Sandpoint shuts out punchless CdA

COEUR d’ALENE – Neither Sandpoint nor Coeur d’Alene will spend much time evaluating the offensive execution, or lack thereof, Friday in their Inland Empire League football opener.

Rain-drenched Viking Field presented miserable footing for both teams. The defense, as far as Sandpoint is concerned, was splendid, as the Bulldogs shut out a Coeur d’Alene team featuring arguably its most versatile offense in eight years, 17-0.

The Bulldogs coupled their stingy defense with a school-record touchdown scamper and a momentum-clinching kickoff return to open the second half.

Both teams were coming off byes after 2-0 starts. It was Sandpoint’s second shut-out. The Bulldogs have allowed one touchdown in 12 quarters.

“Their defensive linemen – that’s what it came down to,” CdA coach Shawn Amos said. “We didn’t play very well obviously. But we don’t have any excuses. It was a defensive battle. Our defense played well, too, but we didn’t give it any help.”

Sandpoint’s defensive front four of Sean Lissy, Chad Denny, Andrew Taylor and Andrew Anderson along with linebackers Brian Resso, Mike Brown and Andrew Meaux stuffed CdA’s offense in general and rushing attack in specific. The Vikings finished with 90 yards total offense.