Evans gives CV victory over Sandpoint in OT

SANDPOINT – It wasn’t much of a surprise that the Central Valley Bears called on Zach Evans facing a third-and-goal from the 1-yard-line in overtime.

Even the Sandpoint Bulldogs knew what was coming.

Evans, who had accounted for all the CV scoring and most of its offense, leapt over his offensive line and landed in the end zone, giving the Bears a 19-16 OT win in a season-opening football game at Barlow Stadium.

Evans finished with 131 yards on 19 carries, but none was bigger than the last carry.

“We have a lot of confidence that we would punch it in, especially after Sandpoint got the ball first and we knew what we had to do,” Evans said. “Our line just took a little time to click because it was our first game.”

The Bulldogs got the ball first in OT but had to settle for a 32-yard field goal by sophomore Mat Lawrence.

Sandpoint coach Sean Dorris was disappointed in the outcome, but liked the way his team fought back from early miscues.

“I was super proud of our kids and where they battled back from some early mistakes,” said Dorris, alluding to six motion penalties in the first half and two interceptions. “We missed some opportunities and gave Central Valley a chance to stay close.

“Sometimes when I looked across the field it kind of looked like David and Goliath. They were huge. I think the jitters got us a little bit.”

CV threatened to break the game open with two long drives – one in the second quarter and one in the third. The first drive resulted in a touchdown and the second added a field goal to give CV a 13-6 lead.

“That was a great finish,” said CV coach Rick Giampietri. “I thought our offensive line dominated a little bit at the end of the second quarter. I’m glad for the way our kids fought back. I was pleased with the way we ran and hit.”