faith, who describes her relationship with Sylvia as one where they raised their children together, often reminded her friend that she might be burning the candle at both ends. However, it may have just been that Sylvia had a lot of life to fit into her 52
“I feel that I can humbly say that our household is stable, but even so, it’s pretty crazy,” says Coach Ryan Knowles. “Everyone is going different directions. And so, when I thought about our team and our edge, I thought that we should start feeding the boys on the team. We lifted and we ate, and that was our edge.”
Whereveryears.Sylvia was, there was life! She loved to organize luaus and gatherings where she would cook for several hundred people. She had an open-home policy and invited her larger community to share in the blessing of food and community. It wasn’t long before her food became legendary, and she was occasionally hired to cater for community events. She traveled to see her family, her siblings, cousins, and aunties. She prized quality time with those she loved best. So, when her sons started football with the Sandpoint High School football team, she volunteered her time to cook.
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The money for the food was raised for the team, and Sylvia and the other team moms would devote themselves to feeding 80 to 90 people five days a week. Eating a meal after practice was a part of making sure the boys on the team were healthy, and that the whole family got fed amid the busy family schedule (often siblings and parents joined in on the communal meal). Wherever Sylvia was, community followed and people gathered. Her meals and her compassionate spirit brought people together and allowed her an opportunity to care for her people. In remembrance of Sylvia, her community has done many things. She was well loved in Micronesia, for whom she had ties to royalty. Her great grandfather was king before the island’s occupation. For many weeks, the people of the island mourned, and most likely will hold her in remembrance on the anniversary of her death for years to come. The Sandpoint football teams are remembering Sylvia by naming their yearly golf scramble and auction after her, which she had a large hand in starting. In Sandpoint, her community remembers her through their collective memory and still supports her family with love as only a tight-knit community can. Most of all, Sylvia is remembered by Sandpoint by continuing in Sylvia’s legacy of love. Because of her, we in Sandpoint are that much closer and that much more generous.
Sylvia passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack, surrounded by friends—as is fitting. In heaven she has found a place where her scars are healed, and her body is whole. She is remembered by her husband Kraig and their two sons. She is remembered by her extended family, and her brothers and sisters. She is remembered by her friends, her church, and her island. She is remembered by the whole of the Sandpoint community, for whom she loved and was loved by. “It was something I loved about her. She was very open. She had a way of bringing people together, and of appreciating people for who they were.”
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Concussion
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SHS FOOTBALL 20223838 SHS FOOTBALL 2021
THE KEY TO A FULL RECOVERY ARTICLE PROVIDED BY BONNER GENERAL HEALTH C
• No screen time, including smart phones, computers, tablets and TV No driving Taking breaks to allow the brain to rest Using sunglasses, hats and ear plugs to manage light/sound sensitivities No contact sports or activities in which potential re-injury may occur No caffeine No alcohol, sedatives or medications that induce drowsiness If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a concussion, contact your health-care provider for medical attention. For more information, call Performance Therapy Services at Bonner General Health at 208.265.3325.
oncussions from sports-related accidents are a concern for youth, adolescent and young adult athletes who participate in contact or collision sports. The growing number of sports-related concussions increases the need for awareness by coaches and parents on how to identify a concussion, how to provide a supportive environment for athletes to report their injury, and where to find effective treatment for a safe return to sports. A concussion occurs from a bump, blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. This results in injury to the soft tissues of the brain and brain cells caused by the brain moving back and forth quickly or twisting within the skull. It is important to note that concussions can result without a direct blow to the head, so symptom identification is vital in identifying whether an athlete is suffering from a Anconcussion.athletedoes not have to lose consciousness to have sustained a concussion. Common symptoms observed when an athlete has obtained a concussion include headache, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, confusion, light and/or sound sensitivity, nausea, and sleep disturbances such as sleeping too much or difficulty sleeping at all. Some athletes who have been injured may display severe symptoms, while others may experience very few. Although every state has implemented “Return to Play” laws, many athletes are failing to report their symptoms or are returning to activity before it is safe to do so for fear of repercussions—being pulled from the game, losing scholarship opportunities or experiencing a decrease in playing time, and pressure from peers, coaches and parents. Currently, football is the leading sport in which concussions occur for males, and soccer is the leading sport for concussions in females, but it is important to understand concussions can occur in any sport. Educating coaches, players and parents on how to identify concussion symptoms is important for seeking proper medical attention. Creating a safe environment that encourages athletes to report symptoms without fear of consequences is of equal importance. Most people fully recover from a concussion in a matter of weeks, but if the athlete doesn’t report the injury or seek medical attention, they are at risk for re-injury, which is even more detrimental to their brain health and function. Intervention for young athletes is vital as their brains are still growing and developing.
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Bonner General Health offers a variety of services that include physical and occupational therapy treatments that are uniquely tailored to each individual’s Performanceneeds.therapy at BGH offers comprehensive post-concussion therapy that assesses an athlete’s headache severity and impact on daily activities, cognitive levels, complex vision screening, balance, gait, movement and presence of vertigo. After an injury, athletes may need to follow guidelines to manage their symptoms including:
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AWARENESS
SHS FOOTBALL 2022 39 SIGNS/SYMPTOMS TREATMENT RingingHeadachein the ears Nausea FatigueVomitingor drowsiness Blurry vision Our therapists will complete a thorough evaluation, develop a comprehensive treatment plan, and help determine when it is safe to return to play. Bonner General Health is here for all our student-athletes and their sports-related needs. Call today. GO BULLDOGS! Performance Therapy BonnerBonner(208)265-3325ServicesGeneralOrthopedics(208)263-8597GeneralImmediateCare(208)263-0649www.bonnergeneral.org CONCUSSION AWARENESS
SHS FOOTBALL 202240 September 1 Coeur d'Alene High School Home - 6pm September 9 Sentinel High School Away - 3pm MST September 17 Lake City High School Away - 10am September 24 Lewiston High School Home - 6pm October 1 Lake City High School Home - 11am October 6 Lakeland High School Home - 5pm OPENOPEN 1 6 2 7 3 8 45VARSITYJuniorSCHEDULE2022 GAME GAME 40 Please note, game days and times may change. Visit SandpointAthletics.com for the most up-to-date schedules.
Sandpoint High School Football 2022 Colors: RED AND WHITE Mascot: BrianGarrettJerrettEQUIPMENT:TravisKyleWarrenASSISTANTHEADAthleticDerekAssistantPrincipal:ADMINISTRATION:BulldogJackiCrossinghamPrincipals:KrisKnowles,Dickinson&KariGranierDirector:KrisKnowlesCOACH:MattWaterousCOACHES:EggarPerryGarrisonRobsonWuolletJensen NAME # GRADE HT WT RYKEN AMES 2 10 5’9 155 GARRETT KRAMER 3 10 6’1 150 KAIDEN ROSE 5 10 5’9.5 130 NOAH MILLER 7 10 5’9.5 135 REECE DRIGGS 9 10 5’9.5 130 DREW LEHMAN 11 10 5’11.5 175 DALLEN ADAM 12 10 5’9.5 145 JESSE TURNER 13 10 6’3 190 TRENT PECK 15 10 VAN LEE 16 10 5’10.5 160 GABE HARTLE GROF 17 10 -MELKAM MANNING 18 10 -CHASE VINEYARD 19 10 -ASHLEI HAWKINS 20 10 5’4 135 JESS HERMAN 21 10 5’10.5 175 WYLIE WIMMER 22 10 5’8 165 ZEB STOOPS 26 10 6’0 205 ALEX GARCIO-HOOPER 27 10 5’5 165 ISAAC VERMEER 31 10 6’1 185 WYATT BURNETT 32 10 -DALTON WILLIAMS 34 10 5’9.5 205 LEVI WOOD 35 10 SAM LIDNER 36 10 5’7.5 150 GAGE MCELROY 37 10 5’7 150 REID BRADBURN 43 10 5’7 160 REECE WOLFF 44 10 6’3 180 ALEX GARRISON 52 10 5’10 160 COOPER WILLIAMS 53 10 -GABE MACIAS 55 10 5’8.5 230 ANDY BREWSTER 57 10 5’9.5 190 GAVIN WALTERS 68 10 6’2 285 ETHAN BOWEN 72 10 TRISTON TOMCO 73 10 6’2 200 KAYDEN GARCIA 77 10 5’11.5 240 EVAN SOLCE 78 10 6’2 330 TANNER WILLIAMS 79 10 5’5 190 LUCAS JOHANSEN 84 10 5’10.5 160
“Growing up a dancer, you learn from various teachers, coaches and choreographers. I always admired specific instructors for different reasons—but the biggest was always the ‘ability to inspire,’” recalls Kate. “That is what drew me to coaching at Sandpoint High School. I truly strive to give these athletes and this program the love and attention it Shedeserves!”admitsthat stepping in as a new coach, in a new area, was a bit daunting, but “the Sandpoint High School Dance Team members and families have been nothing but welcoming, generous and collaborative with me. The girls have been dedicated to their art, and I believe it will show in their performances!” Kate is honored and humbled by her new role to be able to share her experience, knowledge and creativity with the team! “I hope to expand on genres of dance, instill confidence and poise, while implementing a professional mindset. Dance is an ever-evolving world, and I was on the hunt for open-minded dancers that shared my fire for growing the program and showing support to all artists in the district,” she shares.
This year’s dance team is eager to perform for you, showcase their spirit the best way they know how, to support all sports and be a part of as many school/community events as they possibly can.
SHS’s 2022-2023 Varsity Dance Team includes: seniors Maddison Coon (captain), Haleigh Knowles (captain), Mikah Little, Riley Adam; junior Lily Barker; sophomores Lena Krause, Isadora Ghilchrist, Noah Roark, Camille McClelland, Hannah Loomis; and freshman lle Heiss.
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A s a young girl, Katelyn Gass looked up to the girls in their beautiful uniforms on the field. She loved performing and playing characters! She recalls being “terrible” at every sport she was introduced to, but dance is where she shined. “I was en amored by how athletic art could truly be,” she Aftersays.graduating, Katelyn would have a wonderful opportunity of cheering for the Los Angeles Rams, opening up many doors and room to explore the professional dance and choreography world. Between 2018 and 2022, she spent time dancing and choreographing in Los Angeles and San Diego, and performing. Today, Sandpoint High School is elated to have Kate as its new dance coach!
The dance team works hard to hone their skills, practicing 6 to 7:30am Monday through Friday, including extra technique classes on their own time! “The team has been putting copious amounts of attention into their strength, flexibility, skills, as well as personal bond with each other,” affirms Kate. “We spend our time on conditioning, learning various performance routines, and tackling competition season. I am extremely proud of the devotion and altruism the dancers showed me over the summer practices!”
NEW COACH
Katelyn Gass brings her talent and expertise to SHS dance by JILLIAN CHANDLER
DANCE TEAM WELCOMES
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SHS FOOTBALL 202244 September 1 Coeur d'Alene High School Away - 5pm September 8 Timberlake High School Away - 5pm September 17 Mead High School Home - 11am September 22 Lewiston High School Away - 5pm September 29 Lake City High School Away - 5pm October 6 Lakeland High School Away - 5pm October 13 Moscow High School Home - 5pm OPEN2022SCHEDULEFRESHMAN 1 62 743 5 GAME 8GAME Please note, game days and times may change. Visit SandpointAthletics. com for the most up-to-date schedules.
Sandpoint High School Football 2022 Colors: RED AND WHITE Mascot: BrianGarrettJerrettEQUIPMENT:DonnieMikeSeanColeQuentinASSISTANTHEADAthleticDerekAssistantPrincipal:ADMINISTRATION:BulldogJackiCrossinghamPrincipals:KrisKnowles,Dickinson&KariGranierDirector:KrisKnowlesCOACH:CoreyCoonCOACHES:DuckenDuckenLyonGalLittleRobsonWuolletJensen NAME # HT WT ROYCE SHARP 30 5'4 137 AIDEN SMITH 42 5'9 135 WESTON SMITH 8 5’10 172 ANDREW SPERRY - -TANYON SPRINKLE 21 5'7ELI TAYLOR 20 5’10 125 ROMAN TURNBULL 27 5’10 155 ELLIOT VANEATON 47 -ROBERT WARREN 84 5’8 142 HUNTER WARWICK 65 5’10 235 DALLEN WILLIAMS 14 6’1 165 DEVIN WILLIAMS 57 5’2 157 GRAYSON WINNIFORD 50 5’9 160 KAMREN ZIARNICK 28 5’6 131 NAME # HT WT CHARLIE ALDERMAN 6 5’2 125 ISIAAH ARISON 59 JOSEPH BABIN 13 5'10 125 WYATT BALDWIN 23 5’6 131 ZACHARY BEERS 40 5’6 145 WILLIAM BOMBA 33 6’2 200 BRADEN BUCKHOUT 9 6’0 150 RION CORSARO 91 -CAMDEN CUNNINGHAM 52 6’3 184 DARRIN FLANIGAN 10 5’8 155 EVAN FLEMMING 70 6’1 267 PAUL GAMBRILL 11 5’10 136 RYATT GARDNER 58 6’0 195 LUCAS GARRISON 31 5’8 130 MAVERICK GOMEZ 25 5’10 138 GRACE HAITT 75 5’8 278 WYATT HAYNES 72 5’11 275 EASTON HOOVER 60 5’7 170 ANDREW HOSS 48 5’7 170 OWEN HUGHS 68 5’10 204 COLEMAN INGE 4 5’7 141 ISAAC JORDAN 76 6’2 195 AARON KEDISH 18 5'7 130 GERRIT KRIELAART 37 5’9 150 MALACHI KROPF 88 5’9 150 MATT KUNDLE 5 5’11 152 LOGAN LINDLEY 54 6’0 152 MASON LITTLE 24 5’7 120 LILLI MARTI 77 5’4 224 JEVEN MEYER 62 5’8 157 TRYSON MOUNTS 86 5’5 125 RORY NEELY 63 5’10 196 JEREMIAH PALMER 44 5’10 180 DYLAN PECK 15 5’7 130 NATHAN PHILLIPS 66 5’11 190 JACOB ROLAND 2 5’6 107 NICKLIOUS SCHERER 3 5’7 139 JAMES SCHRIBER 17 5’9 135
While summer practices can be taxing due to heat, there’s also a unique opportunity presented to the Bulldogs each season called the Border League Camp. The camp was started several years ago as a way for teams to scrimmage and compete against other regional teams they might not always get a chance to play. Many Eastern Washingtonbased teams have come over to Idaho, and vice versa, but this year, the Bulldogs got an up-close look at two of the top teams Montana has to offer. The Bulldogs hosted this year’s camp, inviting Central Valley out of Spokane Valley, Washington, Glacier High School
hen a team has championship aspirations, the day after the season ends, your new season begins. Such are the expectations for the Bulldogs since coach Ryan Knowles has taken over the program. While Coach Knowles encourages his football players to compete in other sports like basketball in winter or track and field come spring, he never lets their minds stray too far from football and the lofty goals set for the program.
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After coming up just short of a state title in 2021, the bar is raised for the Bulldogs this year. Preparations began last winter during offseason weight lifting. In spring, it was time to put on the pads and feel the crack of collision again. “The calendar is very conducive for us here in Idaho,” explained Coach Knowles. “We have a 10-day window before school is let out to get in seven practices. We always keep it fun, but they were also ultra competitive.”
W
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Each scrimmage is scripted with different opportunities for offense, defense and special teams. Instead of Bulldogs going up against other Bulldogs, like most practices, they were able to test themselves against other competition. Players are in full pads and play what Coach Knowles calls a “Thud Tempo,” in which you play hard and wrap up your tackle but don’t take your opponent to the ground or roll on top of them. It’s played at this pace so that no player suffers a potential seasonaltering injury, and after the three-day camp, all teams come out healthy.
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During the camp, teams would hold their first scrimmage in the morning, have a break, have lunch, and have a second session in the afternoon. That lunch was provided by the Sandpoint High School football team moms, who seem to step up to any challenge. “The moms are amazing and absolutely rocked it. That’s a ton of meals for hungry boys, and with coaches and staff, about 200 lunches each day,” said Knowles. Players enjoyed Teriyaki Chicken and Rice as well as burgers and various sides. After three days of scrimmaging and scripting all kinds of situations, Coach Knowles is incredibly pleased with how it went and the lessons his team was able to take from the camp. “It was competitive yet controlled. These boys are ultra competitive, but the camp gave them exactly what the kids needed, and it absolutely made us better as a team.”
SHS FOOTBALL 202248 out of Kalispell, Montana, and Sentinel High School out of Missoula, Montana. These are all big-time programs in larger communities, but the roster size of the Bulldogs was nearly identical to each of the larger city programs, a testament to the commitment Coach Knowles receives from players at a very young age.
“This was just what our current team needed.
Glacier was a state runner-up to Sentinel, who hasn’t lost a game in over two years. We absolutely enjoyed the top-notch competition,” said Knowles.
The format of the camp is somewhere between practice and a Friday night game. Each school is divided into A, B and C teams so players at all ages and ability levels can participate and compete. Coaches are also split up to run different teams, giving those who might not otherwise be put into game-time decisionmaking scenarios a chance to call plays or be a head coach for a day. “Our young guys can see that there are players on those great programs that are in the same place developmentally that they are; it helps them relate to competition and what it takes to be successful.”
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Border League Camp is just one of the many steps along the way in preparation for the 2022 season. It’s an important one and a reminder that hard work will pay off if Bulldogs maintain their focus on the goals and program Coach Knowles has laid out before them.
“The seniors this year were eighth-graders when I started here, and the natural projection and trajectory is to win a state title. Some teams are afraid to talk about it, we are not. The bar is set high and a championship is the expectation now,” states Knowles.
While there are only a few home games on the schedule this season, if the team takes care of goals one through three, Memorial Field should be a buzz come playoff time. Coach Knowles is confident that he has a special group this season and wants the community to take notice, and not just those with kids on the team. “If you haven’t been down for a game at Memorial Field in a while, it’s really one of the best venues anywhere for high school football. It’s a good time, come on down.”
“Some teams are afraid to talk about it. we are not.”
As the Bulldogs kick off a new season, there are four goals in place. Number one is winning the first game. “We have a game against a team from Ulta, Utah, and we aren’t afraid to challenge ourselves by playing tougher and bigger teams,” said Knowles. Goal two is to handle the Conference schedule. A good showing against strong competition and early season opponents goes a long way in keeping the team’s Max Prep score high in hopes of hosting home playoff games. Goal three is to win All-League games and gather the automatic playoff bid. The final goal is setting the bar high; win a state championship.
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“[Winning state] would mean everything,” Zimmerman said. “Freshman year, I don’t even think this was even in anyone’s minds, but now it’s just like, ‘Let’s go do it.’” Zimmerman is also a star outfielder for the Bulldogs baseball team and plans to play collegiate baseball at a junior college in California after graduation.
Tyssen case Joey Hughes moved to Sandpoint from Anchorage, Alaska, when he was in middle school, and since his arrival into the Bulldog football program, he has watched the team improve each season. As he enters his senior year, Hughes will step into the important role of replacing 2021 IEL Player of the Year and First Team All-State running back Gerrit Cox. “It was great to see [Cox] play because he was a great running back,” Hughes said. “I want to be able to put out as much as he did. I know I won’t be able to, but I am going to try my hardest and see what I can do.”
JoEY Hughes In 2019, the Sandpoint freshman football team needed players, so Jack Zimmerman’s basketball coach—who also happened to be the freshman team head coach—Corey Coon recruited Zimmerman to go out for football. Over the last three seasons, Zimmerman has blossomed into one of the best defensive backs in North Idaho, earning IEL Defensive Newcomer of the Year last season.
Zimmerman grew up hanging out with a lot of the guys that are now his teammates, but his connection to them really grew when he joined the team three years ago. In his senior year, Zimmerman has his eyes on two goals: winning state and notching five interceptions—one more than he achieved in 2021.
Like many of the Class of 2023 football players, Tyssen Case has been playing football since third grade, growing and improving each year alongside his teammates. “It used to just be really simple peewee football,” Case said. “But now since we got to high school, we have really excelled.” Case provides a dominant presence for the Bulldogs as a nose guard on the defensive line. His goals for 2022 are to maintain his starting spot and double his last season’s sack total from two to four. And his team goal, of course, is taking home the 4A state title. “[Winning state] would mean that we put in all this work for a good reason,” Case said. In addition to school and football, Case also attends North Idaho College’s Parker Technical Education Center and is a second-year plumbing apprentice, working every day after practice until 6pm.
Hughes said that he has been impressed by the continued growth he and his teammates have experienced during his four years of high school. “It has just been constantly getting better and better,” Hughes said. “So, I am hoping this year we [play] the best we can and win a championship.”
AMBRIDGE Levi Balison is entering his fifth season playing football and his third on the varsity roster for the Sandpoint Bulldogs. Over the last several seasons, Balison has proved himself to be a force on the defensive side of the ball. Last season, he accumulated 34 tackles and two sacks while playing linebacker. “My position is setting the edge of the defense,” Balison said. “You have to control that part of the field. It’s pretty sweet.” Balison plans to continue his football career after high school as well. He said that his season goals are to earn All-League honors and garner the attention of more college scouts. He currently holds one offer from Whitworth University. Besides football, Balison also plays on Sandpoint’s boys’ lacrosse team and loves powerlifting. This past February, he competed in the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association Drug Tested Idaho State Championships. Watch for Balison to show his strength and toughness as a leader on the stifling Bulldogs’ defense this year.
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FOREST
Forest Ambridge has wrestled and played lacrosse at Sandpoint during high school, but for his senior year, he decided to join the football team. Ambridge said that he started bulking up over the last year, which led him to decide to take on the new sport. He is the most recent addition to a stout secondary, as he will slot in at the cornerback position for the Bulldogs.His goals for his senior season are to earn a starting spot on the defense and improve his game overall. Reflecting on what this season means for his team, Ambridge said that it goes beyond the 2022 season. As the Bulldogs achieve their goals on the field this year, they are continuing to build the football program at Sandpoint. “[Achieving our goals] would be the reign of a new era for Sandpoint football,” Ambridge said. “[This season] is going to make history.”
LEVI BALISON
vincent colson
Koby Barlow was destined to play football at Sandpoint High School. Every fall for the last 70 years, the Bulldogs have played their home games on War Memorial Field at Barlow Stadium, named after Koby’s great grandfather—legendary SHS coach and athletic director Cotton Barlow. “I have a long history with football [at Sandpoint],” Barlow said. “The stadium is called Barlow Stadium. [My] great grandfather and grandfather coached there, and my dad has a long history with football as well, so I just couldn’t not play.”
“To me personally, especially if we got to go against Skyline for the third time in the playoffs or the finals—in an actual state [playoff] game—and to actually get over that hump would be monumental,” Dorrel said. “It would be like winning state all three years. That would be awesome.” Dorrel plans to play football in college and study either psychology or oceanography—two subjects he is passionate about. He currently has an offer from University of Idaho.
wylan dorrel Parker Pettit drops back, looks, throws, and it is caught by Arie VanDenBerg—touchdown Bulldogs! Sandpoint fans can expect to see a lot of that this season. The connection between Pettit and VanDenBerg goes beyond the football field and dates back to their days playing peewee football together. “We are best friends off the field [and] hang out most days,” VanDenBerg said. “I have known him since fifth grade when we started playing football together, and we just had a bond that stuck ever since.”
arie vandenberg #25 #22 #27 #10 #77
Colson is a defensive back, and he noted that he will primarily line up as a strong safety and strongside linebacker this season.Although he is new to the team, he hopes his hard work and dedication will make a positive impact in 2022. “I just need to stay dedicated,” Colson said. “I need to have that image in my mind that I want to get there as much as everyone else, so that I don’t hold anyone else back. We can all win state together this year.”
In his senior season, Wes Benefield plans to continue leading Sandpoint to new heights. Head coach Ryan Knowles calls Benefield the “heart” of the Bulldogs’ defense, and for good reason. Last year, Benefield racked up 125 total tackles, including 10 tackles for loss at the middle linebacker position, earning him both the 4A and Inland Empire League (IEL) Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Since he joined the Bulldogs football team his sophomore year, Koby Barlow has improved his skills and made an impact in the defensive backfield. “Our motto for the DBs [defensive backs] is ‘No Fly Zone,’” Barlow explained. “Any ball in the air should come down, [either] with us or on the ground.” In addition to football, Barlow also plays baseball and golf at SHS. Koby barlow
When Wylan Dorrel first started playing football his freshman year, his position was running back. Fast forward to his senior season, and he is a 6-foot-5-inch, 288-pound offensive lineman, opening holes for the dynamic Bulldogs rushing attack. Dorrel’s skills as a left tackle earned him 4A Second Team All-State and First Team AllLeague honors last season. This year, Dorrel’s focus is to improve his skills and get stronger. Also, a rematch with Skyline in the playoffs is already on his mind.
Heading into the 2022 season, VanDenBerg, Pettit and the entire Bulldogs roster are ready to make history. “I know everyone is motivated,” VanDenBerg said. “Everyone is pumped up because they know what it is like to go through the playoffs and have a hard road to the [championship].” Aside from catching passes, Bulldogs fans can expect to see VanDenBerg get some snaps at defensive end again this season. VanDenBerg is hoping that his senior season garners him consideration from college coaches in the area, as he would like to play football at the next level.
“I just need to do the same thing [again] and expect what I already have,” Benefield said. “I got a big role to fill.” Benefield said the key for this year is to come out strong in the first half, setting the tempo for the entire game. “We can’t be lazy in the first half [of games]. We need to come out hot and stay hot.” Benefield hopes to continue his football career at the collegiate level. He currently has offers from College of Idaho and Whitworth University. Wes benefield Vincent Colson has been playing football for three years, but this season will be his first in a Sandpoint Bulldogs uniform. Colson and his family moved to Sandpoint from Phoenix, Arizona, in December 2021. During this past spring, Colson joined the first-hour weightlifting class, which gave him an opportunity to get to know Coach Knowles and his teammates. Colson said he quickly recognized the winning culture that permeates the Bulldogs’ program. “Here everyone wants to win as a team,” Colson said.
Right now, however, Hartley is ready to give everything he has to the Bulldogs football team, playing free safety and wide receiver this season. “It’s senior year, so it really is all or nothing,” Hartley said.
owen wimmer Ryan McElroy’s senior year is not going to be like the one he might have always dreamed of, but he is making the most of it. McElroy has played football since he was 8 years old, and when his family moved from Oregon back to his father’s hometown of Sandpoint last year, he joined the Bulldogs football team. He felt comfortable right away at Sandpoint and was a key contributor as a junior, starting at nose guard. “This team was very welcoming, bringing me into the team and showing me around,” McElroy remembered.
Wherever Laybourne goes, he is sure to make an impact at the next level, but he also knows that first he has more work to do with the Bulldogs this season. Like many of his teammates, Laybourne is hungry for a state title. “[Winning state] would probably be the highlight of high school and probably my life, to be honest,” Laybourne said. “It would be cool to go third, second, first.”
jacob gove Koda Hartley started playing football in fourth grade and has grown up with the core group of athletes that will highlight Sandpoint’s 2022 football roster. According to Hartley, the connection that he and his teammates have—especially those who played together since elementary school—is the force that will propel them to victory this season. “I think [our team chemistry] will take us all the way,” Hartley said.
After graduation, Laybourne hopes to continue playing football at the college level. He said he has looked at schools such as Eastern Washington, Idaho State and University of Idaho.
koda hartley
The 2022 Bulldogs offensive line will be led by the veteran presence of Carson Laybourne, a First Team All-State and all-IEL award winner last year and a preseason First Team All-State nominee in his senior season. Laybourne stands at an imposing 6-foot-4-inches tall and weighs 305 pounds. He has given opposing defensive lineman fits since earning a starting spot in his sophomore season. He was a big part of an offense that averaged more than 200 yards rushing last year.
Then, in the 2021 state semifinal game against Blackfoot, McElroy tore his ACL. Currently, McElroy is continuing to recover from his injury through physical therapy, and he hopes to be back on the field in the coming months. Until then, he will be on the sidelines cheering his teammates on every Friday night. After graduation, McElroy plans to become a wildland firefighter—a dream he has had since he was 8 years old.
Ryan mcelroy #6 #37 #55 #58 #31
Carson Laybourne
Coach Knowles introduced Gove to John Zima, a kicking and punting coach who trains athletes across the country via video lessons. Thanks to his training with Zima and a lot of hard work, Gove said his field goal range in practice is 55 yards and his best punts go 50 yards or more with a hangtime of four-plus seconds. If any games this season come down to a last-minute field goal, Bulldogs fans can have confidence in their senior kicker.
During his sophomore year, Jacob Gove decided to make the switch from soccer to football, joining the Bulldogs squad as a kicker and punter. Since joining the football team, Gove said he has felt welcomed and acknowledged as an important part of the team. “My goal is just that I want to contribute,” Gove said. “Even though I am the kicker, I want to put forth as much effort, if not more, than everybody else.”
After high school, Hartley said he hopes to attend an in-state college or university where he can study something in the medicine field, potentially nursing. Hartley is also on Sandpoint’s golf team, and he says golf is a sport he would like to play at the collegiate level.
Owen Wimmer is another member of the group of players that has played together since childhood. The team’s bond and brotherhood are what Wimmer says makes he and his team mates better each time they take the field. “Most of us have all been playing since fourth grade—ever since we could start playing,” Wimmer said. “We have grown in the game to gether [and] I think that really has a huge effect now because we have this connection on the field that is crazy.”
Wimmer will primarily play linebacker in his senior year, but he said that he might slot in at running back occasionally. His goals for this season are to do the best he can personally and as a teammate to help his team win the state championship. Wimmer added that his team is experienced, but there will always be a new challenge each season. When he graduates, Wimmer plans to attend college to study fire science.
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Timothy has plans of moving back to Southern Idaho after high school and potentially getting his real estate license. When he is not on the football field, Timothy loves playing basketball and video games.
Pettit currently holds offers from Whitworth and MIT (yes, that MIT), but he is reportedly being looked at by several other schools, including some Division I programs. Despite his past success and all the hype it has earned him, Pettit remains humble and focused on two goals this season: win state and earn All-State honors.
This season Timothy said his goal is to play at least one quarter of every game and earn his varsity letter while playing free safety. He also hopes to be an encouragement to his team as they chase a state championship together.
Timothy said he has felt right at home with his friends in Sandpoint, allowing him to quickly adapt back to the Bulldogs team.“It is just like being back and hanging out with my friends again,” Timothy said. “Nothing really changed, they just accepted me back.”
Austin Smith only started playing football his sophomore year, but over the last two seasons he has blossomed into a strong contributor on the offensive line. Smith plays right tackle for Sandpoint, and he said he enjoys working with a group of teammates that are talented and push him to get better.
Overall, Stockton is just excited to get back out this season and compete alongside some of his closest friends. “It’s pretty fun knowing we have been a team and brothers for a really long time and now stepping right up and getting more done,” Stockton said. ben stockton Cole Timothy grew up in Sandpoint, playing football since fourth grade with many of his senior teammates. Oddly enough, this season is also Timothy’s first on Sandpoint High School’s football team. That is because his family moved to Boise when he was in eighth grade and just recently moved back up to North Idaho.
“Every practice you are thinking about ‘I’m doing this to win that state championship,’” Smith said. “It’s the last year to do so, so it’s the last chance. You’ve got to put everything on the line.”
Over the years, he has developed strong relationships with his teammates on and off the field. Stockton is another key leader on the offensive line, starting at center for the Bulldogs. He lines up alongside some talented players like Wylan Dorrel, Carson Laybourne and Austin Smith, but Stockton kidded that his job is to keep them all in order and on the same page on the field.
Next year, Smith plans to attend a trade school in order to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic. austin smith Ben Stockton is another Sandpoint Bulldog who has played since he was in third grade.
Parker pettit
“[Being on the offensive line] is really fun because we are so talented and work so well together,” Smith said. “We enjoy football a lot more [and] we aren’t getting beat all the time. Life is easier because we are working well together.”
“It’s kind of hard to get them coordinated sometimes,” Stockton joked. “But they work it out.” Besides football, Stockton also competes as a thrower on the track and field team. He is still narrowing down his post-graduation aspirations, and he has not ruled out playing college football.
Sandpoint will be led again this year by arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the state of Idaho—back-to-back IEL Offensive Player of the Year Parker Pettit. His senior season will be the finale to an impressive career under center for the Bulldogs. This year, his motivation is to get the bad taste out his mouth from the 2021 4A State Championship game. “It sucked losing in state last year,” Pettit admitted. “That was one of the worst experiences ever. That pushes me hard to get better every day.” During his high school career, Pettit has been trained by private quarterback coaches like Russel Wilson’s personal QB coach Jake Heaps and former Washington State University head coach Mike Price.
In preparation for his final season, Smith said that he is locked in and ready to go.
Cole timothy #9 #67 #53 #14
Local fundraiser a success for Sandpoint football Sandpoint Golf Scramble Raises Funds for Football by RACHEL KELLY SHS FOOTBALL 202260
This year the Golf Scramble was held in Memoriam for Sylvia Kappen, who served the football program as a dedicated team mom. Even after her boys graduated from football, she continued to show up for the boys of the community for the following five years until she passed away in March. When Coach Knowles decided that feeding the teams was a vital part of making sure the kids were healthy and strong, Sylvia poured herself into preparing and organizing team meals five days a week. With a hectic football schedule, Sylvia knew from experience the difficulty of getting a square meal into the boys who played football. She and the other team moms fed upward of 80 people every evening. “She headed all of that up. Sometimes she didn’t turn in receipts, absorbing some of the costs and dedicating her time. She really took care of all the boys,” says Knowles. Sylvia was dedicated to mothering her boys. Much of her opportunities for caring for the community were a natural result of that care. It goes without saying that Sylvia was well loved by her team and her community. So when the Golf Scramble was named in her honor (Sylvia loved golf), and the dinner and celebration at Dover Bay that followed was to be held in memory of her, 175 people attended to show their support. At the dinner, Sylvia’s husband and children were in attendance as honored guests. Kraig Kappen, Sylvia’s husband, said a few words in honor of her name and legacy. It was an incredible opportunity to bring everyone together in support of a program that Sylvia loved and supported wholeheartedly.
SHS FOOTBALL 2022 61
On August 4, 2022, the Sylvia Kappen Memorial Classic, formerly known as the Sandpoint Golf Scramble, was held at the Idaho Club to raise funds through the Football Foundation for Sandpoint Football Leagues. The event was a huge success, raising approximately $15,000 in funds for local programs.
“This year we had so much participation that I had to turn people away, which I never like to do. But there’s only so much space,” says Coach Ryan Knowles of the Sandpoint Bulldogs. Invites are sent on a relatively closed loop, with past participants invited first and new participants invited as space allows. All in all, there were 120 participants in this year’s scramble.
Instead of the costs being absorbed by individual families, the Sandpoint community has a yearly opportunity to come together to directly support the children who participate. A community coming together to support families large and small is exactly the kind of thing that Sylvia Kappen inspired on a daily basis. It seems fitting that a gathering such as the yearly golf scramble was named in her honor.
The teams eat after every practice and on the road. The price of safety, health and travel adds up over time.
The middle school programs will be provided with new shoulder pads, safety equipment and jerseys. The safety equipment for the kids who play in Sandpoint is state-of-the-art due to the success of the this yearly golf scramble, for which some of the largest parts of the funds are dedicated. A large part also goes to travel and food for the teams, which are especially important in the high school league, who require charter buses and food.
The funds, raised through the Football Foundation, were made possible in large by The Idaho Club. The Idaho Club donated the golf course and amenities for the attendees. The funds were raised, however, by the enthusiasm of the community. All funds go directly toward the kids participating in Sandpoint football programs of all levels. Funds will be used to buy equipment for the first- through sixth-grade programs.
“There is a ton of positive from this trip,” Knowles said. “I thought we traveled really well, and I thought our players were very in-tune to how to travel and how to prepare for the game. It just came down to some execution that we need to clean up, and that’s why we are going to practice all week.”
Ready to Rumble(RockyMountain)Ready to Rumble(RockyMountain)
Being located in the panhandle of North Idaho, scheduling is not easy for Knowles and the Bulldogs program, which is why their season-opening game against a quality opponent was so important to the team.
The Bulldogs met several of their team goals for the game, including running the ball for more than 170 yards, not turning the ball over on offense and creating at least three plays of 25 yards or more. However, penalties, poor special teams and several key missed opportunities slowed down the Bulldogs’ attack, resulting in the one-point defeat.
In the end, Knowles is thankful that Sandpoint had the opportunity to play a team from Utah for the first time in school history, and he believes the trip down to Eastern Idaho gave his team a successful blueprint for future road games this season.
Coach Knowles was excited for his team to have the opportunity to play in this year’s Rocky Mountain Rumble—an annual showcase of some of the best high school football teams in Idaho and Utah. This season, eight games were played August 26 and 27 at Madison High School in Rexburg, Idaho, and every team competing was a 2021 state qualifier in their respective state and classification.
Bulldogs fall short in season opener as they ready themselves for in-state competition by CHRISTIAN WEANER L
Despite the loss, Coach Knowles said he was happy with 85 percent of his team’s performance but admitted that the other 15 percent is what cost them the game.
In 2020, the Idaho High School Athletics Association (IHSAA) opted to base 4A playoff seeding on MaxPreps computer rankings. Therefore, playing schools with high MaxPreps rankings is essential for teams like Sandpoint, who hope to avoid away games in the early rounds of the state “(Playingtournament.Alta)will absolutely help (our MaxPreps ranking),” Knowles noted. “Their national ranking and their state ranking and what they do after this all year will help us too with that. It’s nice to be playing quality opponents like Alta.”
As Sandpoint moves into its slate of games against in-state competition, putting the 16-15 defeat against Utah’s Class 5A Alta High School behind them, Coach Knowles and the team are ready to make the necessary adjustments and push forward this season.
osing is never fun—especially to open the season—but according to Head Coach Ryan Knowles, the Sandpoint Bulldogs trip to Rexburg to compete in the 2022 Rocky Mountain Rumble was a positive experience overall.
“I think [the game] game down to details,” Coach Knowles said. “Playing a team that is in their third game of the season—who has eight quarters under their belt—[Alta] had polished some things that we had not really yet, and it was absolutely the difference in a one-point game.”
One thing Coach Knowles noted about the Bulldogs matchup that fans might not have realized is that Alta High School is more than double the size of AccordingSandpoint.toU.S. News, Alta has an enrollment of 2,210, while Sandpoint has 923 students.
“It was a good battle,” Coach Knowles said. “I think highly of Alta, and they think highly of us and how competitive the game was. I don’t think they knew much about us. It was good to see an opponent like that.”
“As far as the Rocky Mountain Rumble goes, it is a tremendous event put on by the committee down there, and I hope that we can do it again in the future,” Coach Knowles said. 62
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